How To Make Clay Tattoo Sheets?

This 3 minute video teaches how to successfully use tattoo sheets on Polymer Clay, a popular material for creating temporary tattoos. The tutorial is based on the Magic Transf technique, which was discovered at CreateAlong in 2008 and shared with the world. To create a polymer clay image transfer, first prepare the clay and work surface by conditioning and transforming white clay.

To make temporary tattoos at home, you don’t need a special printer, just a regular inkjet printer and a pack of temporary tattoo paper. In this tutorial, you’ll learn the step-by-step process of using water-soluble transfer sheets on polymer clay and share valuable tips to ensure your designs turn out well.

To get a usable tattoo design from a clay imprint, use mold material to fill it and then remove it, using it as a stamp. Condition the clay slab and roll onto a tile surface. Place the transfer paper colorful side down onto the clay surface and gently smooth it into place.

Two different methods are used to turn printed photos, patterns, designs, and illustrations into durable clay decorations. The tutorial covers the differences in quality between different ways to transfer an image to clay, which printers are most suitable, and how to apply the design to the clay.

How Do I Print An Image On Clay?

To transfer images onto clay using photo lithography, start by preparing your materials. You will need an adhesive sheet, linseed oil, ceramic stain, a container for mixing, Pronto Plate paper (also known as Polyester Litho Plates), a brayer (printing roller), and two smooth glass chopping boards. This process allows you to use your own photos to create tiles, ornaments, or pendants.

Begin by rubbing the adhesive sheet onto the printed image and peeling away the clear plastic layer. Place the image face down on damp clay and wet the back until the paper backing easily slides off. The quality of the image may not be perfect due to the dot pattern from the adhesive, but the process is relatively straightforward despite its intimidating name.

For those interested in transferring images onto polymer clay, there are multiple techniques. One can simply print an image, place it on soft clay, and trace over it with a stylus or pencil to transfer the design. Additionally, a laser-printed image can be moved onto the surface of the clay by using various transfer media, such as water, acetone, or even common household items.

For a practical approach, find an image on your computer, such as a photo of flowers, and lay your freshly rolled wet clay flat. Put the print face down, ensuring contact with the clay. If desired, coat the back of your drawing with graphite and trace it onto the clay for a different method. This guide illustrates how to utilize varied transfer techniques to successfully apply images onto pottery clay, making the art of image transfer accessible and enjoyable.

What Happens If You Leave Laser Toner On Clay Before Baking?

When working with laser transfers on polymer clay, timing is crucial. Leaving the transfer on the clay for too long can cause the toner to become sticky and smear, so it’s best to use it immediately. If you fear smearing, a light dusting of cornstarch can help you handle the transfer without issues, as the cornstarch will wash away after baking.

For those creating polymer clay jewelry, such as the collaboration between artists Tettey Glover and Wendy Weaver Orlowski, using laser toner prints ensures a vibrant image transfer. If you’re considering incorporating leftover toner from a previous job into your clay projects, it’s important to know what to expect when firing in a kiln. The compatibility of the toner with the clay may vary based on the type of paint or medium used; for softer colors, pastels should be applied before baking, while acrylic paint should be used afterward.

Sealing the print isn’t mandatory since the toner is generally durable, but you can use a thinned liquid clay as a sealant before or after baking. However, avoid overworking the piece as the plasticizer in the liquid clay can reactivate the toner. Experimentation may be necessary to find the right method for your projects.

When left uncovered, dust can settle on your clay, so storing it in a glass container or covering it is advisable. To determine when polymer clay is fully baked, most brands recommend at least 30 minutes in the oven, allowing the clay to cure properly. If baking at lower temperatures, additional time might be required.

While enjoying your polymer clay crafting, be mindful of leftover clay and residue. Proper disposal is important, and wearing a dust mask is advisable when handling toner, even though it isn't generally toxic. Remember, if toner is left out too long, it can clump. Lastly, the plastic nature of toner, which softens with contact with raw polymer, is what allows for effective image transfer in your projects.

Does Polymer Clay Get Sticky?

The process of working with polymer clay can be somewhat complex. Unlike others, it does not become sticky, although it can wrinkle when bent—less so than other materials tested. When using LAZERTRAN INKJET WATERSLIDE DECAL PAPER, it's crucial to adhere to instructions tailored for polymer clay. Raw polymer clay, being oil-based, typically has a slight stickiness and can create a vacuum when tightly pressed against other raw clay or smooth, non-absorbent surfaces.

Caution is necessary as polymer clay reacts adversely to certain spray paints, especially those containing ketones, which can break down the polymer structure. To manage any softness, mixing softer clays with firmer ones may yield better results. It’s important to note that while some finishes have a reputation for softening polymer clay, the presence of plasticizers in these products can actually cause the opposite effect.

There are challenges with paints and varnishes that remain sticky and never fully cure. Testing new varnishes on the specific type of polymer clay is essential. Polymer clay can adhere to various surfaces if it becomes overly warm and soft. To mitigate frustration from sticking, avoid textured surfaces unless you're comfortable with the result.

For ease of removal from molds, using soft, sticky clay is beneficial. Be aware that underbaked clay may contain excess plasticizer, complicating the curing process of paints and glues. Proper baking involves careful consideration of both time and temperature. When working with clay, using a clean surface, such as an acrylic or hardwood laminated palette, can help prevent sticking.

Although polymer clay is naturally sticky, leveraging this property can aid in keeping it stable during the crafting process. However, for delicate clay sheets, a non-stick surface like paper can be used. If the clay is too sticky to roll, allowing it to leech excess oil by placing it on paper for a few days is advisable before conditioning. Finally, note that true polymer clay won’t become sticky when heated as it only cures in the oven. Using release agents like cornstarch or baby powder can assist in preventing sticking when cutting.