Q&A for How to Make Shrinky Dinks

Colored-side up works best.

You could try applying a clear top coat for nails to lock in the color. Clear top coats can be found in most pharmacies and super markets in the beauty aisle.

#1 Plastic should not be used due to possible toxins that can be released. (#1 Plastic has been known to release harmful toxins into liquids when left in heat for long periods of time.)

You can use pencil, ink or a Sharpie. Don't use oily substance such as a wax crayon.

It's just the material that the shrink paper is made from. It's hard to get lead to make a mark on a glossy surface. You may have luck with sanding the paper first, but I think that also depends on the brand of paper and what kind of sanding paper/brick you're using.

No. It is not recommended for use in microwave ovens, and a hair dryer will not get to a hot enough temperature.

Sometimes this happens. Check the heat settings and make sure that your heat source doesn't stop working halfway through, which is common with ovens.

Shrinky Dinks curl up all the time while they are shrinking. You might want to have a chopstick or a fork at the ready to release them as soon as they curl in the oven.

Usually takeaway plastic containers are 6 plastic but check because sometimes it may not apply to your area.

I wait until it curls and then flattens out, and then give it a few extra seconds before taking it out.

Depending on the size, it will normally take 5-10 minutes to cool.

If you’re using colored pencils, then you color on the rough side. If you are using Sharpie or other permanent markers, you should color on the smooth side.

The oven temperature should be set at 170 Celsius or gas mark 3. Oven thermostats are not always consistent, so you may need to experiment.

No, using a microwave won't work. You can only use a normal oven or a small oven meant for crafts.

Yes, you can use a baking oven. Any oven will do as long as the temperature is high enough.

Yes, there will be a plasticky smell in the kitchen for a short time after shrinking them. How long this lingers depends on how well ventilated your kitchen is and how sensitive your sense of smell is. To be absolutely healthy, don't make them.