Arielle Cruz
Rubbing alcohol, which typically contains 70-91% isopropyl alcohol, is a versatile tool for polymer clay artists. It can be used to smooth and remove surface imperfections such as fingerprints, bumps, smudges, and hairs from raw clay. While it won't cut into baked clay, it can be used to remove surface oils or residue, test paint types, and clean tools. Although it is a useful solvent, it should be used with caution, in a well-ventilated area, and with minimal skin contact. This article will explore the uses of 91% alcohol in thinning and working with oil-based clay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Rubbing alcohol can be used to thin oil-based clay and remove surface imperfections, such as fingerprints, bumps, smudges, and hairs. It can also be used to test if paint is acrylic or oil-based. |
| Effectiveness | Rubbing alcohol can effectively smooth and thin oil-based clay, but it may not be able to remove larger defects like cracks and divots. It is also useful for removing surface oils or residue from cured clay before painting or sealing. |
| Types | Isopropyl alcohol, with a concentration of 91% or higher, is recommended for thinning oil-based clay. Lower concentrations can also work, but higher concentrations are preferred due to faster evaporation. |
| Application | Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab or paintbrush and wipe it over the desired areas of the clay. For small, detailed areas, use a toothbrush. |
| Availability | Rubbing alcohol is readily available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and discount stores in the US. Outside the US, it can be purchased online or from specialised stores. |
| Precautions | Work in a well-ventilated area and minimise skin contact. Avoid overheating the clay when using a heat source, as it may start dripping or burning. |
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What You'll Learn
91% isopropyl alcohol can be used to remove surface oils and residue from clay
91% isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, can be used to effectively remove surface oils and residue from clay. It is a common solvent that has many uses with polymer clay. It can be used to remove small imperfections, such as fingerprints, smudges, debris, hair, and lint, from the clay's surface. It can also be used to remove dried varnish from brushes or baked polymer clay.
Rubbing alcohol is available in concentrations ranging from 70% to 99% isopropyl alcohol. While lower concentrations can be effective, higher concentrations, such as 91%, are generally preferred for removing surface oils and residue from clay. This is because the 70% variety contains 30% water, which takes longer to evaporate.
When using 91% isopropyl alcohol to remove surface oils and residue from clay, it is recommended to use a spray bottle for ease of application. Simply spray the alcohol directly onto the clay's surface or use a cotton swab or clean paintbrush to wipe it over the desired areas.
It is important to note that while isopropyl alcohol is effective at removing surface oils and residue, it will not fix structural issues in the clay. Larger defects, such as cracks and divots, are best addressed by adding extra material and sanding before the clay cures.
Additionally, while isopropyl alcohol is safer than some other solvents, it is still important to work in a well-ventilated area and minimize skin contact. Always follow safety precautions and properly dispose of any waste generated during the cleaning process.
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It can be used to remove a bad finish from clay
Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is a versatile substance with many applications in the world of arts and crafts, particularly with polymer clay. It is a common solvent that can be used to smooth and refine the surface of clay creations.
While it is important to note that rubbing alcohol will not cut into the surface of baked polymer clay, it can be used to remove a bad finish from raw clay. This process is ideal for removing unwanted coatings from clay beads or other creations. Simply soak the clay pieces in a dish of rubbing alcohol and then wipe them with a paper towel.
For best results, use a higher concentration of isopropyl alcohol, such as 91% or 99%. These higher concentrations are more effective at removing surface oils, residue, and unwanted finishes. Lower concentrations, such as 70%, can still be effective but may take longer due to the higher water content.
In addition to removing unwanted finishes, rubbing alcohol can also be used to clean tools and work surfaces, remove fingerprints and smudges, and even condition the clay by adding moisture back into it. It is a useful substance to have on hand for any clay or craft project and can be easily found in most pharmacies, grocery stores, or online.
When working with rubbing alcohol, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and minimize skin contact. Isopropyl alcohol is highly flammable, so keep it away from high heat, open flames, ovens, heaters, and other potential sources of ignition.
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It can be used to smooth out clay and remove fingerprints
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a versatile and inexpensive solution that can be used to smooth out clay and remove fingerprints. It is readily available in pharmacies, grocery stores, and discount stores in the US, and online or at specialised stores outside the US.
When working with oil-based clay, such as polymer clay, it is essential to use the right tools and techniques to achieve a smooth and flawless finish. Rubbing alcohol can effectively remove surface oils, residue, and unwanted textures like fingerprints, smudges, and debris from the clay surface. It is important to note that while rubbing alcohol can be used on raw clay, it will not cut into the surface of baked polymer clay to remove fingerprints.
