The CPG Blog

We have been seeing an increased interest in Shrink Plastic lately. We thought you might be interested in an advanced Tips & Techniques help post.
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Tired of always seeing flat shrink plastic pieces? If you are, then use the following technique to add a curve to your finished piece!

PolyShrink is very pliable when it is hot. Doming is an easy technique that dresses up even the simplest designs.

A wooden drapery rod finial makes an ideal forming surface for doming. They can be found at home/hardware stores. Mount the finial on a block of wood so that it sits upright.
Use any model of embossing tool to heat the PolyShrink . The piece to be domed should be shrunk before doming. The piece can be transferred to the finial for the final heating as soon as it is shrunk, or you can start with a completely cold piece.

Here are the four steps in order:
1. Set the pre-shrunk PolyShrink piece on top of the wooden finial. This piece will be used for a bracelet, so there are holes punched on each side for attaching jump rings.

2. Heat with an embossing heat tool. Aim straight down with the gun to help keep the piece in place. Watch for changes, like slight curving or softening edges. These changes mean that the piece is getting hot.

3. Once the piece is softened, gently press against the curve of the wood and hold in place for several seconds. If your first try isn't as perfect as you'd like, just reheat the piece and try again.