Various Papers

Wax paper (or "waxed paper") has numerous uses with polymer clay, including the following:

• Clay storage-Wrap blocks of raw clay in wax paper. (The plasticizers in the clay can eventually leach through the wax paper if there's something absorbent beneath it, though, so store clay wrapped this way in something that won't be damaged if this happens.)
• Work surface-If you don't have any other work surface (such as a ceramic tile), or if you need extra work space, you can use wax paper. To keep it from curling up, tape down the corners. Wax paper is a useful surface protector when you're using something messy, like paint or ink. It can also make for easier clean-up after applying a powder or glitter; once you're done, simply lift the paper and carefully tip the "leftovers" back into the container.
• With the Pasta Machine-To make extra-thin sheets of clay or to prevent clay from sticking to the pasta machine rollers (or brayer), put the clay between two pieces of wax paper.
• Storage and protection of work in progress-Use wax paper to wrap around canes or store flat sheets of scrap of clay between layers of wax paper. The paper helps keep the raw clay free of lint and hairs until you're ready to go back to work.

Baking parchment is sold by the roll in most places that sell baking supplies. It is usually located near the aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Lining a cookie sheet or cake pan with parchment prevents the baked goods from sticking in the pan. This stick-prevention makes it useful for polymer clay, too. Parchment paper can be used for many of the same applications as wax paper. Parchment paper is less slippery than wax paper, which may make it better than wax paper for some purposes. Baking parchment will not absorb plasticizers from polymer clay, so it is suitable for storing uncured clay.

A few uses for parchment paper include the following:

• Put it under clay during curing to prevent sticking and shiny spots.
• Line clay gun / extruder with parchment (or other paper) to make clean-up easier.
• Use your finger over a small piece of parchment (or any thin paper) to "buff" or "burnish" raw clay. This evens out the surface of the clay.
• Sandwich clay between two sheets of parchment paper when rolling through the pasta machine. Some say that this produces thinner sheets than you get with wax paper.

One further note about parchment papers-some of them come with a silicone coating. (The box will likely indicate if it is silicone treated.) You may wish to avoid this type of parchment paper, because clay cured on it can have difficulty holding findings that are attached with glue. The silicone may also interfere with other surface treatments, such as paints or finishes.

These are essentially small squares of parchment paper. The size is handy for little jobs like running small amounts of clay through the pasta machine. Patty sheets are available in restaurant supply stores and warehouse stores (like Costco or Sam's Club).

Freezer paper (found near the wax paper in most stores) can be used much like wax paper can for storage. Though freezer paper is more expensive than wax paper, it may be better for long-term storage, since unlike wax paper, it shouldn't ever leach plasticizers out of the clay (if you put the plastic side facing the clay).

Regular paper will work for many of the purposes that wax paper and parchment paper do. However, regular paper will absorb plasticizers from the clay, so you'll want to be careful about leaving raw clay on the paper for extended periods of time (unless, of course, you want to stiffen the clay). Any paper should do, but it's probably best to choose solid white, unlined paper, whenever possible, because polymer clay can absorb inks.

Cardstock (either new or recycled from food packaged, such as cereal boxes) can also be used with polymer clay. Sturdy cardstock makes a good temporary work surface and can be used like other papers to prevent shiny spots on clay during curing. Accordion-style folded cardstock keeps beads from rolling all over the place. Cardstock will absorb plasticizers, so don't leave uncured clay on it for too long. If you're using recycled cardstock (from packaging), it's best to use the inside of the box-the part without print-for contact with clay. If the clay touches print, it may pick up the ink.