To use rubbing alcohol for smoothing and fingerprint removal, simply dip a cotton swab or a clean, quality paintbrush into the alcohol and wipe it over the desired areas. For best results, use a higher concentration of isopropyl alcohol, such as 91% or 99%, as it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue. However, lower concentrations can still be effective.
In addition to using rubbing alcohol, there are other techniques to minimise fingerprints on clay. Wearing snug-fitting latex or nitrile gloves, or using finger cots, can help prevent fingerprints from forming on the clay surface. Using a rotating base, such as a Lazy Susan or a clay turntable, allows you to work on your piece from different angles without touching it directly, reducing the chances of fingerprints.
While rubbing alcohol is a useful and inexpensive tool for smoothing oil-based clay and removing fingerprints, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area and minimise skin contact when using this product.
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It can be used to clean tools
Rubbing alcohol, also known as isopropyl alcohol, is a common household item with multiple uses, including cleaning tools. It is a natural bactericidal treatment, meaning it kills bacteria, fungus, and viruses. However, it doesn't necessarily prevent their growth.
When using rubbing alcohol to clean tools, it is important to use a concentration of no less than 50%. Lower concentrations may not effectively kill bacteria. Most manufacturers sell rubbing alcohol in 70% or 90% formulations. While 70% is more suitable for skin application, a higher concentration, such as 91%, is recommended for cleaning tools as it evaporates quickly and doesn't leave any residue. This higher concentration can be used to remove surface oils or residue from polymer clay.
Rubbing alcohol can be used to clean gardening tools. It is an effective disinfectant and offers advantages over other products. For example, it can be used as a wipe, with no soaking required, and there is no need to rinse the product off. Additionally, it is immediately effective. However, it is important to note that alcohol is highly flammable. To disinfect gardening tools, dip them in a solution of 70-100% alcohol or wipe them with the solution.
For nail care tools, there is a saying that metal tools can be properly sanitized and disinfected in isopropyl alcohol for 10 seconds. However, another source mentions that isopropyl alcohol cannot sanitize metal tools on its own. Proper cleaning of metal tools involves scrubbing under warm water with soap, drying, and then submerging in a hospital-grade disinfectant.
Overall, rubbing alcohol is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used to clean a variety of tools, including those used for gardening, crafting, and nail care. It is important to follow the recommended concentrations and safety precautions when using this product.
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It can be used to test if paint is acrylic or oil-based
While 91% isopropyl alcohol can be used to remove surface oils or residue from clay, it does not thin oil-based clay. However, it can be used to test if paint is acrylic or oil-based.
Isopropyl alcohol, also known as rubbing alcohol, is a handy product to have in your art studio. It is easily available in pharmacies, grocery stores, or discount stores in the US, and online or at chemists outside the US. It is very inexpensive—a quart bottle can be purchased for a few dollars. It is a great product to have when working with polymer clay.
Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove surface imperfections on polymer clay. It can be used to smooth the clay and remove fingerprints, smudges, debris, and hair. Simply dip a cotton swab or a clean paintbrush in some rubbing alcohol and wipe it over the problem areas. It is best to use a higher concentration of alcohol, such as 91% or 99%, as it evaporates quickly and does not leave any residue. However, lower concentrations can also be effective.
Additionally, rubbing alcohol can be used to test if paint is acrylic or oil-based. To do this, rub a cured swatch of paint with some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel. If the colour comes off, it is water-based paint. This is a simple and effective way to test the composition of your paint before starting your artwork.
While 91% isopropyl alcohol has many uses in the art studio, thinning oil-based clay is not one of them. It can be used to smooth and refine clay pieces, remove surface oils, and test the base of paints. It is a versatile product that every artist should have in their toolkit.
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Frequently asked questions
No, 91% alcohol does not work to thin oil-based clay. However, it can be used to smooth and remove surface imperfections such as fingerprints, smudges, and debris from polymer clay.
Mineral oil works as a clay conditioner, adding some oils back into the clay to soften it and help it blend together. Cornstarch can also be used to create a silky soft layer between your fingers and the clay, filling in gaps.
You can use a rough nail file to shave the cured piece down into a pile of clay dust. Mix the dust with a two-part epoxy glue to make a putty, press it into any cracks, and then sand and smooth the edges.
91% alcohol can be used to remove surface oils or residue from cured polymer clay. It can also be used to test whether paint is acrylic or oil-based.
