help with sanding polymer clay?

Hey there!! not sure if I've put this post in the right placeHappy

But yeah, basically I made some fimo beads for a necklace! and I've attempted to sand them (after baking) as they had a few imperfections (like fingerprints ect). I've got out the marks... but now the clay has a white-ish look to it which I cant get out!

This is my first time trying to sand fimo, & i have noo idea what im doing! ahh!

If i cant get off the white-ish look to it, would varnishing it make it better? Though i would rather not varnish itHappy


THANK YOU IN ADVANCEHappyHappyHappyHappyHappyHappy

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4 replies since 14th June 2012 • Last reply 14th June 2012

Reply #1:

I don't have a lot of expertise in this area, but I don't think the varnish would help a whole lot. I don't think there is a ton to do about it. You may want to paint (lightly) over it for this batch. Otherwise, next time I would use gloves when using the clay, so then later not have to worry about sanding it. Or do it regular then before baking with gloves clean it up. I hope I helped, but again, not a ton of knowledge here Happy

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Reply #2:

I agree with LZ I use fimo a lot and rubber gloves do help I have painted over some stuff with gesso (clear thick glue) and it's still holding up but I'm not sure what it does (if anything) to conceal flaws. It may just make them more visible.

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Reply #3:

I had to sand & carve down the inside of a clay ring i made (bc i made it too small). I used black clay & it did the same thing. All i did was get it wet, like wipe it with damp towel & it mostly came off & was back to normal. Carving/shaving off with a exacto-knife lessens it ...but i dont think u can do that with beads LOL. Try using a metal file instead of a sandpaper like one too, might help. :/

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Reply #4:

Thank you everyone for your replies!!HappyHappy They were very helpful!

I will definately be using some gloves next time!! & I think it actually went white because i got them wet!! I left them over night & when i looked back at them again they didnt have the white-ish look to them anymore, maybe because they had dried out completely? I have no idea! its a mystery!

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