What Can I Use To Shine Clay?
Clay shine refers to creating a glossy, sleek surface on clay projects to enhance their aesthetic appeal. There are many different materials that can be used to give clay a beautiful shine, ranging from natural oils to synthetic polymers. When selecting a shine material, it’s important to consider the clay type, desired finish, and safety. Some clays and finishes are not food-safe, so those should be avoided for functional pieces like mugs or bowls.
This article will provide an overview of the most common shine materials used on polymer and air-dry clays. Natural oils like olive, mineral, linseed, beeswax, and carnauba wax produce soft, gentle sheens. Synthetic options like polymer varnish lead to a harder, more durable high-gloss. Each material provides a slightly different finish and needs to be applied and buffed in specific ways. With various options to choose from, clayers can find the perfect shine for their project.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a popular choice for shining clay. It absorbs into the clay to create a lovely sheen without leaving any oily residue behind. The oil enhances the natural colors of the clay, bringing out richer tones.
Olive oil gives clay a smooth, silky feel and won’t alter the clay’s properties or make it sticky. It provides a subtle shine that brings life to the clay surface. The oil is easy to apply by brushing or rubbing it directly onto baked or unbaked clay.
The shine from olive oil is temporary and will dissipate over time. Reapplying the oil can revive the sheen. While olive oil can go rancid over time, this is not a concern for shining clay which does not involve long-term contact or storage.
Mineral Oil
One of the most popular options for shining clay is mineral oil. Mineral oil easily penetrates the tiny pores in clay, lending a subtle satin shine without being overly glossy. It works well for both air dry and oven-baked clays.
Mineral oil is considered food-safe and non-toxic, so it’s a good choice for shining sculptures or clay pieces intended for functional use like mugs or bowls. It has very little odor compared to some other oil options. This makes it convenient to use without worrying about lingering smells.
Mineral oil can be found at most pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. It’s typically inexpensive and sold in small bottles. A little bit of mineral oil goes a long way in providing shine to clay projects. Just apply a thin coat, let it soak in fully, and buff with a soft cloth.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a popular natural wax polish used to give clay a protective finish and subtle sheen. As a completely natural product made by honey bees, beeswax contains no synthetic chemicals or preservatives.
When rubbed onto clay, beeswax forms a thin protective coating that helps shield the clay from moisture, dust, and other contaminants. This coating enhances the durability and longevity of clay artworks and crafts.
In addition to protecting clay, beeswax has natural antibacterial properties that can help inhibit mold growth. The antibacterial effects come from compounds like oleic acid, palmitic acid, and hydroxy-octacosanyl acetate found in beeswax.
The natural honey-yellow color of beeswax can also beautifully enhance the look of clay, bringing out subtle warm undertones in the material. Beeswax gives clay a soft satin-matte finish, without an overly glossy or sticky look.
Overall, beeswax is an excellent traditional option for finishing and protecting clay artwork in a safe, natural way.
Carnauba Wax
Carnauba wax is derived from the leaves of a palm tree known as Copernicia prunifera. This palm is native to northeastern Brazil, where it thrives in the hot and humid climate. The leaves of this palm tree produce a waxy coating that helps protect it from drying out in the intense heat. That wax can be extracted to create carnauba wax.
When used to shine clay surfaces, carnauba wax imparts a hard, long-lasting shine. The wax produces a high-gloss finish that really makes clay pieces pop with luminosity. Carnauba wax is often used by professional potters to give their finished wares a beautiful, smooth sheen.
Unlike some other waxes, carnauba wax requires buffing to properly seal and shine the clay’s surface. Simply brushing it on is not enough. You’ll need to rigorously buff the wax into the clay to get that crisp, brilliant shine. The effort is well worth it though, as carnauba wax produces one of the most durable and radiant finishes for clay.
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is a popular option for shining clay. It is derived from the seeds of the flax plant and penetrates deeply into the clay for a smooth, deep sheen. One of the signature properties of linseed oil is that it has a very long drying time. This allows the oil to fully saturate the clay. While this long drying time produces a beautiful finish, it also means you may have to wait a day or more before handling the clay after applying linseed oil. The oil has a faint golden tone that gives clay a warmer, richer look. Just a thin coat of linseed oil can make clay take on a glow. Many ceramic artists swear by linseed oil for the depth of shine it can produce.
Walnut Oil
Walnut oil is a food-safe oil that is commonly used by potters to shine and protect ceramic pieces. When applied to clay, walnut oil will enhance the natural colors and add a glossy sheen. Many potters prefer walnut oil over other oils because it provides a smooth, durable finish without darkening the clay. It also does not leave any oily residue, allowing the natural beauty of the clay body and glazes to show through.
However, walnut oil has a shorter shelf life than some other oils due to its composition. The oil can go rancid and spoil over time, especially if not stored properly. Walnut oil should be kept refrigerated and used within a few months of opening. The short stability makes walnut oil less than ideal for shining items that will be frequently handled or washed. Pieces finished with walnut oil will need occasional reapplication to maintain the protective coating.
Polymer Varnish
Polymer varnish is a synthetic resin that can be used to give clay a durable, glossy shine. When applied to clay and fired at the right temperature, polymer varnish melts to form a clear, smooth coating over the surface. This coating not only makes the clay look glossier, but also helps protect it from moisture, scratches, and fading over time.
The main advantage of polymer varnish is its hard, protective finish. Properly applied, it can make clay nearly waterproof and resistant to chipping or scratching. This makes it ideal for finishing clay items that will be frequently handled or washed. The glossy surface also enhances the natural colors and patterns of the clay.
The biggest downside is that polymer varnishes contain toxic ingredients that can release hazardous fumes when baked. Proper ventilation is absolutely necessary, so these varnishes are best used by experienced clay artists. The fumes can also taint clay porous clay bodies, so polymer varnishes work best on low-porosity clays.
Comparison
There are a few main factors to consider when deciding which shine method to use on clay:
Olive Oil
Pros:
- Safe and non-toxic
- Easy to apply
- Gives a smooth, natural sheen
Cons:
- Not as durable as other options
- Can go rancid over time
Best for: Small sculptures meant for short term display
Beeswax
Pros:
- Natural and food-safe
- Provides an attractive satin finish
- More durable than olive oil
Cons:
- Difficult to apply evenly
- Not as protective as synthetic options
Best for: Food-safe pieces and sculpture displays
Polymer Varnish
Pros:
- Very durable protective coating
- Provides a glossy, glass-like finish
- Easy to apply evenly
Cons:
- Not food-safe
- Contains solvents that require ventilation
Best for: Permanent sculptures and pieces for outdoor display
Conclusion
When it comes to giving clay the best shine, polymer varnishes and walnut oil are likely the top choices. Polymer varnishes offer a brilliant high-gloss finish that really makes clay pieces stand out. The varnish fully seals and protects the clay as well. Walnut oil provides a smooth satin sheen that brings out the clay’s natural color and texture beautifully. It penetrates deep into the clay for durable results.
To maintain the shine on polymer varnished pieces, avoid exposure to excessive moisture that could cause clouding of the varnish over time. Reapply another coat periodically if the finish seems to be dulling. For walnut oil, reapply a thin coat whenever the clay seems to lose its luster.
Proper clay drying and firing is also key for maximum shine. Slow drying prevents cracking that can diminish gloss. Firing to the optimal temperature will fully cure the clay and finish for best results. With the right application and care, many coatings can produce stunning effects on clay.
