Tips on Cleaning Baked Clay

[Former_Member]

Hello!
I was wondering what tips people have for cleaning fuzzies, specs, and the like from clay pieces that have already been baked.
I've heard that sand paper is a good tool, but are there any other methods that are similarily or even more effective?
Also how would one go about using sand paper in such a way, and what kind is the best to use?

Any advice would be great!

[ThisLittleKittenShop]

I always try to clean mine before baking, but I think using nail polish remover and a q tip works for after baking. Ive never used sand paper after baking but Im guessing a really fine sand paper would be needed.

[JuskanCreations]

I used sand paper several times. It's quite effective but the result is slightly dull. If you want to clean just a few areas I wouldn't recommend sand paper. Nail polish remover removed some color of my polymerclay too so I just use it when it comes to white polymerclay.
Like Tonia said try to clean it before baking. Maybe it helps if you use a wet Q-tip to smoothe the surface in small circular movements.
I've also read that you can use corn starch to remove your fingerprints. Just don't rub it to much into your polymerclay. After baking your piece just wash the corn starch off.

[Former_Member]

I used to clean my pieces with rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip before baking, but one day the rubbing alcohol started to make the top layer of my clay sticky.

Now I use acetone nail polish remover and a Q-tip to clean my pieces after they have been baked. It works like a charm every time! I also use acetone to remove messy acrylic paint details from my pieces.

But be warned, acetone can take the texture off of your pieces, so it is best to only use it on smooth surfaces. Also it is a good idea to use a new Q-tip when ever you begin cleaning a differently colored portion of your clay piece.

[Former_Member]

I have read about acetone nail polish and a q-tip for before baking clay, so I tried afterwards as well, but my piece became smudged with white. I must have used too much. Thanks for the tip about changing q-tips however, Kristen!

Otherwise, I have also heard a fine sandpaper is what should be used if choosing to go that route...


It seems like cleaning before is the best option, according to you guys so I will work harder on that and try out your wet q-tip suggestion as well as other things I've learned from other threads.

Thanks again!