How to use Fimo varnish on polymer clay?
Although there are few varnishes and sealers for polymer clay on the world market, they are not available in my country. Since Fimo is (unfortunately) only available clay in Serbia, that ordering of other brands from shops abroad is quite costly due to postage and customs duties, and that Fimo varnish works best with this brand of clay, I use what I have. During the years (and after many mistakes) I mastered application of Fimo varnish on clay, so I decided to share my trade secrets and to explain how to properly varnish polymer clay with it. This tips will be especially valuable for polymer clay beginners, but I'm sure that experienced clayers will learn something new too because I know that some of them are complaining about cloudiness issues with this varnish.
About Fimo varnish
What Fimo varnish to select?
Staedtler as a Fimo manufacturer produce two varnishes for polymer clay:
• Gloss - available in packs of 10 and 35 ml (0.33 and 1,18 fl oz),
• Semi-gloss - available in a package of 35 ml (1,18 fl oz).
The Gloss Fimo varnish, besides protection, gives to our creations a medium-intensity glow. After drying, it does not gleam and shins, but its bright effect is noticeable in the game of light. It is excellent for jewelry and everything from polymer clay where you want a dose of gloss and an apparent look of depth.
Semi-Gloss Fimo varnish is intended for the protective coating of applied materials on sculptures, especially polymer clay dolls whom often have chalks and paints on them (eg, eyes and chicks). There is no glow so the dolls with applied chalks and paints will have the more natural look of human skin. You can also use it for jewelry or other items when you want your creation to be protected, but to retain the matte look.
• Gloss - available in packs of 10 and 35 ml (0.33 and 1,18 fl oz),
• Semi-gloss - available in a package of 35 ml (1,18 fl oz).
The Gloss Fimo varnish, besides protection, gives to our creations a medium-intensity glow. After drying, it does not gleam and shins, but its bright effect is noticeable in the game of light. It is excellent for jewelry and everything from polymer clay where you want a dose of gloss and an apparent look of depth.
Semi-Gloss Fimo varnish is intended for the protective coating of applied materials on sculptures, especially polymer clay dolls whom often have chalks and paints on them (eg, eyes and chicks). There is no glow so the dolls with applied chalks and paints will have the more natural look of human skin. You can also use it for jewelry or other items when you want your creation to be protected, but to retain the matte look.
What brush to use?
Regardless of whether you are using a gloss or semi (matt) varnish, I recommend you that, especially if you are a beginner, first of all, get a package of 10 ml (0.33 fl oz) Gloss Fimo varnish. The reason is that brush, with which you will achieve the best results and evenly apply the varnish, is an integral part of its cap. In a large package (35 ml/1.18 fl oz), you will not find a brush, so consider buying a smaller pack as an investment in the required polymer clay tool. Once you get the brush, later you only need to purchase a large package of the desired (or both varnishes) as a supplement.
So, if you take into consideration that your Fimo brush with proper maintenance can last for years, it can be used to apply both gloss and semi varnishes and that the coatings with it are more uniform and quality, it turns out that buying of 10 ml (0.33 fl oz) package is a definite saving.
Maintaining of the brush
Preparation for varnishing
Fimo varnishes must be applied to the baked polymer clay. Also, the surface you want to varnish must be dry and clean. Our skin contains a certain amount of grease that your hands can transfer to the clay, especially if our palms are prone to sweating. Never apply varnish to the oily (greasy) clay, because varnish will not stick well and eventually it will peel off. Therefore, before varnishing you should wipe your creation with a cotton pad on which you have poured a few drops of 70 % rubbing alcohol. Keep in mind that certain techniques, such as those where you use mica powders or chalks, do not stand this kind of treatment, so omit the cleaning of that part of the creation.
Before you start to varnish your polymer clay creations, make sure to dry the brush with a paper towel. This is necessary because additional water from the brush (if stored in the manner described above) can dilute Fimo varnishes (which, I repeat, are made on a water base) and thus destroy your piece.
Application
For more intense shine, you can apply more layers of varnish. You need to let each coat of varnish to dry before applying another one. It is better, regardless of which Fimo varnish you use (gloss or semi), to coat the clay with several very thin layers, then to apply a thick layer of varnish at once. If you apply a larger amount of varnish you will notice during the drying that the varnish begins to shrink in certain zones, leaving some places of our creation unvarnished. In those zones varnish becomes clouded and after drying it can be easily peeled out. That is the reason why some of the clayers have issues with this varnish. So, keep in mind to always apply a thin layer of varnish.
Drying
Removing irregularities
If you have accidentally applied a thicker layer of varnish during the first coat, you can correct this, but only before the expiration of 20 minutes required for drying to touch. You will do this by washing the varnish under a jet of cold water. This procedure is completely useless and meaningless after drying period of 20 minutes, as well as after applying another (second) or more layers since the varnish is no longer soluble in water. After washing off the varnish you have to repeat all the steps - wipe the water with a paper towel, clean piece with rubbing alcohol and re-apply the varnish. But, know that some techniques do not handle water well, and by using this method you can ruin your piece, so it's better to leave an irregularity than to ruin all the effort invested in the creation.
Allergy
Fimo varnishes are made on a water base, which means that they contain acrylic, so those who are allergic to this substance should varnish the clay in a well-ventilated room, and wear gloves and a protective mask during application, in order to prevent any possible reaction. The same safety precautions they should take when working with acrylic paints because their base is similar to that in Fimo varnishes. However, this allergy is not so common, and the possible reactions usually occur only in the case of fresh acrylic (until it dries). As the application and drying of varnish are performed relatively fast, with the mentioned safety measures, the possible reactions are minimized. If you are allergic to acrylic and the proposed measures do not help you, it is best to ask someone else to do varnishing for you or to leave your pieces unvarnished.
Tips
• Even I successfully use Fimo varnish on other clay brands, keep in mind that its primary intended for Fimo clays (Professional, Doll, Soft, Effect). By implementing steps described in this post you will archive great results when varnishing any of the Fimo clays.
• If you like the beads shown on photos you can learn how to make them in this tutorial.
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