Can You Make Plates From Polymer Clay?
What is Polymer Clay?
Polymer clay is a modeling and sculpting medium that is used for arts and crafts projects, jewelry making, and decorative home decor items. Polymer clay is unique because unlike other clays, it does not dry out and harden from exposure to air. Once polymer clay is formed into a shape and baked in an oven, it polymerizes into a hardened plastic material.
Polymer clay is made from a mixture of polymers, resins, fillers, color pigments and other additives. The two main ingredients that set polymer clay apart from other types of clay are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and dioctyl phthalate plasticizer. When they are combined and heated, the clay undergoes a chemical reaction known as “polymerization”, where the molecules bond forming long, chainlike structures which harden the clay. The plastic in the clay gives it moldability and ability to hold its shape.
Polymer clay was invented in the 1930s by German model maker Karl Vollmer. He was searching for a clay that would not harden right away and stumbled upon an early form of polymer clay made with vinyl and plasticizer. Over the decades, polymer clay has been reformulated with new plastics, colorants and other additives to improve its performance. The availability of polymer clay grew in the 1990s when it became widely used for arts and crafts.
Types of Polymer Clay
There are several major brands and types of polymer clay available. Each has slightly different properties that make them suitable for certain uses. Here are some of the main types:
Sculpey
Sculpey is one of the most popular and widely available polymer clay brands. Their original Sculpey clay is soft and easy to condition. It comes in a wide range of colors including translucent. Sculpey III and Premo are higher quality lines, with Premo being a premium clay that is very strong when cured.
Fimo
Fimo is another leading brand of polymer clay produced by Staedtler. Their classic Fimo clay holds fine detail well and is available in many colors. Fimo Professional and Fimo Professional Doll Art are higher quality lines, with the Doll Art being extremely pliable and smooth for sculpting miniature items.
Kato Polyclay
Kato Polyclay is known for its very smooth, consistency and ability to take and hold the finest details. It has vibrant colors and mixes well with other polymer clays. It can be more delicate than other clays, so care must be taken when conditioning and sculpting.
Other Types
Some other popular brands include Cernit, Formello, Modello, CraftSmart, Pardo, and Souffle D’Art. Many specialty liquid and textured polymer clays are also available to enhance projects. Always check polymer clay packaging for proper curing instructions specific to that type.
Benefits of Using Polymer Clay for Plates
Polymer clay offers several advantages when creating decorative and functional plates. Here are some of the key benefits:
Durability
Once polymer clay is baked, it becomes a durable plastic that’s strong and long-lasting. Polymer clay plates won’t chip or crack like ceramic. The material is flexible when conditioning but hardens when baked, creating sturdy tableware.
Customizability
One of the best features of polymer clay is that it can be molded into any shape imaginable. You have complete creative freedom when designing plates. Polymer clay comes in a rainbow of colors, allowing you to create any color pattern or gradient. The surface can be smoothed, textured, or engraved with designs.
Oven Safe
Fully cured polymer clay is oven safe up to 375°F, so polymer clay plates can go in the oven or microwave (without metal decorations). This makes them very functional and ideal for baking applications.
Cost Effective
Considering how durable polymer clay finished products are, it’s a very budget-friendly DIY craft material. Pre-made polymer clay costs just a few dollars per block, and a little goes a long way. Creating your own plates is much cheaper than buying ceramic dishware.
Challenges of Polymer Clay Plates
While polymer clay plates offer many benefits, there are some challenges to be aware of when making them:
Takes Practice to Achieve an Even Shape/Thickness: When you first start working with polymer clay, it can take some practice to roll out the clay and shape it into an even plate or dish. Avoiding uneven thicknesses and lumpy areas takes finesse and an attentive eye.
Can Get Fingerprints and Imperfections: One downside of polymer clay is that it easily picks up fingerprints, dust, hair, and other imperfections. You need to smooth the surface carefully to avoid visible marks. Polymer clay is also prone to getting cracks if stretched too thin.
Not Microwavable: While ceramic plates are often microwavable, you should avoid putting polymer clay plates in the microwave. The material can melt or release toxic fumes when microwaved, so handwashing is best.
Best Practices for Making Polymer Clay Plates
There are a few best practices to follow when making polymer clay plates that will help ensure you end up with an even, smooth plate that holds up well over time:
Rolling Out the Clay
It’s important to roll out your clay evenly to the desired thickness before cutting and shaping it into a plate. Use an acrylic roller and roll out the clay on a smooth, nonstick surface like glass or acrylic sheeting:
- Make sure your clay is conditioned so it’s pliable and smooth
- Begin rolling applying even, firm pressure across the surface of the clay
- Lift and rotate the clay every few rolls to ensure it isn’t sticking
- Roll in different directions to get an even thickness
Avoid over-thin areas around the edges that can become weak points by keeping the sides even as you roll out the clay.
