How to use Polymer Clay Transfer Paper
Recently we launched a new collection of Polymer Clay Transfer Papers at Jewellery Supplies Co.
Polymer clay transfer paper is a great way to add intricate and colourful designs to your polymer clay projects. Our transfer papers feature a range of unique designs, such as florals, abstract patterns, animal prints, and more.
Transfer paper is best used with Premo Sculpey and Souffle clay. With Cernit, we’ve found it to leave the transfer a bit sticky, but it is still easy to use. Use on white clay only for the pattern to transfer accurately.
Cut the transfer paper to the size of the clay you’re transferring it to. You can use the leftover paper on future polymer clay projects.
Reminder: Be gentle and patient with transfer paper for the best results.
How to adhere transfer paper sheet to clay
Place the paper with the design face down onto your conditioned clay in the exact position you want it to adhere. Using your finger, gently rub the paper onto your clay, to start the adhering process. You can also use a roller to gently rub in a circular motion to ensure it’s adhering well to the clay.
Gently pick the clay up and turn it over. Then rub it gently face down on your flat work surface. That will help remove any air pockets and help it adhere.
To check that the paper has adhered fully, pick up your clay and gently bend it back and forth. If the paper separates or pops up in any place, especially the edges, it’s not ready to be transferred and requires more gentle rubbing using the methods described above
Once fully adhered, you're ready to begin the fibre removal!
How to transfer design to clay
Fill a container of water or a spray bottle. With your fingers of the sprayer, gently drip water over the transfer so all of the paper gets saturated. Do not put it directly under a tap as the stream will be too strong and damage the ink. The paper will start to come off and look pulpy
How to remove paper
With your fingers, gently rub the pulpy paper off.
The aim of the first removal of the paper is to just get the general bulk off – don’t try to remove every fibre at this stage or you could damage it by rubbing off ink. If you still see large amounts of pulp, add more water and continue the gentle removal of the general bulk
Set aside to dry fully before trying to get any more fibres off, to enable to ink to set. Once dry, if paper or fibres are still visible, repeat the paper removal process again with water and then set aside to dry fully.
Once you’re satisfied all the paper has been removed, your clay is ready to cut and cure in the oven.
Cure at normal settings as per polymer clay instructions. I tend to cure for 1 hour at 130 degrees Celsius.
The transfer does not require sealing after being cured, but you can add varnish or resin to the clay piece if you wish.