Tips & tricks for using clay cutters
Delen
Cutters are indispensable in the world of polymer clay. They help you work quickly, repeatedly, and precisely – provided you use them correctly. In this blog, I'll share handy tips to get the most out of your cutters. These tips are also ideal to print on the back of your packing slip as a reminder!
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Always use evenly rolled-out clay. A uniform surface is essential. Roll out your clay on a tile or glass plate and ensure that the thickness is consistent throughout. An acrylic roller or slab roller is very useful for this.
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Moisten your cutter (lightly!). Press your cutter once into a damp cloth or dab with a baby wipe. This will prevent the clay from sticking to your mold – especially with details.
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Press straight down, don't wobble. A straight, firm pressure gives the cleanest cut. Avoid twisting or wobbling, as this will fray the edges.
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Lift your cutter with a small rotating cradle. Especially with flat shapes, it helps to lift the cutter slightly at an angle after cutting. This prevents deformation.
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Use a cocktail pick or skewer for small pieces. Is there still clay stuck in a cutter? Then use a thin needle or skewer to carefully loosen it. Don't pull – push from behind.
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Bake your creation on a tile (and for longer than you think) Baking on a ceramic tile prevents warping. And feel free to bake for 60 minutes (or longer) – this makes your work stronger, especially with soufflés.
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Keep your cutters dust-free. Use a sealed container or bag to store your cutters. This will keep the cutting edges clean and sharp.