Today’s Back to Basics is all about special agent release!!
Nope, not an international secret spy, but a very important job nevertheless!
Using a release agent when working with metal clay is a basic but essential step, and not one to be skipped.
If your clay keeps sticking this is likely to be the reason.
Metal clay has a tendency to adhere to various surfaces such as hands, textures, work surfaces, rollers, and almost anything else it comes into contact with.
To prevent sticking, using a release agent is essential to make manipulating and handling the metal clay easier.
Commonly used lubricants include:
🔥Badger Balm, (Not made from or for real badgers I must as!😂)
🔥Cool slip
🔥And my personal favorite olive oil.
Top tips
Never use Vaseline or other petroleum-based products with metal clay! As they can react with the binder in metal clay.
If you are using a solid product like badger balm, warm it in your palms before applying a thin layer to a texture or a flattened clay slab.
I like to store my olive oil in a little pot with a lid and a small piece of sponge (contact lenses pot is ideal) When I lightly tap a finger onto the sponge to apply the oil. This should provide sufficient lubrication. You can also plunge cutters on to the oil-soaked sponge directly is stored in this way
Woah there not too much! Excessive lubrication can give the clay a grainy crumbly texture. In such cases, add an equal amount of fresh clay to the grainy clay rehydrated by kneading them together in a plastic wrap.
Release agents should be used to lightly lubricate all tools and textures before working with the clay. Certain textures such as Rubber texture mats tend to need a little more lubrication compared to plastic or metal textures, equally acrylic, and plastic rollers might also need a bit more lubrication than PVC rollers.
You can apply the release agent with your fingertips, a little sponge, spray bottle (Cool slip) or even a flat-ended paint brush or a soft toothbrush.
You can also use lightly on your hands to stop the clay from sticking and to give you beautifully soft hands! ( bonus)
What release agent do you like to use and why? Comment below .
Best wishes
Emma x
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