Sofia Martinez
Shrinky Dinks are a fun craft that can be made from both store-bought plastic sheets and recycled plastic containers. To make Shrinky Dinks, the plastic is decorated and then heated, causing it to shrink and harden. While several types of plastic containers can be used, only plastic stamped with a #6 recycle code will shrink correctly. Recycled plastic may not shrink as evenly or smoothly as store-bought plastic, and it is important to ensure that the plastic is safe to use for crafts. Overall, making Shrinky Dinks from plastic containers can be a creative and sustainable way to upcycle plastic waste.
Characteristics and Values Table for Making Shrinky Dinks from Plastic Containers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Plastic | Only plastic stamped with a #6 recycle code can be used |
| Oven Temperature | 325-350 degrees |
| Oven Time | 5 minutes or until flattened |
| Oven Accessories | Cookie sheet |
| Post-Oven Technique | Use an acrylic stamp mount to flatten the plastic as soon as it comes out of the oven |
| Pre-Oven Technique | Trim the plastic into the desired shape before putting it in the oven |
| Plastic Sources | Rotisserie chicken boxes, deli containers, to-go containers |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic container
When choosing a plastic container to make shrinky dinks, it's important to select one that is safe and will produce the desired results. Here are some key considerations:
Recycling Code: Look for plastic containers with the #6 recycling code. This type of plastic is the only kind that consistently shrinks correctly and behaves similarly to store-bought Shrinky Dinks. Other types of plastic may not work as well or could be dangerous. Check the bottom of containers for the triangular recycling symbol with the number 6 inside.
Smooth Surface: Choose containers with a smooth surface for optimal results. While some sources mention that lumpy plastic melts and smooths out during the shrinking process, a smooth surface provides a better base for colouring and ensures a more even finish. Avoid containers with excessive warnings or text stamped on them, as these can affect the overall appearance of your design.
Flatness: Select containers with a relatively flat surface area for your creations. Some containers, such as those for berries or sushi, may have limited flat plastic, making it challenging to draw or trace designs. Opt for containers that offer a larger, flatter canvas for your Shrinky Dinks.
Colour and Clarity: Consider whether you prefer clear or frosted plastic for your project. Clear plastic containers can be coloured on using permanent markers or coloured pencils, while frosted plastic offers a different aesthetic. However, keep in mind that some plastics may turn milky or white when heated, so choose containers that will provide the desired final look.
Availability and Cost: Take into account the availability and cost of the plastic containers. If you plan to use recycled containers, ensure that you have enough containers with the #6 recycling code. While crafting with recycled materials can be cost-effective, purchasing specific containers for this purpose may become expensive, especially if they are not typically used in your household.
By considering these factors, you can make informed choices when selecting plastic containers for your Shrinky Dinks projects, ensuring both safety and the desired aesthetic outcome.
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Tracing and colouring your design
Choosing the Right Plastic
Start by selecting the right type of plastic container to use as your base. Look for containers with a #6 recycle code, as this is the only type of plastic that will shrink correctly. You can find this type of plastic in some rotisserie chicken boxes, deli containers, and certain take-out boxes. Keep in mind that containers with warnings or stamps on them might affect the smoothness of your design, so try to find containers with a smooth surface.
Preparing Your Design
Before you begin tracing, decide on the design you want to create. You can either draw your design freehand directly onto the plastic or use a reference image that you can trace over. If you're using a reference image, print or draw it out beforehand so you have a physical copy to work with.
Tracing Your Design
Once you have your design ready, carefully trace it onto the plastic container using a permanent marker, such as a Sharpie. Make sure your design isn't too intricate, as too much detail might be lost during the shrinking process. Simple designs with bold outlines tend to work best.
Colouring Your Design
After you've traced your design, it's time to add colour! Colour in your design using the same type of permanent marker as you used for tracing. Remember that the colours might change slightly during the shrinking process, so you may need to adjust your colouring strategy accordingly. For example, if you're using a light-coloured plastic container, you might need to use darker colours to make them stand out after shrinking.
Finalising Your Design
Before placing your shrinky dinks in the oven, double-check that you're happy with your design. Remember that the shrinking process will distort your design slightly, so don't worry too much about making it perfect. As long as you have a clear outline and your colours are bold, your design should be visible and eye-catching after shrinking.
