You are awesome. I am so blessed to have you as my teacher. I have come a long way since I have been learning from you , and I have been playing for about ten years, only now I have no fingerprints and the beads feel so soft and wonderful. Thank you for all of your lessons! ~Karonkay >> This comment was originally posted here: Sculpted Iris Flower Beads

Being new here, the 1st lesson I did was your Aurora technique – om goodness – wow and a bunch of other happy sounds could be heard as I buffed and the beads began to shine :)  I wanted to share a sanding aha moment – the first few beads I started with 320 then 400 w/d then went thru my stack of micro pads – the colors were very bright and beautifully bold – for the next set of beads I only used the stack of micro pads and wow again! Totally different and yet the subtleness of them struck me with awe. Thank you Cindy so much. ~Tantesherry >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Metal Mokume Gane

I too got the mica shift mood and did some great ones thanks to your tutorial. I especially loved the clay on the bottle trick. It makes the slicing down so much easier. And you are totally correct in the sanding and buffing makes all the difference in the world. I had a couple that didn’t even look like the shift happened until I sanded them. Way cool technique and your tips make all the difference (as usual). ~Laurel-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Easy Mica Shift

Cindy, thanks for showing us how to work with this Micro-mesh product on beads.  I’ve used similar sanding pads to prep wood items for decorative painting and they definitely are easier than using sandpaper by hand. They also last a really long time. ~Linda-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Micro Mesh Abrasives for Polymer Clay

Okay, I have just made a felt buffing wheel (kind of like Cindy’s), and my goodness what a shine it brings out!!  Thanks again Cindy for a wonderful idea ~Sandra-J >> This comment was originally posted here: Dremel Tool Buffing Wheels

OK, so I actually did buy sandpaper with all good intentions, but I have to admit – I’ve been using a glaze in spite of the rough spots that form around the holes when I take the skewer out!  I’ve been duly admonished and will incorporate sanding into my repertoire!  Thanks! ~Sue-P >> This comment was originally posted here: Sand Your Polymer Clay Beads

I’m so glad I found this thread and your site. Wonderfully helpful. ~Vicki-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Best Polymer Clay Finishes

Hi Cindy, I wanted to buy some micro mesh polishing pads as shown in your video. One of the search engine results offered a video showing how these are used, imagine my surprise to find myself back on your website! As I already have this video I was able to watch it again, but this time noticed your comment about looking into a rock tumbler for polishing beads. I discovered a ‘kid’s tumbler’ and thought it might be robust enough for polymer clay. It worked beautifully, only problems – 1. took rather a long time; approx 1 day for each grit, with 3 or 4 grits recommended. 2. Rather noisy, but if you have an outhouse or garage you won’t be disturbed. The result was fantastic and I can thoroughly recommend it. Enjoying your tutorials Cindy, I’m wondering how long you can keep this up, coming up with new ideas every week. Amazing stuff, well done! Best wishes. ~Marion-R >> This comment was originally posted here: Rock Tumblers for Polishing Polymer Clay Jewelry Beads

Using the micropad system has entirely changed my view of sanding, and I find I no longer dread it, and dream of sanding assistant fairies. ~Jocelyn-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Wet Sanding Polymer Clay Tutorial

Thanks Kat and Cindy! Wow, what a thorough response Kat! Thanks so much! I’ve been baking my beads at 265 for 1 hour. I initially started them at 265 for 1/2 hour but then after lots of reading on the blog increased the time. Some of those beads were baked at a lesser time so that may have been the issue. That search button has become my best friend! LOL!!  Well, I finally stopped tumbling and tried buffing the beads with my dremel and the attachment that Cindy told us about in one of her tutorials. Most of the beads came out just gorgeous and had a finish like glass. Some of the smaller beads that I rolled with plastic gloves turned out well, but had a slight cast to them. I have since tried using wet/dry sandpaper glued back to back in with the stones with a 600 grit in one tumbler and an 800 grit in the other and am doing them in stages. The batch that I did yesterday came out beautifully. I tumbled for about 2 hours at each level and they came out powder free! I am so excited! What a feeling when you open your barrel and rinse out your treasures and find they are just what you wanted. I have to buff tomorrow and will let you know the final results. I am confident they will be just what I am looking for. Now if I can get my mischievous cat to stop stealing my beads! My husband found a bead in the basement today, little stinker. ~Laura-Z >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Tutorials

