Polymer Clay on Glass

[Former_Member]

I'd like to make coffee cups with clay scenes on them. How do you get the clay to adhere to the glass? I have seen a few with "wraps" of clay the same color as the cup. I have also seen glass wear with "free standing" clay.

Do you attach with liquid clay? I tried once with liquid clay but after baking the smaller elements came off easily. Please help!

[Former_Member]

I'd also love to know what people prefer when covering glass object with clay designs - clay direct on glass, clay and liquid clay on glass, or clay and clay on glass (covering the entire glass with sheets of clay, then adhering the design clay onto it)?

[BlueTurtleCrafts]

I used to do a lot of clay on glass. I would cover candle holders and the clay would stay on with no adhesive, it kinda forms to the shape of the bowl, but it can crack sometimes because the clay shrinks just a tiny bit.

When I put my roses on the rim of little candle holders I just do a ring of leaves overlapping or at least touching a bit, and then the roses on top. Then when they're done cooking and cooling I would intentionally, carefully "break" them off (it would usually come off in a ring or a couple pieces) and then glue them back on ('cause I knew they'd come off if I didn't) haha :)

Liquid clay will just peel off of glass too unless you glue it. It clings but doesn't really stick permanently.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for your input, Kathy. :)

[playsculptlive]

I've done faux stained glass and I glue the black "lead onto the glass with kato poly glue which is safe to bake. Works great! Then the stained part is liquid clay that stays within the black "lead' clay. Unless the design is the reason your clay will stay on the glass, you need to glue it on.

[Former_Member]

I have found that the only way I got polymer clay to adhere to glass and not fall off was to cover the item completely. If you just partially cover it, it will tend to come off eventually, especially if you are putting hot liquid in the cup. You can glue it on with a glue like Sobo to help it stick. I haven't used liquid clay to adhere it as its more for joining raw clay with baked clay. I think you would be better with the Sobo glue and it can be baked so you can use it on raw clay. Good luck!

[LindasArtSpot]

It depends on the shape of the object for a typical coffee mug. Clay would need to go all around it, I might even consider covering some of the handle.

If you are just attaching a small section you will need to use something like crazy glue. Sobo won't last.

But you will probably always have long term issues, because the mug will be heating up and cooling down often which can cause cracking on seams of the clay.