This guide is for those who want to know how to glue cured Polymer Clay Face Cabochons to surfaces.  As a polymer clay and jewelry artist I have created & glued thousands of cabs successfully with 2 part epoxy. 2 Part Epoxy will allow you to glue polymer clay cabs to just about any surface.   It is heat tolerant and provides the strongest and most permanent bond of any glue I have used, and I've tried MANY!  ( I primarily use it to bond clay to metal (ie: pinbacks, bales, etc) and stone surfaces). 

There are many brands & formulas of 2 part epoxy adhesives available at most craft and hardware stores.  I currently use Liquid Nails Perfect Glue 3.  I have used other brands and formulas successfully... this just happens to be the brand currently on my workbench.  You may want to select a different brand/formula based on the surface you are trying to bond the clay to.  There are formulas for just about everything--fabric, foam, wood, plastic, metal, and more.  I've found LNPG-3 bonds clay to just about anything that can handle epoxy... particularly metal and non-porous surfaces. 

Before using your glue READ ALL of THE PACKAGE INSTRUCTIONS & WARNINGS!!  2 part epoxy requires proper ventilation and you should not get it on your skin... or any surface you don't want it permanently stuck on (ie: the kitchen counter)!!  Epoxy is stinky when its wet & it does not come off easily!  If you have respiratory (breathing) difficulty or are sensitive to vapors I do NOT suggest gluing with Epoxy... have someone take care of the gluing for you or consider another product.

Helpful gluing tips:

• For non-porous surfaces and the Polymer clay: Gently sand or scratch the surface areas to be glued.  This helps the glue penetrate and hold/bond better.  I use sandpaper, small files, nail files, or a needle to scratch surfaces.
• Clean the sanded surfaces with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and let them dry for a few minutes.  Polymer clay and most metals/nonporous surfaces have oil on them, that can repel glue.  Remember, your hands can leave oil on the surfaces, keep them off of cleaned surfaces ready to be glued.
• Mix and apply epoxy glue per manufacturer's instructions.  When squeezing the 2 parts of the epoxy out re-cap each tube immediately.  (this keeps smell down & ensures you don't cross the caps and ruin your tubes of glue).  Keep the blobs of glue separated from each other until you're ready to mix them with a toothpick or something disposable (most glues come with a tray and spatula).   Toothpicks make good disposable applicators for small projects.
  
• Remember, more is not always better!  Use a thin layer, adding gobs of glue makes a mess and does not help strengthen the bond--it can make it weaker.
• Most epoxy glues set in 5-15 minutes (once you mix the glue--work quickly) and take a full 12-24 hours to fully cure.

Once your piece is cured, the bond should last a lifetime!  Enjoy your creations & I hope this guide was helpful!  If it was please click "YES" this guide was helpful below.  We need your support!  If you have a question send me a message & I'll be happy to answer it for you as best I can.  ~ Kristie  a.k.a. Sculpted Windows Jewelry