What is Translucent Polymer Clay

Translucent Polymer Clay:

Just when we though that polymer clay could not go any further, we are introduced to yet, another form of polymer clay

If your baffled about this different clay, so was I.

How can we have this polymer clay and what can we do with it?

So, Translucent clay can be used for a variety of special effects when sculpting.

By mixing small amounts of this colored clay will produce a watercolor effect. The clay itself has a look of something like alabaster, not very inspiring at this stage.....

But when you use a thin layer of translucent polymer clay over a strongly-colored pattern, this will create a milky surface. Interpretation is the revenge of the intellect upon art.

So translucent polymer clays are often used in a combination with colors to produce faux stones such as: jade, ivory, and even amber.

How are translucent clays different from other colored clays?

As with other colored clays, you can use translucent clays just the same, such as: mixing, marbling, cane work, or anything else.

Yet, there are a few overall differences that you need to be aware of. Translucent clays tend to be softer and stickier when conditioned than when using the same brand of colored clay.

Also, with many of the translucent clays, you will be looking at lower firing temperatures to avoid darkening; it is best to see the instructions on the individual package before going this far.

If you decide to use colored and translucent clay together in the same piece, you will need to fire it at a lower temperature.

Differences between Translucent Polymer Clays?

Most of the clay manufacturers offer more than one translucent clays.

Sculpey translucent #510 - is one of the most transparent of the polymer clays, it is very soft, and does tend to pick up a yellowish tinge when fired longer than the minimum time.

Photo Courtesy: MilicaBubanja
Fimo: offers two different translucent clays.

Fimo art translucent #00 - which is only sold in 12-ounce blocks,  it is preferred for the making of faux stones because the fired clay develops plaques, these are tiny imperfections that enhance the clay's resemblance to a natural stone, good for jewelry.

Fimo transparent/opaque #01 - is one of the least transparent of the translucent polymer clays, and unlike art translucent, it does not readily change color at the normal firing temperatures of 250-275° Fahrenheit, something to remember.

Transparent Clay and little flecks 

Tiny flaws such as little flecks can be produced while firing your clay. This effect is called "plaquing".

Fimo art translucent #00 in particular shows this effect. There are some artists that seek out this effect, because it can be used in faux stones to make the pieces look more like natural stone.

You can enhance this by putting your art pieces into a preheated oven then removing them as soon as the firing is complete. Wet-sanding and buffing will also make the plaquing more visible.

However, you can reduce the plaquing by the use of a  different translucent clay - such as, Fimo transparent/opaque #01 - or by placing your pieces in a cold oven and then turning it on for the  firing process, then letting the pieces cool down in the oven after firing.

Enhancing the transparency of Polymer Clay

The translucent polymer clays are not truly transparent, however you can increase their transparency level by:

• By mixing colored clay with transparent clays to produce a color-wash effect.

But don't use too much of the colored clay as the pigment in the normal clays will make the overall clay less transparent.

Use very little of the normal colored clay to the translucent clay, mix small amounts first so that you get the feel for mixing them to achieve the desired effect. Same as when you are mixing paints.

While the clay is still warm from firing, try dipping it into "Future acrylic floor wax".

After your piece of clay is cool, you can try to wet-sand and buff it. Pieces finished in this way look more translucent than if you finished a piece with a glaze.

Can I make an object that's truly transparent

There are no true transparent polymer clays, this would be hard to achieve.

 Though you can obtain the nearest transparent effect if you put a very thin layer of translucent polymer clay over another object, then fire it, apply the wet-sanding and buffing to get as close as you can to transparency, although there still will be some cloudiness.

A new process, and a new effect, I just wonder how many areas of art polymer clays will open up in the areas of sculpture, and also making jewellery to, as far as your imagination takes you I guess.

Have a look around by surfing the web and see what other people are making, I bet there have been many interesting ways to use this translucent polymer clay.

Here is a video you can buy that shows you just what you can do with this wonderful clay - Tantalizing Translucents (Master Artisans: Polymer Clay Series) [VHS]

Translucent Clay Supplies

Polyform Sculpey III Polymer Clay 2 Ounces Translucent S302-010, 8 Item(s)/Order

Staedtler Fimo Soft Polymer Clay 2 Ounces-8020-014 Translucent EF8020-014US, 10 Item(s)/Order - a different brand, but I use all brands.

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