Creating shrinky dinks from plastic containers is a fun and creative process, and the tracing and colouring steps are crucial to achieving your desired results. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to making unique and personalised shrinky dink art!
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Oven temperature and duration
The oven temperature and duration for making shrinky dinks depend on the type of plastic used. Most sources recommend preheating the oven to around 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit (170 degrees Celsius) and baking the plastic for 1-3 minutes.
At this temperature, the plastic will start to curl up and then gradually uncurl and flatten out. It is important to keep an eye on the plastic as it bakes, as it can shrink quite quickly. Once the plastic has flattened out, it can be baked for an additional 30 seconds to ensure it is fully shrunk.
Some sources suggest using a slightly lower oven temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit and baking the plastic for a longer duration of 2-5 minutes. This allows the plastic to curl up and then gradually uncurl and flatten out, resulting in a more consistent finish.
It is worth noting that different types of plastic may require different oven temperatures and durations. It is recommended to do a test run with the specific plastic being used to determine the optimal settings.
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Flattening your shrinky dink
To make shrinky dinks from plastic containers, you must use plastic stamped with a #6 recycle code. This type of plastic behaves similarly to store-bought shrinky dinks and shrinks to about a third of its original size when placed in an oven at 350 degrees.
However, even with the correct plastic, achieving a completely flat shrinky dink can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you flatten your shrinky dinks:
- Preheat your oven, tray, and parchment paper: Place the tray in the oven for a minute or two before putting the shrinky dink on it. This ensures even heating from all sides and reduces the likelihood of weird spots in the middle.
- Extend the baking time: Instead of following the recommended baking time, leave your shrinky dinks in the oven until they flatten themselves out. They may curl up initially but should eventually flatten.
- Flatten with a spatula: Remove the tray from the oven, place the shrinky dink between two pieces of parchment paper, and use a spatula to apply pressure and flatten it further.
- Trim your shape: If you're trying to shrink a rectangle into a perfect square, you won't achieve a perfect square shape no matter how much you flatten it. You'll need to trim it into a square first. Keep in mind that shrinky dinks don't shrink perfectly, as indicated on the package.
- Work with smaller pieces: If you're using a whole sheet of shrinky dink, there's a lot of plastic to shrink, which may affect the flattening process. Try working with smaller pieces and heat them directly on the cookie sheet until they flatten.
- Use #6 plastic: If you're using recycled plastic, stick to containers with the #6 stamp. Other types of plastic may not shrink correctly or may turn white.
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Sealing and finishing
Sealing Methods:
- Embossing Powder: Cover your Shrinky Dinks with embossing powder and put them in the oven at 350°F until the powder melts and turns clear. This method creates a thicker glossy coating and causes less bleeding of colours. However, it may not be suitable for small items with holes as it can cause cracking issues.
- Spray Sealants: You can use an acrylic spray sealant or a clear spray like Testor's dullcote. Spray a very fine mist several inches above your piece for the first coating. While this gives a nice glossy finish, it may cause permanent markers to lighten or run together.
- Clear Coat Acrylic Sealant: You can use a clear coat acrylic sealer like Mod Podge, either in a matte or glossy finish. Apply a couple of coats to get a good seal and shine.
- Polyurethane: You can seal your Shrinky Dinks with a jar of polyurethane. You can either dip your piece into the polyurethane or paint it on. Ensure it cures overnight.
- Clear Embellishing Accents: Try a clear embellishing accent like "Crystal Effects" from Stampin' Up or "Glossy Accents" from Archiver's.
- Diamond Glaze: Use a product like JudiKins Diamond Glaze, which works as both a sealer and glue for multipiece objects.
Tips:
- Seal your Shrinky Dinks after baking, as sealing before shrinking might affect the final result.
- If using a brushed-on sealant like Mod Podge, be careful as it may smear certain types of pencil and cause brush strokes.
- If using spray sealants, be cautious of colour bleeding and use this as a feature in your design if it occurs.
- If using polyurethane, be aware of potential cracking issues, especially for small items with holes.
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Frequently asked questions
Only plastic stamped with a #6 recycle code can be used to make shrinky dinks.
The oven should be set to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heat the plastic until it flattens, rather than heating for a set amount of time.
A large acrylic stamp mount can be slapped on the shrinky dink as soon as it comes out of the oven to flatten it.
Sharpie markers can be used to draw on the plastic.