You are a student’s dream teacher. I can’t wait to try this. I am at my daughters in Peoria IL today had appt with specialist yesterday so we spent the night. Couldn’t sleep so I slipped downstairs to the study to get on the computer so I could watch this awesome TUTE!!! Had a moment of sure panic. My computer at home is set up to remember pass word and I forgot what it was. Thank God I finally remembered so here I am in a student’s class room of glory. I can not wait to try this at home. Due to the flame I will try this one without grandkids around. I am so glad you did this tute for us. I think there will be a lot of shine in everyone’s lives real soon. Have another great weekend with the kids Cindy and Doug. Shine away with lots of Uuuuuugggggs. ~Peggy-B >> This comment was originally posted here: UV Epoxy Resin Video

I think one of the reasons I am so addicted to the faux agates technique right now, is using the moulds, they come out so smooth initially that it is very easy to get a nice finish. Plus is another use for scraps which I love! ~Carlee-N >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Agate Domed Coin Beads

I’ve been (newly) sanding during the last couple of months… boy do I have a lot of respect for anyone who thoroughly polishes their work!! It’s definitely a labour of love, especially those of you who have patience sanding round beads. With my first attempts I ended up with flat spots, and uneven shine. Sanded a little too much and removed a nice layer of color on a favorite Jupiter bead… oops :(   It’s nice to hear these sanding pads last a while. Once my sandpaper runs out, I think I’ll be ordering these next. ~DJ >> This comment was originally posted here: Sanding with Micromesh Abrasives

I found I could not afford to buy the UV oven or the resin, too pricey here in Australia, so I am using the direct sunlight method, with Lisa Pavelka Magic gloss, which is what I could get here, and find it works perfectly for me. I am really pleased with it and would never have done this particular tutorial about Faux Dichroic had it not been for Cindy’s lessons, so I have learnt something good that works for me from it. ~Elizabeth-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Pendants

YIPPEE!!!  I love the look of the natural shine you have managed on the earrings as well as the shape of both the pendant and the earring. I also like the ear wires that you have made…. in fact I think I like just about everything you show in this preview and am looking forward to Friday! ~Susan-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Blend and Switch Technique

Yesterday I watched the Micro Mesh Tutorial again because one of my friends gave me a set for my birthday. I wrote the grit on each one with a permanent marker to make it easier for me in case they get out of sequence and I can’t find the little card. It’s working very well. ~Bonnie-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Mixed Media Art Sheets Technique

Look at all those beauties! Cindy’s UV resin tute was just the thing for many members… to take that ‘next step’ with their clay… to give it that glossy, glassy shine. There was “resin” talk around here for a long time, but only a few ‘brave souls’ seemed to be trying it — I know I was “afraid” of resin until Cindy paved the way with her video! As soon as I saw it, I was able to place my own order with Ultradome! (Well, okay, I ordered from the sister site… Epoxyjewelry.com.) ;D Thank you, Cindy…and congratulations to the star students who have their beautiful work on display!!! ~Phaedrakat >> This comment was originally posted here: UV Resin Polymer Clay Jewelry

Fantastic! Brenda, I also have a stash of old costume jewelry and other odds and ends (from cleaning out daughter’s bedroom) that would look very cool. Wouldn’t baking faux opals in the mold be great without lots of sanding!!! ~Koolbraider >> This comment was originally posted here: Silicone Molding Techniques

Oh Cindy, that’s just gorgeous! I love it! :) I’ve always liked using pearl clays for Jupiter beads too, especially when you sand them a lot so you see the stripes of colour hidden inside the extruded clay – it’s like magic how they appear. This technique is similar I guess. And it’s one of my dreams to see the aurora borealis too, it’s so beautiful. I haven’t been so well this week and haven’t touched my clay for a while, but this may well be the inspiration I need to get myself back into my studio! Thanks! ~Silverleaf >> This comment was originally posted here: Aurora Polymer Clay Technique

This was worth the wait! Will have to go get a small can and try it on some of my small beads. Wonder if I can get the grandkids to do them since it isn’t as messy… lol. ~Pollyanna >> This comment was originally posted here: Finishing Wax as a Bead Polish

