Polymer-Clay and Powder-Coating

I recently discovered that powder-coating -as used on highway I-beams, autos, etc not only works on metal but on polymer-clay items as well! In fact, it works on most any item that you can bake in your home oven. Powder-coating provides a lustrous glaze and makes polymer clay items much stronger.

These vases from thrift stores and donations have polymer-clay features. I've also used construction glue (the kind that comes in an 8-1/2" tube and is used with a metal glue gun). Acrylic paint is then added to the construction glue, which in it's natural state is an oyster color. The colored construction glue has texture - for instance for leaves and snow, but also works as an adhesive for the heavier polymer-clay items, it bakes well and does not crack or shrink.

 This carousel was done with images of carousel horses from the internet, which were then copied with reverse images for the back of the horses which show through the glass and still look good. The horse images were cut out and Mod Podged to a layer of polymer clay-on both front and back of the clay. These were Mod Podged to the glass, polymer clay poles and canopy were added and all was treated with clear powder-coating and baked.

Above: This "Gardenia Vase" with polymer clay gardenia and rose buds, also has actual ribbon using a thin polymer clay strip between two layers of ribbon with Mod Podge, and finally, powder coating for a glaze and strength,.

Below: The top steel cross has been embellished with powder-coated polymer clay flowers, and the entire cross - front and back -  has been thoroughly powder-coated. It will be added to the gravestone of my aunt. The powder coating not only gives a great deal of added strength, but also makes the cross highly weather resistant.