Coloring clay involves changing the color of polymer clay using natural or synthetic substances. Typically, you can use either pigments or dyes to change the color of polymer clay. Dyes are natural or synthetic coloring substances that don't require binding agents to infuse permanent coloring effects, while pigments are coloring substances with binding agents that produce vibrant colors. Both options can be used to color white or translucent polymer clay and liquid polymer clay. Incorporating dyes into polymer clay produces more permanent results than pigments because they don't separate, and the highest-quality dyes don't fade quickly. Natural dyes are extracted from natural sources, such as plants and minerals, while synthetic dyes are derived from organic and inorganic compounds. Artificial dyes are more affordable and come in a wide range of colors.
Discover the different mediums for dyeing polymer clay to inspire your next coloring endeavor.
How to Add Color to Polymer Clay
Alcohol inks are permanent, concentrated dyes dissolved in alcohol that come in dropper bottles and are available in various colors. These intense dyes are alcohol-based and waterproof, meaning they disperse and evaporate from raw and unbaked clay quickly. Additionally, dye-based alcohol inks have unique and versatile effects on polymer clay, making them the perfect choice.
Alcohol inks infuse a subtle yet striking effect on polymer clay because they do not obstruct the texture, shading or details of your creations. They can also be used with any type and color of clay, including white or translucent clays and liquid polymer clay.
However, the effects of dyeing these different mediums vary. For instance, dyeing already colored clays requires adding more alcohol inks, while dyeing white polymer clay always produces pastel colors. Adding alcohol inks to translucent or liquid polymer clay creates intriguing faux-colored glass effects.
There are at least three ways to add alcohol inks to polymer clay crafts — mixing them into unbaked clay, applying them onto unbaked creations and using them to paint on baked projects. Let's break down these methods to add color to polymer clay using alcohol inks.
Mixing Alcohol Inks Into Unbaked Polymer Clay
This coloring process generally involves these steps:
- Choose an alcohol ink color that complements or completes the original clay color.
- Wear an apron or old clothes to catch stains.
- Protect the surface with a nonporous work surface, such as the Sculpey Tools™ Oven-Safe Work Mat, oven-proof glass or metal sheet.
- Spread a thin sheet of polymer clay onto your protected surface.
- Pour a few drops of alcohol ink on the raw clay and allow it to dry before you start mixing. Letting the alcohol ink dry makes mixing less messy.
- Start kneading the clay to ensure even mixing and a consistent color.
- Add more alcohol ink drop by drop until you achieve your desired color.
- Allow the alcohol ink to dry completely before you put your polymer clay craft in the oven.
Applying Alcohol Inks Directly Onto Unbaked Polymer Clay
You can also apply alcohol inks to ready and unbaked polymer clay crafts. Alcohol inks tend to bleed through unbaked polymer clay, causing a staining effect on the surface. The dye locks into the clay and becomes permanent when you bake. Note that applying alcohol ink to the surface of a polymer clay project may affect its texture, especially when you use too much or apply the ink thickly.
Adding Alcohol Inks to Baked Polymer Clay
Sometimes, alcohol inks change when baked, especially if you use low-quality dyes or colors that break down when exposed to high temperatures. You can confirm this by doing a test bake with a small piece of polymer clay to ensure your polymer craft will come out as expected. Alternatively, use alcohol inks to paint on baked polymer clay.
Applying alcohol inks to baked polymer clay stains the surface. It's great for adding textures and details with a small paintbrush. Remember to bake the clay again after application. Apply thin coats of alcohol ink to avoid leaving a sticky residue from the thickener in the dye-based inks.
You may need to seal your polymer clay crafts after applying alcohol inks to create a barrier. This barrier prevents the dye from running when in contact with solvents and alcoholic substances, like sanitizers and cleaning products. You don't need to seal polymer clay crafts dyed with alcohol inks before baking.
Alternatives to Alcohol Ink Dyes
Besides alcohol inks, you can use other dyes to color your polymer clay crafts:
- Stamp pads: These fibrous pads hold dye and transfer it onto baked or unbaked polymer clay crafts.
- Fabric dyes: These natural dyes create unique textures and colors. They provide better color consistency than synthetic dyes.
- Permanent markers: Markers containing alcohol inks are readily available and effective for dyeing polymer clay crafts. You can use the markers to paint baked crafts or add drops of refillable marker inks onto unbaked polymer clay.
- Color tints: A superior alternative to alcohol inks are intense and highly concentrated color tints. They create unique custom colors that are permanent and don't fade even when exposed to direct light. The Sculpey Multi-Pack Color Tints include red, yellow and blue tint bottles with precision tips for effortless and precise coloring.
Can I Color Polymer Clay With Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is a popular medium for coloring polymer clay because it's affordable and readily available. However, it's not a dye-based colorant — it's a pigment-based colorant that's easy to work with and fast-drying. Acrylic paint is water-based and, therefore, best used on baked and cooled polymer clay crafts to prevent damage and distortion.
Can I Color Polymer Clay With Food Dye?
Food dye is not an ideal colorant for polymer clay because it contains water, sugar and other sweeteners that prevent the curing process of your crafts. Food coloring is best used for coloring homemade clays.
Can I Color Liquid Polymer Clay?
Yes! You can dye liquid polymer clays using various substances, including alcohol inks and stamp pads. Mix Colored Liquid Sculpey® with color tints in a silicone mixing set that allows you to see how the colors change. Translucent and clear Liquid Sculpey® can be dyed to produce beautiful glass-like colors. Dyeing liquid polymer clay can produce interesting effects, like marbling.
Start Your Colorful Creations With Sculpey® Polymer Clays
For the best polymer clay dyeing projects, you must start with high-quality polymer clays. Sculpey is the leading manufacturer of polymer clays to help you inspire creativity and innovation.
Our oven-bake clay is made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base that ensures it stays soft when working, and the creations retain their size and color after baking. Our liquid Sculpey bakes lightweight, flexible and long-lasting crafts that can take on custom colors by tinting with alcohol inks.
To learn more tips for working with our oven-bake or liquid polymer clays, explore our blogs and how-to pages. You can also check out our wide selection of polymer clays, tools and accessories for your next polymer clay creations.
