Lemon Pledge

Has anyone ever used this as a release agent? Years ago in sculpting class we
used to use it for plaster in plaster molds, but I don't ever recall seeing it
mentioned for polymer clay. I've recently tried it and it works much better
than talcum powder (probably easier on the mold, too). (I have yet to bake
what I've pulled but I presume it will be OK after baking).

| On 05 Mar 2004 07:42:49 GMT, ustible (AlleyCatStudio1) wrote:

Has anyone ever used this as a release agent? Years ago in sculpting class we
used to use it for plaster in plaster molds, but I don't ever recall seeing it
mentioned for polymer clay. I've recently tried it and it works much better
than talcum powder (probably easier on the mold, too). (I have yet to bake
what I've pulled but I presume it will be OK after baking).

I use Armor-all. Haven't tried Pledge, but given how Pam stuck the clay to
a chocolate mold like it was glued in, I would tend to steer away from oily
stuff. Talcum powder leaves a visible residue. Cornstarch powder at least
washes off, even after baking. With Armor-all you still need to wash the
baked piece before applying Future or Flecto, or they'll bead up. It makes
a nice, smooth surface for non-glazed stuff, though.

Helen "Halla" Fleischer, Fantasy & Fiber Artist
http://home.covad.net/~drgandalf/halla/
Balticon Art Program Coordinator http://www.balticon.org

I would contact the makers of the polish to see if it is safe for the
residue of their product to be heated at the temperature you are
baking your clay at. It could produce toxins. It's best to be safe
than sorry.

Sn0wflakes

Helen Halla Fleischer wrote:

| On 05 Mar 2004 07:42:49 GMT, ustible
(AlleyCatStudio1)
wrote:

Has anyone ever used this as a release agent? Years ago in sculpting class
we
used to use it for plaster in plaster molds, but I don't ever recall seeing
it
mentioned for polymer clay. I've recently tried it and it works much better
than talcum powder (probably easier on the mold, too). (I have yet to
bake
what I've pulled but I presume it will be OK after baking).

I use Armor-all. Haven't tried Pledge, but given how Pam stuck the clay
to
a chocolate mold like it was glued in, I would tend to steer away from oily
stuff.

I did a web search for the ingredients to Pledge and found this:

http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives...9447.Ch.r.html

Silicone oil (1-5%)
Wax emulsion (wax, water and surfactant) (1-5%)
mineral spirits (20%)
water (remainder%)
fragrance. (0.1% or less, usually lemon)

I haven't encountered any problems with clay sticking to the mold at all; in
fact, after using it for a number of different molds I'd say it's much better
and less messy than the powder methods. All you need to do is spray and wipe
the excess spray and moisture away.

I just baked 25 pieces the other day and there doesn't appear to be any problem
with affecting the polymer during baking, either (although I'm usually in
another room when I'm using the oven to bake polymer, but the caution about
possible toxicity with chemicals combining is good advice).