Polymer clay is a versatile and popular material used by artists, crafters, and hobbyists to create a wide range of projects. From jewelry to sculptures, its flexibility and ability to hold intricate details make it a favorite choice. If you’re working with polymer clay, you might be wondering whether superglue is a suitable adhesive for bonding clay pieces together or attaching findings. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of using superglue on polymer clay and provide insights into its effectiveness and potential considerations.
The Nature of Polymer Clay
Polymer clay is composed of polymer particles, plasticizers, and pigments. When baked, the plasticizers in the clay activate, allowing the particles to fuse together and create a solid and durable object. The baking process is essential for achieving the clay’s strength and stability.
Using Superglue on Polymer Clay
Superglue, also known as cyanoacrylate adhesive, is a fast-acting and strong adhesive that can bond a variety of materials. Some crafters have experimented with using superglue to bond polymer clay pieces or attach findings like earring posts or pin backs.
Potential Benefits:
- Quick Bonding: Superglue dries rapidly, creating a strong bond between polymer clay pieces.
- Adhering Non-Polymer Clay Components: Superglue can effectively attach metal, plastic, or other materials to polymer clay.
Considerations:
- Compatibility: Superglue is designed to bond porous and non-porous materials, which includes polymer clay. However, not all superglue brands or formulations may work equally well with polymer clay.
- Surface Impact: Superglue can leave a shiny residue on the surface of polymer clay, potentially altering the finish and appearance of your project.
- Brittleness: The bond created by superglue may be rigid and brittle, which can be less suitable for areas that require flexibility or are prone to stress.
- Baking: Superglue is not heat-resistant, so any piece bonded with superglue should not be baked. Consider attaching findings or components after baking your polymer clay creation.
Best Practices
If you decide to use superglue on polymer clay, here are some best practices to follow:
- Test First: Experiment with a small piece of polymer clay and superglue to ensure compatibility and desired results.
- Apply Sparingly: Use a minimal amount of superglue to avoid excessive residue and ensure a clean bond.
- Avoid Baking: Do not bake any piece that has been bonded with superglue, as the adhesive is not heat-resistant.
- Consider Alternatives: For more flexible or intricate connections, consider using polymer clay techniques such as baking or attaching unbaked clay parts using liquid clay.
Conclusion
While using superglue on polymer clay can offer quick and strong bonding for certain applications, it’s important to consider the potential impact on the appearance and flexibility of your project. Testing, careful application, and understanding the limitations of superglue are essential for achieving the best results when combining these materials. As with any crafting technique, experimentation and observation will help you determine the best approach for your specific polymer clay projects.