What do eyeshadow applicators have to do with polymer clay beads? They just happen to be my favorite way of applying an acrylic finish to beads. I don’t care what kind of paintbrush you use or how careful you are to avoid them, the brush strokes are still there. So here’s where the eyeshadow applicators come in.
I use the ones shown above that I bought at my local Wal~Mart. There are a couple of tricks that will help you get a flawless finish using the eyeshadow applicators.
1. Dip the applicator into the acrylic finish. You don’t want to completely soak it or you will end up with it running all over your bead.
2. The most important thing is to use a light touch. This may take some practice, but is very important. If you press too hard you will get tiny bubbles. If you do get bubbles try going over the area again lightly to get a smooth finish.
3. I’ve found the best way to do this is make a light swipe over one end (where the bead hole is) first. Then, stick a tooth pick in the hole snugly so you have something to hang on to. Then make light swipes over the bead until you have covered the entire bead.
4. Once the bead has a thin smooth coat of acrylic finish, just stick the tooth pick into something until the finish dries. I use blocks of floral foam.
5. Repeat. I generally do 2 to 3 coats.
great idea, Chris!!
I dip and swirl off excess and stand on end to dry….while the bead is on a wire, of course.
Thanks Leah! I do the dip and swirl on rounds and smaller lentils. I mainly use the eyeshadow applicator trick on large focals and beads with flat surfaces.