REGULAR COLOR RECIPE (A): Pink Rose ** B-SERIES COLOR RECIPE (B): Beach Glass > Polymer Clay Tutorials Guest List VIDEO: Make Your Own Pandora Beads, A Very Popular Bead Design

Cool!!!! I’m going to order the micromesh pads right after leaving this comment. Thank you Cindy and Doug for being our research department for new products, just as you’ve made the mistakes so we don’t have to, which saves us money on clay, your researching of anything new that could be beneficial to us and make our projects easier is SO much appreciated. Thank you SO very much. ~Ken-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Micro Mesh Abrasives

I just got my Lortone this evening. I popped my beads in with the smallest river rock I could find at the store (sorted for light color and smoothness), threw in a few squares of wet/dry sandpaper, and maybe like 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water for about 4 hours. I know you guys keep saying nothing beats a hand-sanding but I know MY hand-sanded beads never looked half this amazing. 20 seconds of polishing with my dremel and I have the nicest looking bead I’ve ever created. I used to spend 15 minutes to a half hour on a focal bead. I just cut that time down to 30 seconds of hands-on work. THANK YOU LORTONE and thank all you guys for your excellent tips and suggestions. ~Vladeska >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Beads

I love looking at all the pretty beads people have made. Before I even started making beads and before I became interested in polymer clay I LOVED looking at beads and feeling beads and playing with beads. I didn’t make jewelry, I didn’t even wear jewelry but I loved beads. I would go looking at beads with my mom and I couldn’t wait to get home and start touching the beads. Now I just want to touch these beads that you and your site inspired! You let your light shine on us and I am so grateful! ~Melinda-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Bead Photos

I must say, careful sanding and buffing is way better than sanding and Future-ing. Cannot get over how nice my Jupiter pendants turned out… and the lentils, and the mica shift pendants… I was busy this week. ~Katie-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Shiny Polymer Clay

Well it just shows how great this site is, doesn’t it? A few suggestions from “Cindy’s Girls and Guys” and Cherie manages to create some beautiful faux stone beads! I love how everyone’s so happy to share their expertise and ideas and experiences to make us all better clayers. Keep it up, everyone! They look awesome Cherie, can’t wait to see them when they’re sanded and polished! :) ~Silverleaf >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Unakite

Koolbraider: I love your enthusiasm! Have you already made some of this jade? The way you’re talking about the sanding… I know it makes all the difference, but I sure hate to do it! I guess I’m lazy, but it is hard work. Still, when I get to the buffing stage, and that shine comes up? Whew, that’s when you know it’s all worth it! Actually, I don’t mind pendants and larger items. It’s the round, little beads that drive me crazy. I need to get a rock tumbler, then my problems will be solved (well, some of them!) ~Phaedrakat >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Faux Jade

My LOVE of polymer clay has a lot to do with the incredible feel of the finished product. I tend to “pet” my finished works, and enjoy the silken feel, and this is only possible if it is sanded. ~Kody-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Sanding Polymer Clay Beads

The first time I made clay beads before signing up with a membership to your videos, I just took some clay rolled it into beads, baked and buffed them a bit. I had absolutely no idea of the whole process. I made a necklace and it looked alright but when I look at it now compared to the beads I submitted to the recent bead giveaway contest, gosh – what a difference! ~Cheryl-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Crackled Ink Technique

My first attempt at Jupiter beads looked worse than something a child would make in kindergarten. But once they were sanded and buffed they looked pretty darn good. Not sure what I will put with them but the are pretty cool looking. ~Anna-S >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Beads

Thank you cindy for the suggestion to paint the studio by sculpey glaze on the raw clay and bake it… it did make a difference… the finish is much harder and more durable. I am about to finish my first necklace… it’s going to be exciting! ~Peggie-F >> This comment was originally posted here: Best Polymer Clay Finishes

Wow, the drywall sandpaper is a new trick for me and a great tip. Thanks. ~Sue-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Baking Flay Polymer Clay Sheets

Faux agates… Another cracker Cindy, and it uses old canes too! I can’t wait to get started. Don’t you just love the magic moments when sanding and buffing this type of bead when it goes silky, then all the colours suddenly appear? Very satisfying. ~Judy-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Faux Agates

