If you’re a fan of crafting with Shrinky Dinks, you’ve probably encountered the frustrating issue of them curling in the oven. While it’s normal for the shrink plastic to curl during the baking process, they should naturally flatten out as they finish baking. In this article, we’ll explore why Shrinky Dinks curl and provide you with tips on how to fix the problem.
My Shrinky Dinks Curled, Now What?
If you find your Shrinky Dinks curled in the oven, there’s no need to panic. You can easily flatten them before they cool down. Simply remove the pan from the oven and place a piece of parchment paper over the curled plastic designs. Then, use a spatula to press down on them and hold the spatula in place as the Shrinky Dink cools. This should effectively undo the curl in most cases. However, if the Shrinky Dink has already cooled down, you’ll need to reheat them in the oven for two minutes before trying this method.
Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid your Shrinky Dinks from curling in the first place, fold a piece of parchment paper in half and place the Shrinky Dinks as close as possible to the fold before placing them in the oven. You can also add an oven-safe wire rack on top of the parchment paper to add some pressure to the shrink plastic.
Remember, if your Shrinky Dinks do curl in the oven, you can always make them lay flat again! Just make sure to heat them back up if they’re already cold.
How To Bake Shrinky Dinks
Baking Shrinky Dinks is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the instructions provided with your kit. In general, here are the steps you should follow:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) while you design your charms.
- Cover a sheet or pan with foil or parchment.
- Place your Shrinky Dinks on the pan.
- Bake the Shrinky Dinks for 1-3 minutes; they will curl during this stage.
- Give the Shrinky Dinks an additional 30 seconds to help them flatten.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool down before touching them.
Making Shrinky Dinks is a breeze, and the more you make, the easier it becomes. Keep in mind that some kits may recommend different baking temperatures, so always refer to the instructions.
Why Aren’t My Shrinky Dinks Flat?
It’s normal for Shrinky Dinks to become wavy or curl in the oven. However, if yours consistently come out deformed, it could be due to the heat being too high. Shrink plastic is sensitive, and some ovens tend to run a little hot.
To address this issue, try lowering the oven’s temperature by 25 degrees at a time. If the Shrinky Dinks still don’t flatten out, you can further reduce the baking temperature. In most cases, placing a piece of parchment paper over the Shrinky Dinks during baking can help prevent them from curling. Curled Shrinky Dinks are usually a sign that they heated up too quickly, and removing them from the oven early won’t fix the issue. Alternatively, leaving them in the oven for an extra 30 seconds after baking can sometimes help them uncurl.
Why Aren’t My Shrinky Dinks Shrinking?
If your Shrinky Dinks aren’t shrinking as they should, it likely means they weren’t in the oven for long enough. In this case, you’ll need to put them back in the oven and wait for another two to three minutes to ensure they reheat thoroughly after coming out. Keep in mind that each oven is different, so you may need to experiment with yours to find the optimal temperatures and baking times for your Shrinky Dinks.
Can You Reheat Shrinky Dinks?
Yes, you can easily reheat Shrinky Dinks! If your Shrinky Dinks don’t uncurl or shrink properly, simply place them back in the oven using the recommended settings and allow them to heat up for about two minutes. While the Shrinky Dinks are warm, you can reshape them as desired. Reheating Shrinky Dinks shouldn’t damage them, as long as you don’t make the oven too hot or leave them in for too long. However, try to avoid reheating them too frequently to prevent any potential damage.
How To Seal Shrinky Dinks
Sealing your Shrinky Dinks is crucial for long-lasting results. One popular option for sealing is Mod Podge, a widely available product known for providing a strong seal and a beautiful glossy finish. To seal your Shrinky Dinks with Mod Podge, start by applying a small drop of the liquid and then use a toothpick to spread it evenly around the design. If you want to seal the entire Shrinky Dink, you can brush on a thin layer of Mod Podge. Allow the seal to dry before applying another coat on the other side of the design. Keep in mind that Mod Podge can take up to 24 hours to cure, depending on the formula you use, so avoid touching it during this time.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, Shrinky Dinks often curl due to their thin plastic nature. The bending occurs when they heat up too quickly, but most Shrinky Dinks should naturally uncurl in the oven. However, if they don’t, you now have the knowledge to flatten them effectively.
Remember to test how your oven handles Shrinky Dinks since each appliance behaves slightly differently. You might discover that your designs turn out best by removing them early, using lower temperatures, or making other adjustments to the baking process.
For successful Shrinky Dink projects, follow these tips and recommended products. And don’t forget to check out more articles at Ekilove for all your crafting questions and inspirations. Happy crafting!
