What is polymer clay? | Polymer Clay Information For Beginners

Welcome to the amazing world of polymer clay! Are you excited to mold your creativity with polymer clay? Polymer clay is not like the regular clay you find outside. It’s a special kind made by people using polymers, resins, coloring agents, and fillers.

The best part is that it’s super soft and easy to shape. It remains soft till you convert the clay into a hard clay art by baking. You don’t need a fancy oven – your regular kitchen oven works just fine to bake your creations.

Before you step into polymer clay creations, there are must-know Polymer clay facts and hacks. In this article we are going to share them with you, from basics to selection of ideal brands on your polymer clay arts. Keep reading!

Composition of polymer clay  

First things first! Let’s get to know how the polymer clay is made of. 

Polymer clay is a synthetic version of modeling clay that is primarily made from a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) base. Polyvinyl alcohol, a filling material, moisturizing agent, and pigment dispersant are the key ingredients of Polymer clay. Making the interior of the mixing vessel in a vacuum state is an essential environmental factor in making Polymer clay.

Then, let’s get to know the special properties and versatility of polymer clay! We are about to reveal those in the next section.

Properties and Versatility of Polymer Clay  

• Polymer clay retains its pristine color and size even after baking. It is a soft medium at room temperature before baking.
• Polymer clay comes in a variety of color ranges. Also, it consists to design large creations or miniature sculptures with fine details.
• You can improve the status of your polymer clay creation by using various crafting applications. Polymer clay can stimulate many materials such as stone, semi-precious stones, porcelain, wood, glass, etc.
• It is possible to customize your polymer clay productions by color, weight, or stability by mixing different clays. 

What is polymer clay used for?  

Polymer clay is the newest trending medium for designing costume jewelry, ornaments, charms, and small sculptures. Since polymer clay is a lightweight medium, it is an ideal medium for creating earrings and other accessories. 

Further, it is a versatile medium for crafting and artistic works. You can apply the techniques of glassmaking, metalworking, ceramics, sculpture, and textile when you are dealing with polymer clay. Those are the major reasons for polymer clay products to get such popularity among fashion lovers and artists.

So, we are going to share some examples of polymer clay creations!

Examples of Polymer Clay Creations

It is possible to try out thousands of different projects using polymer clay.  Just check out the video below to get an idea about some sculptures and artistic works made by hands-on polymer clay artists. 

Next, we are ready to share the benefits of using polymer clay for your projects.

Benefits of using polymer clay  

There are many advantages of using polymer clay over other art media because of its versatility.

• Polymer clay does not dry, splinter, or cook at room temperature. Further, the shape is permanent once baked.
• Polymer clay is durable and waterproof once baked. It is a great medium for small-scale models and details. 
• With polymer clay, the possibilities are endless as you can mix it with other clays to achieve your desired outcome.
• One of the main benefits of using polymer clay is the accessibility and convenience of baking in a domestic oven. As polymer clay solidifies at 135^o, there is no need to keep it in a kiln. 

How does Polymer Clay Works  

Here is a brief step-by-step guide on how to use polymer clay!

1. Choose the right type of clay for your project.
2. Condition the polymer clay.
3. Color your clay or use colored polymer clay.
4. Make the sculpture.
5. Bake the clay in the oven.
6. Paint the sculpture.
7. Seal the polymer clay sculpture. 

Brands and Types of Polymer Clay  

There are different brands of polymer clay available on the market. Fimo , Sculpey, Pardo, Premo, Cernit, and Kato are some of the top popular brands. 

If you are going to make canes, Premo, Premo Accents, Fimo Classic or Kato clay will work for you. Sculpey III, Fimo Soft for color, and Terracotta Sculpey are great for kids to play with. 

If you plan to work mixed-media and want to gesso or paint the finished, Ultra-light or Original white Sculpey will work for you. If you want a poured or glazed glassy finish, you can try Kato or Fimo Gel liquid clay.

Where to Buy Polymer Clay  

You can find polymer clay from art supply stores or online stores, if you are looking for purchasing them. However, the safest place to buy polymer clay is from reputable stores or suppliers, as they control the quality of their products. 

Mungyo, Yozki, Artifact, Craft and Clay, Cernit, and Fimo, are the leading producers of Polymer clay worldwide.

There is no single country that produces the best polymer clay, as different brands and varieties have different properties and are suited for different projects.

However, some of the most popular and well-respected brands of polymer clay come from Germany, Japan, and the United States.

Safety and Environmental Considerations  

Polymer clay is an artificial clay that is made of a PVC base. So make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after you are done with your crafting. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel to clean your hands and wipe them with a paper towel. Clean the oven with a wet cloth, after baking your polymer clay pieces.

However, it is important to take some safety precautions when working with polymer clay, as it can release fumes and dust that can be harmful if inhaled.

Although Polymer clay is certified as a non-toxic material, but Polymer clay production causes environmental harm. Store your unbaked polymer clay in Ziploc bags to keep them out from dust with a long shelf life. 

Conclusion  

Are you excited to explore those exciting dimensions of polymer clay world? You can rock your polymer clay art when you blend your creativity with appropriate brand. Now, it is up to you to mold your creativity with polymer clay while enjoying the joy of amazing pieces of polymer clay arts. Enjoy crafting!

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