I just finished sanding & buffing a couple of puffy beads. I love them. I was surprised at how easy it was to stretch the clay into the puffy shape. Thanks much for a great tutorial. ~Rose-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Tutorials

Hi Cindy, I have NEVER been good at mica shift. I normally screw it up by slicing too deep. Your technique made me like it a lot better. And MAN the sanding and buffing really makes the pattern pop. I am so excited. I am going to be a mica shift fool for a while. Attached are three of my first pendants I made from this technique. Thanks for showing me and the entire group a better way to do this fascinating technique. ~Kriss-J >> This comment was originally posted here: Mica Shift Video Tutorial

Cindy, I have been using micromesh for about a year, and have not yet needed to replace the pads. I absolutely love this product! I was lucky that a hardware store near me actually carries it. I bought it on a whim to see how it would do, and was surprised at how well it worked. ~Crystal-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Sanding with Micromesh Abrasives

Catalina Turquoise  – What a beautiful name! It’s great how you combined techniques and came up with this beautiful stone. It’s also wonderful not to have to sand it. ~Cheryl-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Turquoise

Hi Cindy and all,  just watched the Resin Video. Very interesting. Great to see some one who knows how to do it , makes one feel not so afraid to try it.  It is certainly a lovely finish to a project. ~Elizabeth-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay UV Resin Tutorial

Peggy, you’re such a sweetie to offer to mail Bake and Bond to people. You’re a lovely person. Always so upbeat and cheerful, too! I wish you luck with sanding your opals in the tumbler. There has to be some way to make the process easier for you. You deserve some gorgeous opals without hurting yourself further! Let us know how the tumbling media works for you. ~Phaedrakat >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Faux Opals

Kat, I needed the advice about not using Future on unsanded beads when I made my first 2 big batches of beads. I can see every little ridge from my finger tips perfectly! Of course, I didn’t even know about this site then, dog-gone it. Now I’m trying to play catch-up, LOL! ~Tanya-L >> This comment was originally posted here: Wet Sanding Polymer Clay

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It’s amazing how sanding and buffing transforms the clay. I like how Cindy emphasizes the need for doing it. Jade always has a very polished surface but sometimes we don’t see the obvious until some one points it out. I love Fridays!!! ~Koolbraider >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Jade Technique

Dear Cindy, I wanted to say thanks for the tips in your videos, I’ve been working with Polymer Clay for years, I make my own custom cake toppers. I do caricatures of real people from photos, cartoons and even animals, cartoon and real. I really enjoy it and have gotten quite good at it, but I didn’t know how much of a difference sanding and polishing my pieces could make, and I now make sure I work my clay completely before I start. Thanks again, ~Kelly-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Techniques

Ahhh, thanks for that tip. I did make a biggish one. I can trim it back. I’ve used it a lot since my last post and am very, very happy with it. The $10 I spent buying the back issue video where you made the felt wheel saved me more than $200 as I was very close to buying the expensive jewelers buffer. This one is set up in a small vice, takes only a few inches on my table, and works just great. ~Rose-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Buffing

Cindy my sore fingertips thank you for this video. I only wish I had seen it earlier before I made a bunch of pendants for our church bazaar. Oh well, there’s always next year! ~Maria-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Rock Tumbler

OK, in addition to being a guru, color genius, you must also be a mind-reader. I have just made my first beads with polymer clay and have already wondered, a couple of times, if I really needed to sand them. Since I am lying in bed, right now, doing the treasure hunt and my wonderful, yet exhausted husband is asleep and has to get up and work tomorrow, I am going to have to wait until the a.m. to sand, but trust me, it will be number one on my to do list, right after my coffee! Thanks. ~Karen-O >> This comment was originally posted here: Sanding Polymer Clay Beads

Wow, wow… I read somewhere on here that we can use latex type gloves to keep the fingerprints off of the clay and it saved me from ditching polymer clay forever. I was so frustrated I was about to become a postal worker with a machine gun… and right before I snapped… wallah! I read that and also something about water on the fingers to rub the fingerprints out. Now I see this cornstarch idea… I will try that, as those gloves do get old and I feel like a hospital nurse. This site is so fab… I bow down to the polymer goddess! ~Peggie-F >> This comment was originally posted here: Fingerprints and Polymer Clay

