Sculpting with Polymer Clay

Sculpting with Polymer Clay:

As this form of clay is fairly new, and not everyone knows about it, let's go through what it is and how it can be used.

I for one, welcome different art materials coming onto the market and to see this sort of clay that not only comes in many different colures.

It's easy enough for children to use, right up to the professional sculptor. And there are many different forms of this clay.

And one big plus..... you can harden it in your own oven.....How good is that!

What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is a non-toxic man made material of a pliable plastic, with clay like properties. And stays pliable from the day you buy it to the time your ready to cure it by baking it in your oven for example.

I am sure there are many different ways you can bake it, I have even heard of it being cured in a toaster for example.....

It's great to think that you don't have to look around and find someone who can fire it for you in their kiln.

This way you have no more expenses, and you have total control of your piece of art work.

The fact that is cures at relatively low temperatures is also a plus. Ranging from between 265 and 275°F (129-135°C).

Though as there are many different sorts of clays out there, I would look to your instructions for temperature differences.

It also ranges in many different colures, which will be great if you are making a one off, and also for the kids.

But with the professional sculptor, you would probably be looking at one color. As you will only be using this first sculpture as a template for mould making. Then you will be able to cast in limited editions.

Photo Courtesy: layworkshop & kawausotei
Let's look at it this way if you want to do a design in sculpture form.

Now sculpting with polymer clay, you will be able to fire it.

Once hardened, you will have less worries about your sculpture getting damaged, specially if you need to send it off in the post.

As with myself, sculpting in wax, it does not harden off. So I have the problem with transporting it anywhere having the worry of it getting damaged in some way.

When sculpting with polymer clay, once fired, you will be able to: stamp it, sand it, and paint it with most paints. You have the choice of moulding it or carving it, depending on what sort of polymer clay you choose.

Sculpting with Polymer Clay and what can you do with it?

Some key advantages with polymer clay:

• Polymer clay can be baked in your oven without the need for a kiln.
• Different clays can be blended and mixed together.
• Fun for both kids and adults.
• Polymer clay is easy to work with and holds it's detail.
• Comes in a wide variety of colors.
• After baking, it can be sanded, painted and primed
• No need to cover up the sculpture when not working with it, as it will not dry out.

Different Types of Polymer Clays

• Sculpey - a very soft and pliable clay.
• Super Sculpey - firmer than Sculpey.
• Sculpey III - soft and pliable clay that comes in a variety of colors
• Fimo
• Primo
• Prosculpt - a popular clay with fairy and doll art community
• Liquid Sculpey
• Kato

Choosing a Brand

When sculpting with polymer clay, most of these clays are good. You just need to choose which is going to suit you best.

These are the clays that work best for sculpting: Kato Clay, Super Sculpey, Super Sculpey Firm, Fimo Classic, Premo! Sculpey, Puppen Fimo, and  Prosculpt. 

You can mix them together to get different mixes, though you would need to experiment here.

There are the range of clays that don't work as well, so you might steer clear of using these ones: Original Sculpey, Sculpey III, and Fimo Soft are not durable enough for sculpture. So you will be wasting your time going straight onto these.

Photo Courtesy: Christy's Critters
It's just like natural clays... there are clays that are better for different uses.

If you decide to do a sculpture, you need certain clays that will suit better.

Same if you want a grain less clay, compared to a clay with heavy grain in it.

It all depends on what sort of sculpture you want to do, and just how detailed you want it to be.

There is however a specialty polymer clay like Granitex (which has a gritty rock-like texture) and the liquid clays are not for general sculpting.

Though work well for other certain effects that you might want to add to your sculpture when sculpting with polymer clays.

When you are looking for the sort of surface that you feel as though you can glide your finger over, you will need to be looking at using a brush with about 90% alcohol.

Of course you can hit the drinks cabinet, just don't go for the expensive stuff.....

"So stands the statue that enchants the world, So bending tries to veil the matchless boast, The mingled beauties of exulting Greece."~  James Thomson

This way, the alcohol has the effect of melting the clay, and smoothing it's surface, as well as melting once piece of clay subtly into another piece which is good for life like work.

It's good to try different sorts of sculpting materials, and this one sure sounds a good all rounder, so I would say... go and have a try of this clay.

When sculpting with polymer clay, if you don't feel that it's right for you, you can always hand it over to the kids, or the kids at heart.....

Return from Sculpting with Polymer Clay to Sculpting Tutorials