By far, the most common question I hear about my polymer clay-based artwork is about grouting.
In my last video I experimented w/polymer-fortified sanded grout (Brand: Custom Polyblend) (Here is a link to that vid: • Grouting Polymer Clay ). In this video I try a new grout called Flexcolor CQ by Mapei. I don't have a lot of experience with this grout, but I've heard great things about it. So, here are the results of my first test to see what happens to my polymer clay tiles if I grout them.
Toward the end of the vid, you'll see that I've placed the sample board outside (6/14/2019), so I can monitor them over time. My preference w/my polymer clay tiles (circa 2017-current) is that they are left unvarnished; I really love the soft matte finish. Thus far, I've only used polymer clay in work that hangs indoors, typically designing pieces that work best in an ungrouted state. Now that I've tested them w/regard to grouting, I'm curious to see how they weather the Sacramento summer (it'll get about 2.5 hours of direct sunlight/day in my backyard), rains, etc.
I am not endorsing any of these materials for use outdoors (except the thinset). If they still look great, after being toyed with by Mother Nature for a good long while? Sure. Truth? I expect fading and typical varnish-in-the-elements stuff: flaking and/or discoloration. As for degradation of the body of the tile? I don't expect much at all. As for this grout, I'm super curious to see whether or not it fades, which is why I put blue tape over parts of it (I'll be able to lift the tape to see the difference between exposed and not-exposed.)
Some buying info about the products I've used:
Laticrete 254 Thinset/Mortar: Brick and mortar tile stores. Laticrete's website can tell you who in your area sells it.
Mapei Flexcolor CQ Grout: Lowe's carries it. More info: www.mapei.com/U...
Powdered grout colorants: the ones I used in this vid come from Sherry Warner Hunter (google her)
Varathane Polyurethane Water-based/Interior: amzn.to/3uCoG4y
DuraClear Ultra Matte Varnish: amzn.to/2Qcexwb
Premo Polymer Clay
15 сен 2024
