Moiko Silk Screen - 74x105mm - Design 12.07 - Shell Mandalas

Silk Screens measuring 74x105mm (A7) are handmade in Poland by Gosia.  They are designed to use onto polymer clay but can be used with other materials such as porcelain or ceramic clay.

Tips for screen printing onto polymer clay:

• Condition your polymer clay well then roll a sheet the thickness you would like your finished piece to be and lay on a smooth clean work surface (a ceramic tile works well and you can bake the pieces on it with no need to remove and risk causing damage to the soft clay)
• Lay the silk screen shiny side down onto the sheet of clay and gently burnish with a burnisher or back of a spoon to make sure that there is no air trapped beneath the silk screen and so that the sheet is completely adhered to the clay.
• Use an acrylic paint that is polymer compatible with a thick consistency - we use Jacquard Lumiere and Neopaque paints but Liquitex acrylic paint can also be used.
• Apply a line of acrylic paint across the top of the silk screen above the design area, then using an old credit card drag the paint downwards in a firm but gentle and smooth motion. Remove excess paint from the bottom of the sheet as it can be used again.
• Lift one corner and carefully peel the silk screen off your sheet of clay.  You can use again with care on another sheet of clay to repeat the design if it is done right away before washing.
• As soon as you finish printing to avoid your silk screen becoming ruined (acrylic paint can’t be removed once dry) wash immediately in cool water with a little detergent and rinse well - make sure it is fully immersed and rub gently to remove all the paint.   Remove from water, gently dry off excess water and lay flat on an absorbent surface such as paper towel to dry.  
• Allow the acrylic paint to dry on the clay before touching it or cutting shapes.
• Once fully dry use shape cutters or a craft knife and stencils to cut shapes from your sheet and remove the waste clay surrounding the shapes.  
• Bake your finished pieces as per the temperature instructions for your brand of clay.
• After baking it can be a good idea to use a polymer compatible sealant/varnish to seal and protect the design however if you are using Neopaque or Lumiere paint it is heat set and won’t require sealing.