Shrink Plastic help...

26th March 2010 at 15:03

So I bought my first card of shrink plastic,but it has no instructions and it was pretty expencive so Im afraid Ill ruin it.
How much time does it need in the oven to shrink?
Can I maybe use a hair drier to shrink it?
How much will it shrink?
With what should I draw the pattern on and what to use for colors?

I want to do something with many details on it.

I know its a hole lot of questions but any information would help!

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6 replies since 26th March 2010 • Last reply 26th March 2010

Reply #1: 26th March 2010 at 19:07

It takes about 4 minutes at 350F/180C.
A hairdryer won't work, it isn't hot enough.
It shrinks about 40%.
Draw with a permanent pen, sharpies are good. You can colour with pencil crayons or permanent pens, though sometimes colour will come off onto skin (if you're wearing it) when using pens. I've tried water-colour mica paints but the colour burned off=/ Also be aware that once the plastic has shrunk the colours will be a lot darker, this is because you still have the same amount of pigment but it's in a much smaller area.
If you need to punch holes in it, do it before shrinking.
Hope this helps=)

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violetta

Reply #2: 27th March 2010 at 11:11

Thanks Laurel!
Im going to try it today!

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Reply #3: 27th March 2010 at 13:01

I've just thought ,mine is by Lucky Squirrel, if you go to their website (www.luckysquirrel.com) they have instructions and tutes on there=)

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violetta

Reply #4: 27th March 2010 at 14:02

Thanks,Im checking it out.
They didnt even know what shrink plastic was at the craft store.I had to explain and then they ordered them.
They got a package with 3O cards and they sell it by pieces.

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