Jacquard Pearl Ex powders are versatile pigments that can be mixed with a variety of materials and applied to many surfaces. Pearl Ex pigment powders create faux finishes that mimic metallic sheens and shimmering pearlescents. Non-toxic, Pearl Ex powder pigments will not fade or tarnish. Mix the pigment powder into varnish, acrylics, wax, oil and most any liquid or viscous product. You can apply the powder to glass, metal, wood, fabric, paper clay and almost anything. You can make Pearl Ex powders stay on polymer clay beads in several ways, depending on whether you are making the beads or simply enhancing them.
Instructions
Handmade Polymer Clay Beads
1. Soften a section of polymer clay. Mix Pearl Ex powder in with the softened clay and continue to knead the clay. The powder clings to the softened clay.
2. Roll the clay into a snake. Cut the snake into sections to make the beads. The width of each section is the thickness of the bead.
3. Insert a needle, small dowel, knitting needle or skewer through the bead to make a hole.
4. Cover a baking sheet with tin foil. Bake the beads on the foil sheet according to the manufacturer's directions. The Pearl Ex powder will stay on the bead as it bakes.
Molding Beads with Pearl Ex Powder
5. Cover the inside surface of a polymer clay bead mold with Pearl Ex powder. Press the softened clay into the mold.
6. Sprinkle Pearl Ex powder on top of the exposed clay in an open bead mold. Press the powder gently into the softened clay.
7. Remove the clay from the mold. The Pearl Ex powder will stay on the soft clay bead. Bake the beads according to the manufacturer's directions.
Decorating Polymer Clay Beads with Pearl-Ex Powder
8. Mix Pearl Ex powder into clear acrylic paint medium. The powder blends with the clear medium, adding color and sheen.
9. Paint the hardened polymer clay bead with the Pearl Ex acrylic mixture using a paint sponge.
10. Allow the finish to dry on the bead.
