Helmar USA Crystal Kote Matte Varnish

Used this on my baked polymer clay pieces. The can said it would take about 5-10 min to dry in 68' F temp but I used in the low 60's to high 50's in one long afternoon outside with similar drying times even while being pretty liberal with the spray. Six days later, none of the clay pieces show any signs of tackiness and that includes the pieces with metallic wax and mica-polyurethane finishes.One thing I did notice was that any areas of the clay pieces where I had applied Sculpey satin glaze were "knocked" back down to a matte finish with this varnish. My pieces are a combination of polymer clay elements adhered together: a focal component centered on a handmade bezel. In this case the bezel had no finish on it but the focal component had been glazed. After using the Crystal Kote, the focal component was no longer glossy but matte like the bezel. I'm wondering what would happen if I went back and re-applied another layer of Sculpey glaze to my focal areas. (Hmmm. If I try it, I'll do an update.)That brings up the last point, this varnish is DEFINITELY matte. It temporarily conveys a glossy shine to polymer clay but quickly dries to a subtle, almost invisible, matte finish. I was worried that I had wasted my money until I ran my finger on the front and back of my pieces which both had metallic wax finishings and saw that the side with the Crystal Kote was perfectly sealed and left no residue at all while the unsprayed, back side, left clear smears of wax on my finger. So, overall, quite happy with this product.Now, I just need another warm afternoon to spray/seal the back and sides of my pieces...

I sell polymer clay pet figurines, and this is the best option I have found for a spray varnish. Matte finish, and doesn't leave my items sticky like all the others. Most varnishes react to polymer clay over time, and this one stays nice. Dries quickly and easy to apply thinly. I use a light coat to give a bit of protection to the painted details. I would actually love a more satin finish, but this is still the best option I have found.

The matte varnish is just as I expected and perfect for sealing my polymer clay jewelry. However, beware of the glossy. Would not work immediately after receiving. Just drips and puddles and turns to goo.

I use this on polymer clay creations. It works well to seal surface treatments like pastels or powders. It is matte in appearance.

I bought this based on a recommendation from another polymer clay artist and so far have used it once (no time to do art) with excellent results. Plan to use it more. However, I am very disappointed that the price has increased since that artist's recommendation. I will buy it again if the price goes down.

Works great for polymer clay

I was looking forward to trying this product on my polymer clay, hoping it would be a more affordable alternative to PYM II; I’m pretty upset that the can doesn’t spray...AT ALL. I’m even more upset that I can’t return it.

Purchased to create a matte protective coat on my polymer clay pieces. Unfortunately there is something wrong with the spray nozzle on my can because the varnish comes out as a heavy stream instead of a spray. This makes it impossible to get an even light coat of the product. The result is an uneven, lumpy, sticky mess!