About Nanetta Bananto Expertise I can answer questions pertaining to polymer clay: dollmaking, jewelry, candleholders, etc. I can give advice for children`s craft as well as fine art with polymer clay.
Experience I have worked in polymer clay for about 15 years. I have sold my work for about 15 and work in this medium almost daily. My book, "Creative Techniques for Polymer Clay Jewelry" by North Light Books, will be released June 2005.
Question I want to take a plain white globe-type light fixture and paint small red "stitches" to look like a baseball.
My question is, What type of paint will withstand the heat
without cracking?
Answer Dear PJ -
You can use an indoor/outdoor paint found in craft stores. There are several brands. I have used Patio Paint and Glossies. Glossies is a little thicker, generally, and more expensive.
Get a nice detail brush, at least a 0 or smaller and load your brush so you have a nice load of paint that doesn't drip. Try to paint the lines only once, to get a professional look. If you make a mistake, just wipe it away with a soft cloth, being careful not to smear the rest. You can practice on a burned-out bulb, to get the feel of the medium against the glass and to practice your lines. Light bulbs can be delicate.
I have painted regular light bulbs a salmon color for the living room. It gives a wonderful glow that is warm and unusual. But I can tell you from experience that the paint will smoke for a minute when you turn on the lamp. It can be a little scary, so be aware. The paint is just getting too much heat too fast.
The paint is bakeable, but I would not bake the bulb. A low watt bulb would be best for avoiding color change of the paint.
This type of paint can go on so many surfaces that you may look around and see what else needs a splash of red. I have even painted drinking glasses for the kids in different colors - you just avoid any area the mouth will touch.
