Polymer Clays are brightly coloured modelling clays that are hardened permanently by baking in an ordinary home oven. There are several different brands of Polymer Clay available and all are similar in use although they do vary in softness and appearance. Fimo, Sculpey, Promat, Formello and Cernit are the main brand names of these clays. All the clays have a shelf life of several years and will not dry out in the packet. Keep your clay in a tin or sealed plastic container to prolong its life.
Polymer clays are ideal for making miniatures as they can mimic a wide range of materials. They can be used for modelling dollhouse food, china, plants, wood, metal and for making dolls. The different colours of clay can be mixed together to give more colours. For example, any colour can be mixed with white to make pastel colours and bright colours can be toned down by adding brown or black. Partially mixed colours give a pleasant marbled effect which can resemble woodgrain or stone.
No special equipment is needed and you will find everything you need to start with in your home:
Always work each piece of clay well between your hands to thoroughly soften it. If the clay is hard and hurts your hands, it is probably too cold and can be warmed over a hot water bottle. Do not attempt to warm it in the microwave! Clays can be mixed with Mix Quick, made by Fimo, to soften them further. Try not to get the clay too soft as this makes it too mushy for making miniatures well.
Beware of dirty fingerprints. Light coloured clays in particular will soon become grubby unless you clean your hands thoroughly before use and after using darker colours.
It is not necessary to press pieces hard together to join them - a light pressure is sufficient as they will weld together when baked.
Most of the clays should be baked in an ordinary oven at 265 F or 130 C for about 10 to 15 minutes. Some clays have different temperature requirements so check the package. The clay will not normally harden completely until cool. If the clay is fragile after baking and breaks easily, the oven was not hot enough. If it has a shiny appearance and discolours, the oven was too hot. Domestic ovens vary in their accuracy of temperature - the temperature you set the oven to may not be what you get! A separate oven thermometer is useful if you are in doubt.
Polymer clays can be successfully painted using acrylic paints. Do not attempt to use oil-based paints which will never dry properly. De-grease the clay first by wiping with nail polish remover . After painting, the clay can be varnished with acrylic varnish for a glos effect - or use Fimo varnish.
Metallic powders can be brushed onto unbaked clay to give silver, gold or brass effects. Powder paint colours are very useful for dusting onto the unbaked clay to give subtle tones. For example on the top of a loaf of bread to look like browning.
Polymer Clays are rated as non toxic but care should be taken not to use the same tools for clay and food. Do not overheat or burn the clay as it will give off toxic fumes. If this happens, ventilate the room well and avoid inhaling the fumes.
FAQ prepared by Sue Heaser 1995.