I just came back from the store, unable to find Future Floor Polish. I am glad to know that the name has changed to “Pledge with the Future”, and that it has worked for others with polymer clay. One difference I noticed was the smell — “Future” smells much better than “Pledge with the Future” — I do most of my polymer clay work with children, so that makes a difference. BTW, I have been using “Future” for years–I always ‘cure’ it by baking the glazed item again at 250 F for 15 minutes — and I have never had a problem with anything yellowing. Thanks for the info here! ~Diana-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Future Floor Polish for Polymer Clay Beads

I’ve been working with polymer clays for about 15 years, I made little frog pot sitters about 9 years ago, and used Future Floor Wax, and they still look as good now as when I first made them. ~Betty-K >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Finishes

Thanks for the new added suggestions. I never had much luck bending my blade without gouging out too much in some areas.  It’s a fun technique. What did you use for a final finish? ~Anna-S >> This comment was originally posted here: Shiny Mica Shift Finish

Tiffany – I have fibromyalgia and my hands and wrists both don’t mix well with sanding. I just recently bought a tumbler and I don’t think it takes the place of sanding by hand but it does cut down on how much you have to do. If you want a really high shine I at least feel you need to do a little hand sanding after you run the beads through the tumbler. I myself just use 600 and 800 grit sometimes 1000 but it will take a lot less sanding time and finish with buffing then SHABAM. So to me it was worth the tumbler. If you don’t want the super shine finish you can do with just tumbling. My opinion is that you will be happy if you buy the tumbler and save on your hands, I sure was. ~Peggy-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Making Faux Turquoise Beads

I must say, careful sanding and buffing is way better than sanding and Future-ing. Cannot get over how nice my Jupiter pendants turned out, and the lentils, and the mica shift pendants. I was busy this week. ~Katie-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Shiny Polymer Clay

I’m in… inlays can be used in so many different ways. The container not only looks great, but the finish seems as though it would feel nice just to hold. What a nice gift for your dad Cindy, lucky guy! ~DJ >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Turquoise and Crackled Gold Leaf

I love the Jupiter beads; my friend happened to see them and before I told her what they were she remarked how they resembled Jupiter. They don’t have any varnish. Just tumbled and buffed with a dremel. I’ve made other beads too, with left over clay. It’s such a wonderful medium; each bead is different and every little scrap can be used. I’ve been dreaming polymer clay! You have me hooked Cindy. ~Cheryl-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Beads

Ditto what Melinda said — I’d also love to get my hands on Cindy’s beads. I’m sure they feel extraordinary to the touch, and they look so beautiful, beckoning to me… I love the feel of beads of all kinds, the way they feel running through your fingers is fantastic. Polymer beads have a different feel that is newer to me, but I love it so much especially since I’ve made some myself — I feel very “in tune” with them. Ah, but to have and be able to touch the beads Cindy herself made. Wow, that would be so amazing. ~Phaedrakat >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Bead Photos

Malinda, I also use Fimo and it does stick to your hands, especially the strong colors and black is the worst. I always have hand sanitizer (has alcohol to help remove the clay) and wet wipes near by. And Cindy is right, it may be muddy on the outside but just a little sanding and the design is crisp again! I truly rejoiced when I figured out sanding is my best friend! ~Melinda-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Lentil Beads

Thank you so much Cindy! I can’t wait to get started making these amazing faux opals. I had never heard of plunging the baked clay into ice water to clarify the translucent clay until I discovered your site. Thank you very much for that also. ~Cheryl-V >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Opal Bake and Bond Technique

I love the faux-jade video (Vol-023-2) so much, that I made two shades of green in one evening. I made the dark green first, using Stream and Butterscotch Adirondack Alcohol Inks and verdigris embossing powder. I liked it, but I wanted a lighter color… so I tried using less Stream Adirondack Ink and adding Citrus Adirondack Ink, again with verdigris embossing powder. Voilà! After sanding and buffing, I added a patina of gold acrylic paint and a coat of Future Floor Polish. ~Cindy-G >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Faux Jade Technique

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OHHHHHHHH I needed these tips!!!!!!!! ALL of the stuff I made in the past had fingerprints on them!! Thanks Cindy. ~Kristy-D >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Beads, Finger Prints

