Q: What is polymer clay?
Polymer clay is a man-made material that remains pliable for long periods and will not dry out when exposed to air. This fabulous clay is easy to condition and tool. Simply knead for a few seconds and you’re ready to create!
The polymer bakes or "cures" in a home oven at a fairly low temperature (approx 130°C). Once cool, it hardens and takes on a matte, bisque-type finish.
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Q: Is polymer clay safe for children to handle?
The polymer clay used by us is from Sculpey®, which based in USA. All Sculpey® clay are tested by the trade organization, ACMI (Art & Creative Materials Institute) at the Duke University Health Department. Sculpey® oven bake clays have passed all safety tests and carry the AP non-toxic certificate.
While Polyform products are AP certified safe and non-toxin, you may want to dedicate any tool you use to clay. Don't use it for food service. Always wash your hands after working with this or any craft product. Baby wipes, baby oil, and rubbing alcohol saturated cotton balls will all remove any residual colour which remains on your hands
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Q: How long can I keep the clay?
There is no expiration date for Sculpey polymer clay. If the clay is properly stored away from heat and direct sunlight the life span is very long.
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Q: Can I use a toaster oven to bake the clay?
A toaster oven can be used to bake the clay. However, toaster ovens do not have consistent temperature and may place the clay object too close to the heating element. Being small, the heat in a toaster oven can be even more intense. We recommend that the door of the toaster oven be left open while baking. Check the clay at every 5 minutes interval. It usually takes a much shorter time to harden the clay than baking with a conventional oven at 130°C. Cover the clay with aluminum foil for added protection against being burnt.
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Q: Can I use a microwave oven to bake the clay?
Microwaves heat the water molecules in food products - there is no water in Sculpey clay. It will not work. Sculpey needs a source of heat for a period of time to properly bake the clay to its finish.
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Q: What surfaces should I work on with my clay?
Polymer clay contains pigments that may stain surfaces or damage finished wood surfaces. Do not place unbaked clay on furniture, flooring, carpeting, upholstery or fabric. A sheet of glass, freezer paper, a large ceramic tile, a dedicated marble cutting board, or a acrylic board are all good work surfaces.
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Q: How do I get started?
For best results, condition clay before use. "Conditioning" means that the clay has been kneaded and warmed so ingredients are evenly mixed and the clay is flexible. If you have a pasta machine dedicated to crafting, great! Cut the bar of clay into thin strips and run it through on the thickest setting several times. Conditioned clay is warm, pliable, and has a soft sheen. It doesn't crack along the edges when rolled in sheets. To condition by hand, cut clay into small pieces : knead and roll one of the pieces in your hands until it is soft and pliable; set aside, and condition another chunk - then add to the first. Continue this way and you will soon have an ample supply. Don't try to condition the whole bar at once.
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