Introduction: How to Work With Moldable Plastic
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About: We specialize in plastic molding materials and plastic pellets for hobbyists, crafters, players, fixer-uppers, makers or anyone who wants to try stuff.
Hello Cosplayers, Makers, and more. Thomas demonstrates how to use moldable plastic from Polly Plastics. Moldable plastic melts easily in hot water and can be used for costumes, prototyping, repairs and more.
Step 1: Watch the Video
Step 2: Safety Instructions
- Be careful to avoid burns when working with hot water, hot moldable plastic, stove tops, ovens, heat guns and hair dryers.
- Pellets pose a choking hazard for children under 3. Due to potential for burns, supervise children under 7.
Step 3: Gather Your Tools and Materials
- Polly Plastics Moldable Plastic
- Polly Plastics Color Pellets for Moldable Plastic
- Pot or Pan to heat plastic in
- Stovetop or microwave
- Tongs
- Parchment paper
- Gloves (optional)
Step 4: Heat the Pellets
- Using a microwave or stovetop, heat water in a bowl or pan to above 150 degrees F. If the water is boiling, allow it to cool to prevent possible injury. You can heat the water with the desired amount of Polly Plastics moldable pellets in it, add the hot water to the pellets or drop the pellets into the hot water. If you are making a larger part, you may find it useful to start with a smaller number of pellets and gradually build up your part.
- After a few minutes in hot water, the pellets will turn completely clear and begin sticking to each other.
Step 5: Remove the Pellets
- Remove the pellets with tongs or a spoon and shake off any excess water. A sheet of parchment paper or glass makes a great surface to work on, preventing sticking. Take care that the hot plastic doesn’t stick to things you don’t want it to such as certain plastics (acrylic, vinyl, PVC, polystyrene, polyesters, ABS), fingernail polish, fabrics or metal.
Step 6: Form Your Pellets
- With clean hands, begin forming the pellets into your desired shape. You can use your hands, craft with tools, apply onto existing objects or press into molds you have prepared. You can use a hair dryer to make final touches.
Step 7: Add Color If You Wish
- For color, use Polly Plastics Color Pellets. Just follow the recipe on the Color Chart to get the color you want. Put the color pellets in the hot water with the clear pellets.
- Or add paint powders or alcohol inks (found at craft stores like Michaels or Hobby Lobby) into the hot plastic while you are working with it. Or you can paint the part after it cools with acrylic paints or permanent markers. Without coloring, the part will be white. Spraying on a coat of primer for plastics will help adhesion and you can spray on varnish after painting to prevent flaking.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
- Once you are satisfied with your creation, let it completely cool to take a strong, permanent shape. Cover it with cold water if you want to speed up the process. If you don’t like the outcome, re-heat and mold it again.
- Once cooled, you can sand, drill, varnish or paint the part you have made. You can also Superglue the part to other things.
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