Ok, Cindy. I admit, I was skeptical, but you made a believer out of me. I made my first Premo beads today. I made small lentils for a charm bracelet. I sanded (started at 600 grit up to 1200) and buffed, buffed, buffed. I am stunned at how much they shine!! I love it! I will still use my Sculpey III but will definitely use Premo more often! BTW, those faux raku beads are so cute!!! ~Carrie-W >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Tutorial

I used to think every bead had to be perfect and I was always disappointed. I agree with Cindy now though, the “less then perfect” ones look great and it is really all in the finishing of the final piece. You can have great bead but if you do a poor job of finishing your string or your wire wrap, the piece will look bad. On the other hand, do great finish work and the little inconsistencies of bead size or shape just add to the charm and individuality of the piece. ~Laurel-B >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Beads

Thank you so much, Cindy, for this information. I did not realize you had such a large site going on here, and there is information all over the place. I will certainly look at the previous threads from here on out!  It is so great of you to offer such help to us underlings.  A true comfort! ~Peggie-F >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Finishes

Love the square lentil and suggestions on being creative when lentils are not perfectly round.  I read somewhere that when buffing it should be like a “butterfly kisses”.   I was buffing beads today and they kept flying out of my hands and whizzing around the room.  Our 6 month old kitten loves it.  To her something  mysteriously hits the floor and starts rolling around.  She just goes nuts chasing them.  My husband commented  I had more beads rolling around on the floor  than in the finished pile.  He tried the buffing  wheel and  soon learned how hard those beads are to hold onto, especially after they are all shined up. Plus he got another chance to use the bench grinder/buffer he “bought for me”  ;) wink ;) wink. ~Anna-S >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Lentil Beads

I am still investigating the rock tumbler thing.  I glaze my beads now and I am not satisfied with the out-come.  I have been learning and window shopping.  These tips were extremely helpful. Thanks a bunch! ~Susan-L >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Rock Tumbler

Thank you all for your wonderful encouraging comments. I can’t tell you how much it means to have this support. @ Polyanya: I sanded 1/2 by hand and the other 1/2 using a kids rock tumbler then I buffed by hand because I haven’t mastered the dremel technique (I will have to order the back issue of Cindy’s instruction for that)… then I dipped them in Future floor polish. I’m still experimenting with the whole finishing and polishing of my beads (I’ve only started sanding them a couple months ago.) Again… only started doing this just under a year on a whim but I was amazed at the fabulous versatility of the polymer clay material and what really peaked my love of this is when I started caning… and so far it has satisfied my artistic drive. ~Melinda-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Jupiter Beads Made With a Clay Extruder

After hunting in several stores for Future I asked a clerk in Wal-Mart in St. Petersburg, Florida and she found the Pledge with Future Shine. So I purchased it not knowing I was getting the right product. Now I will feel confident in using it, thanks Cindy. ~Joyce-M >> This comment was originally posted here: Future Floor Polish for Polymer Clay Beads

Dear Cindy, thank you for this video – I am going to purchase a tumbler today!!! I have quite a few beads to sand and polish and had been putting off doing so because it is such a time consuming job. Good sanding and polishing is the most important stage for polymer clay beads and my fingers end up inflamed and blistered from constant sanding. I don’t mind the dremmel stage so much, because it is a quality control stage and final check- but the manual wet & dry sanding is horrible and reminds me of housework! I can now spend more time making and experimenting. Many thanks again. ~Cara-L >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Rock Tumbler

Thanks so much for your tutorial on making your own felt buffing wheel for the Dremel. I am amazed how pretty my beads have turned out since using the Dremel and look forward to making my own buffing pads. ~Diana-P >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Felt Buffing Wheels

Cindy, I am so happy to have learned about Future Finish from you.  I just started using it, and it makes my pieces look like glass, they are so shiny, and really brings out the color in all my work!  And I am so happy that it dries so quickly, and is so easy to use!  It is also quite inexpensive for all that you get. Thanks so much! ~Cindy-E >> This comment was originally posted here: Buffing Polymer Clay Beads

Nail Sanders! What a cool idea. Got to check into that! ~Kim-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Dremel Tool

