Polymer Clay 101 (cont.)

One difficult thing to master with clay is fingerprints!  Or, rather, NO fingerprints!  As the clay is conditioned and worked, the warmer it gets from handling it.  The warmer it gets, the softer and stickier it gets.  Some colors of clay seem to be softer and sticker also (deep colors usually).  The softer it gets the more fingerprints appear.  One thing to consider before starting is make a plan of action.  If you are covering a bottle for example, plan to apply the clay to the bottom part of the bottle while you hold the bottle by the neck.  Finish that area and cure the clay for a short period of time. (Do not cure it for the entire time as it will need to be cured again.)  Then when the clay is cured, you can hold the bottle by that portion and complete the bottle neck.
If you are creating a pendant for a necklace or some other item that you cannot avoid touching the clay, as the clay gets warmer and softer, stop for a few minutes.  Let the clay cool off and firm up a bit.  You can even put it in the refrigerator if needed.  Also, as residue is left on your hands from the soft clay, wash/wipe your hands frequently as you work.
For a few stubborn prints, very very lightly smooth them over with your finger.  Lightly "swipe" your finger over the clay so your finger is never still and not moving while touching the clay.  Another trick is to keep a bowl of water or a very wet towel near your work area.  Wet your finger and smooth the fingerprints.  This helps keep the clay from sticking to your finger.  Light fingerprints will not be visible in the finished piece if you are applying a gloss coat. However, any prominent fingerprints (and all if possible) should be smoothed away as they are quite unsightly.
More to come...