Powders can be used on polymer clay for some really unusual and special effects. Brush the powder onto the uncured clay with your fingers or a paintbrush. Artist’s pastels, chalk, embossing powders and even makeup can be used.
The best paint to use on polymer clay is acrylic (water-based). Applying the paint in thin washes will work best. Enamel paints will never completely dry on the clay and should be avoided.
To attach two baked pieces of clay together, superglue works wonderfully. Two-part epoxy glue and the E6000 craft glue is great for attaching metal jewelry findings to baked polymer clay. White craft glue is useful for attaching doll’s hair and fabric to baked polymer clay. Liquid Diluent can be used for a raw clay to raw clay bond, or cured clay to raw clay bond. Many clay artist’s finish their work with varnish for a shiny or matte surface treatment. Alcohol or water based varnishes work best, as the enamel or oil based varnishes will never completely dry on baked polymer clay.
Metal leaf sheets or flakes can be pressed into the unbaked clay or applied after baking. The leaf will easily stick to unbaked clay but must be sealed after the piece is baked. Available in gold, copper, silver and variegated colors, the metal gives a rich effect to the finished piece.