Cindy, I am making rosary beads from flowers. Is there any product out there, that I can use as a coating on the beads instead of sanding and buffing. I’d really appreciate your help. I love your web site… you go girl!!!!! ~Diane-L >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Tools

Thank you for your reply. I actually did get the right varathane — I’ve check sooo many times to make sure I did get the right one. But realized what I did not do is the sanding and the buffing (of course got this info. from your site). SOOOO — I’m in search for the dry/wet sand paper. Will do that and do the conventional way of buffing (flannel fabric?) and see how that goes.  Thank you soo much for the response. I learn a lot from your site. ~Ishalo-H >> This comment was originally posted here: Best Polymer Clay Finishes

I don’t make a lot of jewelry, I’m mostly a caner, but the few things I have made that needed sanding I was never satisfied with my sanding job.  I’ll be trying some of your tips such as Drywall Sandpaper. Thanks for sharing. ~Sue-C >> This comment was originally posted here: Sand Your Polymer Clay Beads

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I have finished 3 necklaces and I could not have done it without your help. My friend who got me started does not sand or buff and she was amazed when I told her you’re suppose to. Very few of the “how to” books mention sanding or buffing either. I had been using the sculpy clay she gave me and assume that is why the beads are not as shiny. I plan to try other brands. We have Hobby Lobby here and Michaels in Tulsa to buy clay. If I get better I will order on line. The first beads I made were bad, but I made them into a mobile for my porch. Again thank you. ~Marlowe >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Dremel Tool

My primary interest in using polymer clay is to create beads for jewelry, but this article has sparked an interest in flat pendants, as well.  I never would have thought of putting cardstock in the oven!  Home Depot here I come, for drywall sandpaper and ceramic tiles – I can’t wait to experiment with this new idea!  Thanks!  Thanks also to the readers who posted some additional tips here! ~Sue >> This comment was originally posted here: Baking Flat Polymer Clay Sheets

You are right. Sanding to me brings out some different aspects of the beads. It also removes any finger prints or smudges that have appeared from handling. When you sand and buff a lot of time no gloss is needed, they are shiney enough without! ~Krista >> This comment as well as the next 5 comments below, were originally posted at this blog article here: Sanding Polymer Clay

Not sanding and finishing our beads makes me think of getting ready for a perfect night out by putting on a special dress and matching shoes, putting on our best make-up, and nicest jewelry, but forgetting to comb our bed-head hair out!!! :) We would be spoiling the whole outcome, and the whole look we were trying to achieve in the first place (unless, of course, you are one of those people who look gorgeous no matter what you do, and I assure you, I am not!!!). Takin’ it all in and lovin’ every bit of it! ~Cindy >> This comment was originally posted in the same blog article as for Krista’s comment above.

Some of us just don’t have the patience to sand most beads, lol and as you say it is lazyness, no excuse there.  If one wants a particular piece to stand out then one must sand. Mokume gane with translucent clay and leafing is one example, sanding just makes it ‘pop’. I totally agree that it makes the item look professional when it is well-finished. I tend to save my baked beads now until I have a tumbler full and then tumble sand it, hee. ~Tina >> This comment was originally posted in the same blog article as for Krista’s comment above.

I didn’t sand my beads! Oh my gosh! I am the one you are talking about! I need a two step program. I will promise to sand the beads from now on. I will read and find out the right sand paper to use, I promise. I want the shine!!!! ~Brenda >> This comment was originally posted in the same blog article as for Krista’s comment above.

Definitely SAND. I have not made any beads yet. Just a newbie and I started with an animal. The pictures of the beads you made are gorgeous, they shine like glass beads, which was all I needed to convince me to sand. ~Marianne >> This comment was originally posted in the same blog article as for Krista’s comment above.

When I made my first beads I didn’t know about sanding. I do now and the difference between my first beads and now is that they look very professional. And I have even received requests for beaded necklaces based on beads I had made in my own necklace. ~Annie >> This comment was originally posted in the same blog article as for Krista’s comment above.

