Heating Methods

Heating Methods for Friendly Plastic
WET HEAT
Water in an electric skillet (multifunction cooker) or frying pan kept at 60-70° C (You can use a pan on the hob)

DRY HEAT
Craft heat gun is ideal
Oven at lowest setting
Dry electric skillet (make sure the manufacturer's safety requirements allow for use without any liquid or oil)

PREPARATION

·	Heat 5cm of water in the pan or skillet to 60 - 70° C, use a thermometer if you are not sure.

·	Have a folded towel and a bowel of cold water next to your work surface

·	Make sure that any electrical equipment (craft heat gun etc) is no where near the hot or cold water.

·	Organise your tools and work surface so everything is close to hand.

·	Make sure that any electrical equipment (craft heat gun etc) is no where near the hot or cold water.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

·	Get the temperature right. If the water is too hot the plastic becomes unmanageable and runny and sticky. If it is too cold, the plastic will not soften.

·	Friendly Plastic will soften again and again given the right temperature, this makes it excellent for recycling your projects into new ones. I does have a down side though - don't leave your creations in the car in the summer or you will return to some very interesting variations on a theme!

·	Your creations can be painted with acrylic paints or metallic pens, permanent ink pens/pads, or dusted with bronzing powders, rolled in glitter or Accent Beads, or even metal leaf. Recycled FP that has lost it’s foil surface can be re-coloured and then reused.

·	Seal any work that is to be handled a lot with a clear acrylic sealant to protect the foil layer

·	Moisturise your hands if they are at all dry with moisturiser or just plain cooking oil.

·	Nothing is wasted, all scraps can be reused so don't be afraid to experiment. Have fun, use your imagination and any tools that come to hand.