PolyShrink Techniques Gallery/ Sanding PolyShrink

Sanding PolyShrink

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Working with sanded PolyShrink has many advantages, and by using the sanding method below, you can have a whole sheet sanded to perfection in under 20 seconds!

Why Sand?

Greatly expands your possible choices of art materials
Makes PolyShrink look "mysterious", rather than "plasticky"
Gives durability to your pieces since color is "baked in" rather than "baked on"
Helps prevent stamps from slipping as you stamp

See technique below~

Sanding Tips:

Sand while standing.
Sand on a very stable surface like a sturdy table or kitchen counter.
Sand with the sheet on an oversized surface you don't need to be concerned about damaging. Try a large plastic cutting board or oversized piece of light colored mattboard.
Keep sanding media that you've used for sanding Black PolyShrink separate from what you use for the other PolyShrink types.

	We've started with the sheet positioned for sanding short ways of the sheet. (Notice the position of the pink dot in the pictures to help you follow the new position to place the sheet for the next pass of sanding.) Hold half the sheet down with one hand and sand with the other hand. Here, we're using a Lucky Squirrel Sanding Block.
	Sand in straight lines rather than making circular motions. This gives a more consistent sanding job and also saves a lot of energy!
	Turn the sheet 180º. The half of the sheet that you just sanded will now be under your holding hand.
	Sand the other half of the sheet.
	Turn the sheet to sand longways. You'll be sanding across the sanding marks you just made.
	Again, you'll be sanding in straight lines, holding down the other half of the sheet with your other hand.
	Turn the sheet 180º and sand the other half.
	Wipe the dust from the sheet with a dry towel. You have a perfectly sanded sheet with no shiny spots!

Suggested Sanding Media:

Lucky Squirrel Sanding Blocks
Other abrasive coated foam blocks
Favorite flat sandpaper - 3M™ Wet-or-Dry

Look for sandpaper and foam blocks at hardware and paint stores. For most applications, use between 320- 400 grit. For finer sanding, try 600 grit.

Sanding Tip:

Certain coloring media like colored pencils look very different depending on the sanding it's applied over.

Using a finer grit (600) will result in a paler application of pencil. Conversely, using a coarse grit (320-400 grit) gives a very dense, vibrant application.

Don't miss the "sandpaper texture" project in the Project Gallery.

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