Thanks for these tips. I have also had the Sculpey glaze chip. Didn’t know why, now I do! ~Kim >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Finishes

This is the first I have heard of polishing polymer clay beads in a tumbler.  Is there a special brand you use that works best?  This technique sounds wonderful for smaller beads.  It gets very tiring to sand them by hand. ~Diana >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Rock Polisher

Cindy your tips as with all  of your posts was very helpful.  I have a hard time taking the time to finish things.  Like sanding and buffing I hate doing that but I know like you said it is something that I should practice on and do.  So thank you for reminding me. I have found that there is no “right” way to do something.  It all just depends on how you yourself see it and what is easier for you to handle.  Like the heart pin I made,  I made it my way and I like it. Thank you and your DH for all that you do for us. ~Linda >> This comment was originally posted here: Confident Polymer Clay Artists

The comment about being careful with sanding your projects really hit home – I had a pretty mokune gane pattern on the inside of my tiled bracelet – well “had” is the right word because I actually sanded a lot of it off. Oh well, live and learn! (The outside side still looks good though!) ~Maria >> This comment was originally posted here: Polymer Clay Pattern Backgrounds

Thank You , I was hoping that I could use it that way, one for sanding and one for buffing, just watching your tutorial answered the questions I had. ~Donna >> This comment as well as the next 5 comments below, were originally posted at this blog article here: Polymer Clay Tutorial – Polishing Beads in a Rock Tumbler

Cindy- I am so happy to see you have more un-sanded beads than I do!  It was nice to a get a peak at some of those beads in the tubs.  Very cute picture of Doug too. The full video on how to use the rock tumbler is excellent.  I am sure it took a long time experimenting to get the results you wanted to share.  Thank you for all your hard work. ~Anna >> This comment was originally posted in the same blog article as for Donna’s comment above.

Love the look and no sanding, that’s my style! ~Lindsay >> This comment was originally posted here: Faux Pebble Beads

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And loved you are!!! Thanks so much for this video demonstration! I think this method will really be of help to me…now I can go back and fix some of my earliest mistakes…fingerprints, gouges and all. ~Cindy @ How To Sand Polymer Clay

Cindy you are so right about the sanding. A friend and my sister were visiting and looking over my beads And guess what ones they loved the most? You got it the one that had been sanded. They even asked why the other didn’t look as smooth and professional. I use a fine grit that has a thin foam backing on it that seems to work better than just regular sand paper. P.S. I directed both of them to you web site too. ~Yvonne @ Sanding Polymer Clay

Hi Cindy : ) I stole my husband’s Dremmel tool years ago and ended up buying one of my own with variable speeds and tons of attachments to go with it! I don’t know what I would do without it!! I’m a multimedia artist and find a use for it in just about everything I do! (except in painting of course…lol) Thank you for the videos.  //  Yes the swirly beads are addictive…lol I was a good girl and voted already. I happen to be an advanced polymer clay artist. Not an expert, but I can hold my own : ) I finally ordered a supply of Studio Sculpey out of curiosity, (I am a Premo user), and found it to have a suede feel to it. Definitely different. I made a few canes and it did well. The only problem I found was when I was slicing the cane that it isn’t as stiff after resting. In the future I will try putting it in the freezer for around 20 minutes before slicing so it won’t lose it’s shape. Although it doesn’t shine much after sanding and buffing like Premo does, after applying a gloss glaze it is beautiful!  //  I’ve carried on long enough! Hope you are having a great weekend Cindy! ~Mary @ Buffing Polymer Clay Beads

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I have been reading up on polymer clay for about a year now and experimenting whenever possible. Through the hundreds of websites I’ve visited, I found what seemed like equally compelling arguments for and against sanding. Not that anyone was against sanding per se, but rather just thought it was too much effort and you could achieve the same finish by just applying a coat of finish to the unsanded bead. I didn’t know any better and certainly didn’t want to do anything I didn’t have to in order to get a good result. So I didn’t sand and the pieces were fine. When I stumbled across your website a month or 2 ago, I watched your video on sanding. It seemed easy enough and the materials weren’t expensive so I figured what the heck, I’d try it to see the difference. Well, what a difference it made! Just with sanding the colors appear so much brighter than without and the finish makes them look fantastic! Thank you for explaining just how easy it is. ~Cynister @ Sand Your Polymer Clay Beads

Excellent tips – I knew about cornstarch but not the baby oil – so will give it a try. ~Lunes @ Tips To Prevent Fingerprints on Polymer Clay

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