Painting Polymer Clay Charms:Bad?

So I sometimes go on Etsy to get ideas for charms that I want to make. Recently I've decided that I want to sell some of my creations. For some of the charms that I "favorited", the desrciption that the sellers put underneath the charm says "no molds, machinery, or paint used on any of my charms." I then realized that usually I paint my charms with acrylic paint because I don't have the money to buy all these different colored polymer clays. I really wouldn't want to try and sell my charms to people if painting them lowers the quality. So is painting them bad?

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12 replies since 31st May 2012 • Last reply 31st May 2012

Reply #1:

I don't think that painting the smaller parts is bad, the only reason I can think they would list that is because if they aren't covered in a glaze/gloss/protective finish, the acrylic might rub off or wear off over time. I think if you paint yours and then glaze it you should be fine to sell them online Happy

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Reply #2:

Oh, pheww! That's good. I have to find a good glaze. I haven't found one that works for me yet. Thank you Pamela.(:

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Reply #3:

I've seen plenty of painted polymer clay objects on Etsy, so don't worry about it. Pamela is right. As long as you have a good glaze or finish, you should be fine selling your charms.

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Reply #4:

Thanks, it'll make it alot easier on me.

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Reply #5:

You can also mix your paint in white clay to create the colors you don't have and it works fine too.

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Reply #6:

As long as you add a gloss coat, infact sometimes painted looks better

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Reply #7:

I wouldnt worry like everyones saying a layer or 2 of gloss should help, Fimo and sculpey both have their own glosses for it.

Plus you can get a great variety of effects through painting

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Reply #8:

Thanks guys, some of the smaller details have to be painted on , so all this advice really helps thanks!

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Reply #9:

No, but If you get desperate, you can paint them with nail polish

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Reply #10:

...but avoid nail polish as much as you can. It can get gummy after time, chip off, and/or yellow faster than other glazes

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Reply #11:

I didn't know that! Oh man I'm scared now. I use nail polish on every thing

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Reply #12:

Actually .... I know someone that makes clay charms as a full-time business (& ive dabbled in it myself). I honestly think customers value the work more if its done completely in clay, no paint. It makes the charms virtually "wear-proof", bc itll never chip/fade/crack. It also takes more time & effort, & you can sell them for more $ that way. So yeah it does make a difference.
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If its done completely in paint, your gonna run into problems with wear (even with gloss) & the value is gonna go down. ...BUT if some lil parts of it is paint (like just the eyes, etc). I think your fine, I do that too. Happy It shouldn't be a problem.

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