How To Make Polymer Clay?
Polymer clay is a type of modeling and sculpting clay that can be cured or hardened in a regular home oven. It is made of polymers, fillers, and pigments that give it its unique properties. Unlike natural clays like clay dug from the earth, polymer clay can be cured into a permanent, durable material.
Polymer clay first became popular in the 1930s as an alternative to ceramic clays. It was developed to have properties ideal for arts and crafts, like being lightweight and easy to work with at room temperature. The early polymer clays were unstable and had to be molded then painted after curing, but modern polymer clays can be colored before baking.
There are several major types of polymer clay including Fimo, Sculpey, Cernit, and Kato Polyclay. Each brand has different formulas that result in slightly different finished characteristics. Polymer clays come in a wide range of colors that can be mixed together to create custom colors.
Polymer clay is an incredibly versatile art medium. It can be molded and shaped into 3D sculptures, figurines, jewelry, beads, miniature foods, and endless other creative objects. Its flexibility and ability to achieve fine detail make it popular for artists, hobbyists, and crafters of all ages and skill levels.
Needed Materials
Polymer clay is the main material needed to make polymer clay creations. There are many brands to choose from, like Sculpey, Fimo, and Premo, which come in a variety of colors. Polymer clay can be purchased at craft stores or online. Make sure to get an assortment of colors to allow for more creative possibilities.
In addition to the clay, you will need some basic clay sculpting and shaping tools. These include items like a roller, texture sheets, cutters, silicone sculpting tools, and an acrylic roller. These tools help shape, smooth, and add interest to the clay.
You will need a dedicated work surface for conditioning and sculpting the clay. A smooth glass work surface or acrylic sheet works best, as the clay won’t stick. You can also use wax paper if needed.
Optional materials include acrylic paints for adding color, liquid clay for bonding pieces together or adding a glossy coat, glitters and powders for accents, and clear finishes like varnish or glaze.
Conditioning the Clay
Properly conditioning your polymer clay is a crucial step that should never be skipped. Conditioning softens and warms the clay, making it smooth, pliable, and easier to work with.
Here are some key reasons why conditioning is so important:
- It warms up the clay, making it softer and more malleable.
- It evenly distributes colorants and conditioning agents throughout the clay.
- It removes air bubbles that can cause cracking or imperfections.
- It blends clay colors and mixes clay blends into a uniform consistency.
- It makes sculpting much easier since the clay is smooth and pliable.
There are a few main techniques for properly conditioning polymer clay:
Kneading by hand – Knead the clay by folding it over itself and pressing down with the palms of your hands. Roll and squeeze the clay continuously to warm it up and make it soft and pliable.
Rolling – Roll the clay out flat using an acrylic roller. Then fold the clay in half and roll it out again. Repeat this process until the clay is smooth and elastic.
Twisting – Twist a section of clay like a rope to evenly blend colors and mix clay blends. Pinch and pull any stubborn areas until the clay is one consistent color.
Take your time conditioning, for at least 5-10 minutes per color of clay. Well-conditioned clay will make the entire sculpting process easier and help your finished pieces look smooth and professional.
Sculpting
Once your polymer clay is properly conditioned, you can start sculpting. There are a few techniques for sculpting your polymer clay creations by hand:
Sculpting by Hand
The most basic sculpting method is using your hands. Knead, roll, pinch, and smooth the clay to form simple or complex shapes. Use your fingers and palms to press, smooth, and blend the clay. Sculpting by hand takes practice, but allows you to intimately work the clay.
Using Clay Tools
Specialized clay tools can help when sculpting details and textures. Clay shapers have tapered tips ideal for smoothing curves and crevices. Loop tools carve flowing lines and indentations. Needle tools are great for poke dots and markings. Cutters make consistent shapes and patterns. Use tools gently and creatively.
Shaping Techniques
Try using armatures or support structures to sculpt around. Roll sheets and cut shapes with template cutters. Texture the clay by pressing objects into it. Bend wire shapes to define forms. Cut or tear clay to mimic natural textures. Let the clay flow through your fingers to make organic shapes. Experiment with techniques to find your style.
Texturing
Texturing allows you to add interesting visual elements to your polymer clay sculptures. There are several techniques you can use to create textures.
Impressing Objects into Clay
Pressing objects into the surface of the clay is an easy way to create patterns and textures. You can use just about anything – coins, beads, keys, buttons, shells, lace, leaves, etc. Press the object firmly into the clay, being careful not to tear the clay. If the object has texture, those details will be imprinted into the clay.
Using Texture Sheets/Rolling Pins
Texture sheets and rolling pins have been imprinted with detailed patterns that get transferred to clay. Roll the textured roller over the surface of the clay to imprint the design. There are many different texture sheet designs available, like wood grain, basket weave, scales, etc.
Carving Patterns
Use clay carving tools to incise designs directly into the surface of the clay. You can carve freehand or use a template. Clay carving tools have different shaped tips that can create lines, dots, curves, etc. This takes some practice but allows you to create very intricate designs.
Baking
Properly baking your polymer clay is crucial for ensuring your creations hold their shape and last. Here are some tips for successful baking:
Baking Instructions
Most polymer clays require baking at 265°F – 275°F for 10-15 minutes per 1⁄4 inch of thickness. Check your clay brand’s instructions for exact time and temperature. Bake in a conventional or toaster oven – do not use a microwave. Place clay pieces at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Avoid glass pans which may cause scorching. Once baked, allow pieces to fully cool before handling.
