Care Instructions

Taking care of your handmade polymer clay and resin jewelry and home decor is essential to keep them looking their best. While both materials are relatively durable, they require specific care to prevent damage.

Here's a breakdown of how to care for each:

Polymer Clay Jewelry and Home Decor Care

Polymer clay is a versatile and durable material when properly cured, but it's still good to handle it with care.

  • Handle with Care: While polymer clay is durable, it can still break or crack with rough handling. Avoid bending or dropping your pieces on hard surfaces, especially delicate parts.

  • Avoid Water: Although polymer clay is water-resistant, prolonged exposure to water (like showering, swimming, or doing dishes) can weaken the material and potentially tarnish any metal components. It's best to remove your pieces before these activities.

  • Keep Away from Chemicals: Perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, solvents, and harsh cleaning products can damage the clay or its finish (if sealed). Put on your jewelry after applying these products.

  • Cleaning:

    • For light dirt or dust, gently wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth (dampened with water only).

    • For more stubborn marks (like makeup), you can use a soft cloth with a tiny bit of mild soap and water, or an unscented baby wipe.

    • A Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol can sometimes help with tough stains on baked clay, but test in an inconspicuous area first, as alcohol can damage some finishes or painted details.

    • NEVER use acetone or harsh abrasive cleaners, as these will likely ruin the clay or its finish.

  • Storage:

    • Store your polymer clay pieces in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can cause colors to fade or resin finishes to yellow.

    • To prevent scratches or damage, store them separately in a jewelry box, soft pouch, or a designated compartment. Avoid storing them in a jumbled pile with other metal jewelry that could scratch them.

  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: High heat can soften polymer clay, while extreme cold can make it brittle. Don't leave your pieces in a hot car or near direct heat sources.

  • Brass/Metal Components: If your polymer clay piece includes brass or other metal components, these may tarnish over time. You can typically clean brass with a jewelry polishing cloth or a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda (applied with a soft cloth and then rinsed well and dried thoroughly).

Resin Jewelry and Home Decor Care

Resin, when fully cured, is quite durable and has a glossy finish, but it can be susceptible to scratches, yellowing, and heat damage.

  • Handle with Care: While hard, resin can still be scratched or chipped if handled roughly or dropped.

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or UV light can cause resin to yellow over time, especially clear or light-colored pieces. Store your resin pieces out of direct sunlight. If displaying home decor, choose a location with diffused light or consider UV-protective display cases.

  • Avoid Extreme Heat: High temperatures can cause resin to soften, warp, or become discolored. Do not place resin items in direct contact with hot surfaces (like hot pans) or leave them in a hot car. For coasters, ensure the resin used is heat-resistant.

  • Keep Away from Chemicals: Harsh chemicals, solvents, and abrasive cleaners can damage the resin's surface, causing it to become dull, cloudy, or sticky. This includes nail polish remover, strong detergents, and some perfumes.

  • Cleaning:

    • For general dusting and fingerprints, use a soft, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth).

    • For stubborn spots, gently wipe with a damp cloth and a mild soap (like dish soap) or a mild glass cleaner.

    • Always wipe dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

    • Do not use alcohol to clean cured resin, as it can break down the resin and make it dull or sticky.

  • Water Resistance (Not Waterproof): While cured resin is generally water-resistant, it's not always completely waterproof. Avoid prolonged submersion in water, especially for jewelry. Remove resin jewelry before showering, swimming, or washing dishes.

  • Storage: Store resin pieces in a clean, dust-free environment. For jewelry, a soft pouch or jewelry box can prevent scratches.

  • Polishing (if needed): Over time, minor scratches may appear. You can sometimes restore the shine by gently buffing with a resin-specific polish or wax.

By following these care tips, you can help ensure your beautiful handmade polymer clay and resin pieces remain cherished items for years to come!