Working with white polymer clay can be tricky because it easily picks up dust, lint, and fingerprints. However, with a few simple practices, you can keep your white clay looking pristine. Here are some quick tips to keep it clean while you work.
1. Clean Your Workspace
Before you start, wipe down your work surface with a lint-free cloth and some isopropyl alcohol. Using a white or glass tile as your workspace can help you spot dust or dirt quickly, making cleanup easier.
2. Keep Hands and Tools Clean
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the clay to remove any oils, dirt, or colored clay residue. You can also use baby wipes or isopropyl alcohol to clean your hands and tools while working. Having dedicated tools just for white clay can also reduce the risk of color contamination.
3. Avoid Lint and Dust
Wear light-colored, lint-free clothing to avoid fibers getting into the clay. Keep a few baby wipes handy to clean your workspace, tools, and hands as you go, especially if you're switching between different clay colors.
4. Condition with Care
When conditioning your white clay, use a clean pasta machine or roller. Run a piece of scrap clay through first to pick up any leftover colors. This helps keep your white clay from getting streaked or contaminated.
5. Work on a Clean Surface
Using a glass tile as your working surface allows for easy cleaning and avoids clay sticking to dust or dirt. If you're handling multiple colors, you can also use gloves or work with the white clay separately to prevent smudging.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your white clay stays clean and ready for baking!