Baking Equipment
A dedicated oven thermometer is recommended to ensure accuracy, as most ovens run hotter or cooler than their set points. Oven thermometers are inexpensive and widely available. For baking multiple pieces, consider a toaster oven which uses less energy. Durable metal baking sheets work best. Avoid materials like cardboard that can burn.
Ensuring Proper Bake
Underbaking leaves clay sticky and prone to deforming. Overbaking makes clay brittle and easily breakable. To test if polymer clay is properly baked, check that it’s rigid, smooth, and no longer pliable. Clay should not dent when gently pressed on the thickest area. Results vary by clay type and brand, so get to know your clay’s expected finished look and feel after an optimal bake.
Painting
Once your polymer clay creation is baked and cooled, it’s time to add color and bring it to life with paint. Acrylic paints are the best choice for painting polymer clay because they bond permanently to the clay surface.
Look for acrylic paints made specifically for clay and ceramics, as these provide the most vibrant colors and durability. Avoid using enamel, oil-based, or plastic paints which can crack or peel. Acrylic clay paints can be found at most craft stores in a variety of opaque and translucent colors and finishes.
There are a few techniques to paint clay pieces for different effects:
- Hand painting – Using a small brush to manually paint the clay. Good for details and patterns.
- Sponge painting – Dabbing paint onto the surface using a sponge for a mottled texture.
- Dry brushing – Using very little paint on a dry brush to create wispy strokes.
- Airbrushing – Spraying paint using an airbrush tool for smooth, even coverage.
- Chalk pastels – Rubbing chalk pastels onto raw clay before baking for a weathered look.
Apply paint in thin layers and allow drying completely between coats. Consider using a clear glaze or sealant spray afterwards to protect the paint and give the piece a uniform glossy or matte finish.
Finishing
After baking, you’ll want to smooth out any rough edges and get your polymer clay sculpture ready for display. Here are some finishing techniques to achieve a polished look:
Sanding
Use fine grit sandpaper or sanding sponges to gently smooth seams and sculpted areas. Start with a rougher grit like 220 and work up to finer grits like 600 or 1200 for a perfectly smooth finish. Be careful not to sand away details.
Buffing
Use a buffing wheel or microfiber cloth to buff the surface. This will create an attractive sheen. You can use a buffing compound like jeweler’s rouge for extra polish. Buff lightly to avoid overheating the clay.
Applying Glaze
For extra shine and protection, apply a liquid polymer clay glaze or varathane. Use a soft brush to evenly coat the surface and follow drying times. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
Other Finishing Techniques
Try rubbing a wax paste on your sculpture for a soft sheen. You can also apply a matte spray sealant for a non-shiny look. Flocking with velvet fibers creates a velvety texture. Consider accenting with paint pens or nail art rhinestones and decals.
Troubleshooting
Working with polymer clay can sometimes lead to issues like cracking, bubbles, and discoloration. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
Cracking
Cracking happens when the clay is conditioned improperly or gets too thin in some areas. To prevent cracking:
- Knead the clay thoroughly until soft and pliable
- Avoid rolling or stretching clay too thin
- Wrap thin areas like arms and legs with foil for support
Bubbles
Bubbles and air pockets can occur when conditioning the clay. To minimize bubbles:
- Fold clay over itself and compress out air while conditioning
- Avoid over-conditioning as too much kneading can incorporate air
- Use a roller over the surface to flatten bubbles
Discoloration
Clay can become discolored when baked at the wrong temperature or mixed with incompatible types. To prevent discoloring:
- Bake clay at the temperature specified on the package
- Test mixtures on a small piece before combining clays
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure correct baking temperature
Fixing Mistakes
Don’t worry about mistakes! Polymer clay can easily be fixed by warming and re-blending colors. Other options include:
- Add new clay on top to cover up or fill in problem areas
- Use acrylic paints to touch up discolorations after baking
- Re-blend scrap clay if your creation gets accidentally squished
Project Ideas
Polymer clay is incredibly versatile and can be used to create all kinds of crafts and decorative objects. Here are some fun project ideas to try:
Jewelry
Polymer clay is perfect for making jewelry like beads, pendants, charms, brooches, and more. You can sculpt the clay into any shape, add texture, and paint it with acrylics once baked. Polymer clay jewelry is lightweight and durable. Design one-of-a-kind pieces for yourself or to give as gifts.
Figurines
Sculpt miniature figurines like animals, dolls, characters, and more with polymer clay. The clay holds fine detail nicely, so you can create intricate, expressive designs. Figurines make great gifts, collector’s items, cake toppers, holiday decorations, or just art for display in your home.
Kitchen & Home Accessories
Make functional yet stylish items for your kitchen and home with polymer clay. Possibilities include bowls, cups, utensil holders, coasters, knobs, handles, decorative boxes, vases, and more. Impress guests with your custom-crafted, handmade home goods.
Home Décor
In addition to kitchen and home accessories, polymer clay can be used to craft various home decor items. Create decorative clay tiles, wall plaques and hangings, candle holders, plant pots, decorative boxes, and any kind of clay sculpture you can imagine to liven up your living spaces.