Baking Tips
Baking is critical for polymerizing and hardening your finished clay plate. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for baking temp and times. General tips include:
- Preheat your oven before baking
- Bake plates on a smooth, flat surface like glass or ceramic tiles
- Make sure the plate is fully cooled before handling to prevent damage
- For thicker pieces, bake 30-60 mins+ at 225-275°F
Finishing
After baking you can sand, buff, polish, paint or glaze your polymer clay plate to get the finish you desire. Be sure to:
- Sand evenly with fine grit sandpaper
- Buff using a muslin wheel to smooth and shine
- Clean with distilled water before glazing
- Apply multiple thin glaze layers for best results
Plate Shaping Techniques
There are two main ways to shape polymer clay plates – using molds or hand shaping. Molds provide an easy way to achieve consistent shapes and sizes. Simply roll out clay to an even thickness, press it into the mold, then carefully remove once cooled and hardened. Hand shaping takes more time and skill but allows for custom designs.
When shaping plates by hand, you can cut circles for round plates or rectangles that you then smooth into shape. Cutting even circles takes practice – many recommend using a ring template. Edges can be smoothed by gently manipulating the clay by hand, softening rough areas with clay tools or a finger dipped in rubbing alcohol or water. Let the smoothed shapes fully harden before decorating.
Whether using a mold or hand shaping, avoid making plates too thin so they don’t crack or warp in baking. Following best practices will result in stunning handmade polymer clay plates.
Decorating Polymer Clay Plates
There are many creative ways to decorate polymer clay plates and make them into beautiful works of art. Three of the most popular decorating techniques are using paints and glazes, stamping designs into the clay, and inlaying other materials.
Paints and Glazes
Acrylic paints work wonderfully on polymer clay and come in endless colors and finishes like metallic, pearl, neon and more. Paint can be brushed or sponged over the clay before and after baking. Another way to add color is by using specialized glazes, powders and pastes designed for polymer clay. These add a glossy coating and help protect the finish.
Stamping
Impressing designs and textures into clay is an easy decor technique. Polymer clay stamp sets come in themes like animals, flowers, geometrics shapes and more. Press the stamps firmly into the soft clay, removing cleanly. The impressions will remain once baked. Handmade stamps can also be created from household items by gluing textures onto wood blocks.
Inlay
Also called mokume gane, inlay involves stacking contrasting colors of clay which are then sliced to reveal patterned cross-sections. Inlaid metals, woods, semi-precious stones and more can also be embedded into clay designs before baking. When cut and sanded, these materials add striking embellishments to the plate surface.
Safety Considerations
Proper ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area when baking polymer clay, as it can produce fumes. Open windows, use a fan, or consider working outdoors. Don’t breathe in fumes.
Microwave/oven safety: Check the manufacturer’s instructions for proper baking times and temperatures. Heat the clay gradually to avoid scorching. Don’t leave clay unattended in the microwave/oven. Use designated clay-baking cookware and don’t reuse for food. Polymer clay can leach chemicals at high temperatures which can migrate to food.
Caring for Polymer Clay Plates
It’s important to take proper care of polymer clay plates if you want them to last a long time. Unlike ceramic plates, polymer clay requires special treatment due to its unique properties and handmade nature.
Handwashing vs Dishwasher
Polymer clay plates should not go in the dishwasher as the heat and harsh detergents over time can damage and degrade the clay. Instead, polymer clay plates should only be handwashed using a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Allow plates to air dry instead of towel drying to prevent scuffs and cracks.
Storing
When not in use, store polymer clay plates on clean, soft surfaces instead of stacking to prevent scratches and dents. Keep them in a dry place away from heat and sunlight which can potentially damage and discolor the plates over time.
Spot Cleaning
For any spots or stains, clean plates by hand using a soft sponge/cloth and mild dish soap. Gently scrub the area and rinse with water. Avoid abrasive scouring pads or cleaning products which can scratch or strip the finish.
Polymer Clay Plates vs Ceramic Plates
Polymer clay plates and ceramic plates each have their own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, use cases, and cost:
Durability Comparison
Ceramic plates are generally more durable than polymer clay plates. Ceramic can withstand high heat, is waterproof, and resists scratches. Polymer clay is easy to chip or dent, cannot withstand high temperatures, and can become sticky in hot conditions. However, polymer clay plates can still hold up reasonably well with careful use.
Use Cases
Ceramic plates work better than polymer clay for frequent, daily use given their increased durability. Polymer clay plates are recommended for decorative purposes, displaying food at events/parties, or occasional use. The lightweight nature of polymer clay also makes these plates convenient for travel or outdoor dining situations.
Cost Comparison
In most cases, handmade polymer clay plates will be more expensive than mass-produced ceramic plates due to the time and effort put into individually crafting them. However, polymer clay as a material tends to cost less than the clays and glazes used in ceramic plates. So polymer clay plates can provide an affordable way to create custom plates just for fun without breaking the bank.
