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Polymer clay is one of those crafts I always come back to. There are phases with long pauses, but the clay and project ideas are always present.
It has been quite some time since I last played with my clay, so I’m getting out all my supplies and sharing the basics you need to know when starting with Polymer clay.
Polymer clay is a plastic-based clay that you harden in your oven. Once cured your creation becomes durable, and resistant to water and breakage. This makes it perfect for creating long-lasting items such as jewelry, kitchenware, figurines, and other decorative objects.
1. Kneading (Conditioning the Clay)
Properly kneading or conditioning polymer clay is crucial for a smooth, workable consistency. Spend a few minutes warming up the clay in your hands or run it through a pasta machine several times to soften it before shaping.
If your clay is very hard, put it in a ziploc bag first and place it in warm water for 15 minutes. This will help soften it up.
The more you condition your clay, the more flexible it will become, making it easier to work with.
2. Mixing Colors
Polymer clay comes in many colors that can be blended to create custom shades. Scraps of clay can make beautiful new colors when combined, so don’t throw out little leftover pieces!
Experiment with mixing colors of polymer clay. Start with small amounts of each color and gradually blend them until you achieve the desired hue.
3. Attaching Pieces of Clay
Clay fuses during baking, and the better you press the pieces together, the better they stay together. Another thing you can do to stick pieces of clay together is scoring the pieces.
Use a pin or toothpick to score or scratch cross-hatched lines on the clay before joining the pieces together. This strengthens the bond, preventing them from separating during baking.
Tip: If a piece falls off your clay after baking, take a little piece of unbaked clay to stick the pieces back together and bake again.
5. Watch Out for Dust
Keep your work area clean and free of dust and lint, as these can easily get on uncured clay and ruin your work. Wash your hands and use a lint roller to remove any dust from your workspace and tools before you start.
I like to use Q-tips dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any imperfections in my clay. The rubbing alcohol is also great for removing unintentional fingerprints in your clay.
Bonus tip: Use a smooth, non-porous surface such as a tile or glass sheet as your work surface. This will prevent the clay from sticking. Or put a non-stick silicone mat or wax paper on your work area.
6. Baking
Temperature and timing are very important in baking your polymer clay. Underbaking will leave your clay too soft, while overbaking could burn and cause the color to change.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for baking your polymer clay. It is typically baked at a low temperature around 250 degrees. But it differs between clay brands and types, so be sure to read the directions on the package you’re using.
Place your creations on a ceramic tile or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. And cover your work with a sheet of aluminum foil or an upside-down aluminum cake pan. This protects it from the heating element and also helps keep the heat contained at a steady level, for a more reliable cure.
7. Support During Baking
If you make something delicate, it might need extra support during baking. You can use a piece of shaped aluminum foil to hold your piece in place. Or put your creation in some cornstarch or polyester fiber.
8. Ventilation
Bake polymer clay in a well-ventilated area or use a kitchen oven hood or fan to help with any fumes that may be released during baking. Open windows and thoroughly ventilate the room where you use your clay.
If the oven is too hot, the fumes may cause watery eyes, a runny nose, headache, and coughing. The smell is like burning plastic. This is another reason to cover your clay in the oven, it helps to contain the vapors.
9. No Need for Varnish
Since cured polymer clay is waterproof and durable as it is, there is no real need for varnish. However, if you do want to seal it, use a varnish specially made for polymer clay. Don’t use something like clear nail polish, it will get sticky over time.
10. Storing Polymer Clay
Store your polymer clay in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep your unused clay fresh between projects in airtight containers that are compatible with polymer clay. Check the number on the bottom, plastic with a number 5 on the bottom is fine to use. Or save your clay in ziplock bags.
Be sure to label them with the type and color of clay to keep your supplies organized.