How to Clean, Condition and Sharpen Your Clay Blades
Keep your jewelry clay blades from getting dull and rusty by following these tips from renowned mixed media artist Lisa Pavelka for cleaning, conditioning and cleaning your polymer clay blades the right way.
Instructions
Cleaning Clay Blades
Wipe the blade with a baby wipe, alcohol wipe or an alcohol-soaked cotton pad. Dry it immediately.
Note: Clay blades can corrode or rust very easily.
Clean and Sharpen
Fold a piece of 600 or 800 wet/dry sandpaper (automotive or jeweler grades are the best) in half, then insert the blade or craft blade inside the sandpaper (without pushing the blade right up against the fold) and then gently press the paper onto the blade. Holding your fingers flat along the edge of the blade, lightly slide the piece of sandpaper back and forth along the edge of the blade.
Repeat along the width of the blade all along the length.
Tip: A piece of cloth or sponge may be used over the sandpaper to create a safety buffer.
Safely Disposing of Dull Clay Blades
Step 1
Look at the blade to see if there is any notching along the edges of the clay blade.
Tip: It may be easier to use magnification while looking.
Step 2
Roll some scrap clay flat, sandwich the blade inside the clay, ensuring it completely covered, bake the clay then throw away.
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