How Do You Make Natural Cold Porcelain Clay?

Cold porcelain clay is a non-toxic, natural modeling material made primarily from cornstarch, glue, and baby oil or mineral oil. It has a smooth, porcelain-like finish when dry, and doesn’t require baking to harden. Cold porcelain is popular for sculpting delicate decorative pieces, jewelry, figurines, dolls, and more. It’s lightweight, strong, and easy to work with. Many crafters and artists choose to make their own cold porcelain at home because it’s inexpensive, customizable, and fun to create. Homemade cold porcelain clay is ideal for beginner sculptors as it doesn’t dry out quickly while working with it like polymer or air-dry clays can. The finished pieces can be painted, varnished, or left natural. Cold porcelain is beloved for its bright white color and slightly translucent appearance similar to real porcelain.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

The main ingredients needed to make natural cold porcelain clay are:

Cornstarch – This provides the bulk and structure of the clay. Look for regular cornstarch rather than cornflour, which has finer granules.
Glue – The glue acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together in a malleable clay form. Opt for white school glue or PVA glue rather than superglue.
Lemon juice – The acidity helps prevent mold growth. Bottled lemon juice works best rather than fresh squeezed.

Possible substitutions include:

Instead of cornstarch, you can use cellulose/wood pulp powder. This results in a smoother, more flexible clay.
Replace school glue with a mixture of cornstarch and water to act as the binder.
Vinegar or citric acid can be used instead of lemon juice to inhibit mold.

Equipment Needed

Cold porcelain clay only requires a few basic kitchen tools and utensils to make. Here is the equipment you’ll need:

Bowls – You’ll need at least one large bowl to mix the ingredients. Ceramic or glass bowls work best.
Spoons & Measuring Cups – Use spoons for mixing and measuring cups for accurately portioning the ingredients.
Food Processor or Blender (optional) – A food processor or blender can help get a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Molds & Sculpting Tools (optional) – Cookie cutters, silicone molds, sculpting tools, etc. can help shape the finished clay if desired.

Beyond these basic kitchen tools, no special supplies are required. The clay can be hand-mixed and hand-shaped easily.

Ratio of Ingredients

The typical ratio for natural cold porcelain clay is 2 parts cornstarch to 1 part glue by volume. The lemon juice is typically added in teaspoons until the right consistency is reached. This ratio of 2:1 cornstarch to glue provides a smooth, pliable texture that is easy to sculpt and holds its shape well when dry.

Adjusting the ratios will affect the texture and workability of the clay:

More cornstarch makes a lighter, silkier texture but can be more brittle when dry.
More glue makes a stronger, flexible clay but can become sticky if too much is added.
Adding more lemon juice makes a smoother consistency but weakens the dried clay if overdone.

The standard 2:1 ratio is a good starting point. Adjust ratios in small increments if the clay is too crumbly, sticky, or soft. Test a small batch first before mixing large quantities.

Mixing the Ingredients

Properly mixing the ingredients is a crucial step in making natural cold porcelain clay. Here are some tips for getting the right consistency:

Start by combining the cornstarch and glue in a large mixing bowl. Slowly add the lemon juice a little at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition. The mixture will start off powdery but should come together into a smooth, firm dough as you mix in the juice.

Mix with a sturdy spoon at first, then you may need to knead it with your hands towards the end to fully incorporate everything. Knead for 2-3 minutes until it reaches an airy dough consistency. It should be firm but still pliable, not sticky.

If the mixture seems too dry, add more lemon juice 1 teaspoon at a time until it feels smooth and elastic. Be careful not to overmix or add too much juice, or it can become too sticky. The clay should stretch slightly but still hold its shape.

Mixing patiently is key for good results. If any dry pockets remain, keep kneading thoroughly until fully combined. Getting the ingredients properly integrated will allow for easier sculpting later on.

Once fully mixed, the natural cold porcelain clay is ready to be kneaded to refine the texture before sculpting your creations.

Kneading the Clay

Properly kneading the cold porcelain clay is a crucial step to achieving a smooth, lump-free texture. You’ll want to knead the clay until it becomes soft and pliable. This helps blend the ingredients thoroughly and develops the elasticity of the clay.

