How to use polymer clay cutters!
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Hey makers!
I see a lot of questions being asked in forums by budding creatives just starting their polymer clay journey. The one's that really stand out to me revolve around cutter care (obviosuly, it's my jam).
So, here's a little guide on the basics on how to use clay cutters, and look after them so they last you a long, long time.
Using Polymer Clay Cutters
First up, you've got your new cutters, and you've conditioned your clay, now what? Prep!
- Figure out your ideal clay depth
- Burnish that clay real good
- Use a release agent on the clay, the cutter, or both
- The wiggle
- Lift straight
Clay Depth
Every supplier will offer different cutter dimensions. Make sure your clay is rolled thick enough for any cutter details to show, or be filled with paint etc. Fabled cutters vary from needing 1.5 - 3 mm thick clay, depending on the style. Run some tests with scrap to get the detail depth YOU want in your designs.
Burnishing the Clay
Make sure that your clay slab is burnished well onto your baking tile, glass tile or whatever you have chosen to use for baking. The better it sticks, the less clean up you have afterward.
Release Agents
This is a biggie for detailed imprint and debossing clay cutters. Clay just loves to get stuck in the little details. Common options for ensuring a clean cutter lift are cornflour, Armourall or a bit of either plain or mildly soapy water. Use sparingly, and if using cornflour, dust off the excess with a very soft brush after lifting the cutter before baking. I use a fluffy eyeshadow brush for this as it doesn't leave any marks in the clay.
The Wiggle
While your cutter is still in the clay, give it a gentle wiggle side to side, this should help to release the sides of the clay cut out from the edges of the cutter. This will make lifting much easier.
Lift Straight
Simple, but important. When lifting the cutter from your clay, try to maintain a direct upward motion. If you lift to the side, it might leave marks on the surface of your new clay design, or distort any embossed details.
Caring for your cutters
You've done the big bit, now it's time for clean up. Keeping your cutters clean and storing them correctly will help them be used over and over again, ensuring they last a very long time. Below, you'll find some basic care instructions.
- Clean
- Dry
- Store
Cleaning Clay Cutters
Clay cutters get dirty. Whether they are covered in relase agent or clay - they need to be kept clean. Fabled cutters can be handwashed using a soft brush - like a toothbrush, warm water and mild dish soap. I use fairy liquid because it's already in my home and does the job. Gently scrub the cutter with the warm soapy water making sure you get between any imprint patterns. DO NOT USE HOT WATER / DISHWASHER. The material these cutters are made from is heat reactive, it can soften and distort when exposed to heat over 45 degrees celecius.
Drying Clay Cutters
Dry your freshly cleaned cutters with paper towel, microfiber cloth, or leave them on the somewhere safe to air dry.
Storing Clay Cutters
Keep your clean and dry cutters somewhere secure and away from heat sources. Is the cupboard right next to the hottest radiator in the house a good idea? Probably not. There are many storage options available and everybody will have their own preferences and needs. You can read a bit more on some ideas in my clay cutter storage blog here.
And that's the basics when it comes to clay cutters made from PLA - which all Fabled Cutters currently are.
If you still have questions, I'm happy to help - please send me a message and I'll get back to you ASAP!