tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342033847781616184.post4070871055700509562..comments2023-09-26T08:07:15.989-07:00Comments on Cara Jane: Sanding experimentCara Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15046071099604009595noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342033847781616184.post-85939611746339441262010-03-25T20:25:41.457-07:002010-03-25T20:25:41.457-07:00We have found that how smooth your clay is before ...We have found that how smooth your clay is before it is baked also determines how much or little you need to sand afterwards. Most of my pieces are quite smooth before sanding so I don't have to sand as much thus why I do it all by hand and not use a rock polisher. I usually start with 320 for larger pieces if there are any larger bumps that I missed before baking otherwise I only use 400 and then 800. I never have to go any higher as I use to and felt there wasn't any difference.2 Good Claymateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15628362579882660652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342033847781616184.post-23984629605591394852010-03-26T01:51:59.830-07:002010-03-26T01:51:59.830-07:00I recently sanded some beads. Then had to make thr...I recently sanded some beads. Then had to make three more as they didn't reach round the wrist. I then varnished them. Forgot to sand the final three before varnishing and can't tell the difference! Will monitor your progress on this one.Fionahttp://www.tizduster.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342033847781616184.post-52443378206297055852010-03-26T01:53:10.492-07:002010-03-26T01:53:10.492-07:00PS the Sue Heaser book I have is The Art and Craft...PS the Sue Heaser book I have is The Art and Craft of Polymer ClayFionahttp://www.tizduster.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342033847781616184.post-72462298118104479742010-03-26T02:58:50.879-07:002010-03-26T02:58:50.879-07:00Carolyn how do you finish after sanding? Do you ha...Carolyn how do you finish after sanding? Do you hand sand little round beads too? I have real trouble with that.<br><br>Fiona I now have some varnish so am going to try it for pretty much the first time (used a bit of Fimo glass varnish in the past but been unhappy with the result). I figured they all look much the same but you can feel a slight difference so that makes sense you can't tell when you apply a finish.<br><br>So many more things to work out still!surfingcathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06432355835617438260noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342033847781616184.post-6088774550899093012010-03-26T06:06:36.343-07:002010-03-26T06:06:36.343-07:00Believe it or not, we (my hubby and I sand togethe...Believe it or not, we (my hubby and I sand together) sand all our beads -- even the round ones -- by hand. If they are really smooth I will do the 400 grit and then Dave does the 800. I find if he does the 400 he doesn't know his own strength and the beads suddenly aren't round anymore! lol <br><br>If the really small beads are quite smooth already I only touch them up with 800 grit. The only ones I don't sand are my little rondelles which really don't need it.<br><br>We've tried the tumbler method and we just found it didn't work for us and Dave says he noticed how my beads are so smooth after baking sometimes he thinks they don't even need sanding but we sand them anyways.2 Good Claymateshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15628362579882660652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342033847781616184.post-26241507606556426222010-03-27T02:53:05.116-07:002010-03-27T02:53:05.116-07:00I use 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 grit. If a use 1200 ...I use 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 grit. If a use 1200 for a lot of sanding in the end the beads are lovely after buffing with an old t-shirt.<br>I recently bought micromesh but haven´t tried it out. <br>I have tried to use 2000 grit and it made a huge difference. More shine and smooth. I read once that one had to use 6 strokes of each grit on the beads. But after A LOT of sanding I´ve got to know my clay and kind of know how much sanding I need. It was all about experience for me. <br>Good luck!!!Flowermouse Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10844308068599159223noreply@blogger.com