Plan to knead the clay for 10-15 minutes. If it still feels dry or crumbly, continue kneading for a few more minutes until the texture is completely smooth. You can knead it by hand on a clean work surface or use a heavy duty stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to speed up the process.

Kneading also removes any air bubbles that may have formed while mixing the dry ingredients. Pressing and folding the clay over itself continuously during kneading pushes the bubbles out. Having a smooth, lump and bubble-free consistency makes the clay easier to sculpt and shape.

Be sure not to over-knead the clay though, as that can make it too elastic. You’ll know the clay is ready when it has a uniform texture and can bend or stretch slightly without cracking. The kneaded cold porcelain clay is now ready for sculpting or storing for later use.

Storing the Clay

Once you’ve made your cold porcelain clay, it’s important to store it properly to keep it fresh. The clay can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air before sealing the container. Stored this way, the clay will keep for 6 months to a year.

If the clay starts to dry out, you can revive it by kneading in a little water. Start with just a teaspoon and add more as needed until the clay is smooth and pliable again. Be careful not to add too much water or the clay will become sticky. With proper storage techniques, you can keep your cold porcelain clay ready to use for all your sculpting projects.

Sculpting with the Clay

Once you’ve made your cold porcelain clay, it’s time for the fun part – sculpting! Here are some tips for sculpting with cold porcelain clay:

Sculpting Techniques

Cold porcelain clay can be sculpted just like polymer clay. Some techniques to try:

Roll coils and attach them together to build up forms
Use acrylic roller tools to flatten and smooth the clay
Shape the clay with your fingers
Cut shapes using cookie cutters or a craft knife
Impress textures into the clay using stamps, silicone molds, or found objects
Blend colors together for a marbled effect

Using Molds

Press the clay into silicone molds to easily make detailed shapes like flowers, leaves, seashells etc. Make sure to flour the mold first so the clay doesn’t stick.

Helpful Tools

Some tools that are helpful for sculpting with cold porcelain clay:

Acrylic roller
Clay sculpting tools
Cookie cutters
Rolling pin
Silicone molds
Texture stamps
Craft knife

Get creative and enjoy making unique sculptures, jewelry, or decorative pieces with your homemade cold porcelain clay!

Baking and Finishing

Properly baking your cold porcelain clay creations is important for durability. Cold porcelain clay should be baked at 130°C/265°F for 10-15 minutes per 6mm of thickness. Thinner pieces may only need 5-10 minutes. Allow the clay to cool completely before handling.

There are several options for finishing cold porcelain clay after baking. Acrylic paints work well for adding color. Use acrylic varnishes or sealants like polyurethane to seal and protect the surface. This helps prevent chipping and makes the piece more durable. Apply multiple thin coats of sealer, allowing each coat to dry fully before adding the next.

Cold porcelain clay can also be finished with glazes, waxes, or stains before baking for certain effects. Experiment to achieve your desired results. Proper sealing is still recommended after baking glazed pieces.

With the right baking and finishing techniques, your cold porcelain clay creations can become beautiful, long-lasting artworks and decorations.

Troubleshooting Issues

Making natural cold porcelain clay can sometimes lead to issues with the finished product. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Clay is Too Sticky

If your clay is sticky and hard to work with, you likely added too much glue or starch. Try adjusting the recipe by reducing the glue and cornstarch by 10-20%. Adding a bit more baby powder can also help absorb excess moisture.

Clay Cracks Too Easily

If the clay is cracking or crumbling as you sculpt, it may be too dry. Try adding more glue and cornstarch to increase elasticity. Using a moist Sculpey clay softener while kneading can also help create a smoother clay.

Clay Doesn’t Harden

If the clay remains soft and doesn’t harden properly after baking, there may not be enough cornstarch or glue in the mix. Try increasing both ingredients by 5-10% to achieve a better consistency for sculpting and hardening.

Checking the ratio of ingredients and making small adjustments is key for getting the right clay texture. Maintaining proper moisture content while sculpting will also prevent over-drying before baking.