There are many types of modeling clay, including polymer and self-hardening ones, which are often used to make fun projects like plates, jewelry, and others. It is easy to complete them by hardening the polymer clay in the oven or letting the self-hardening one air dry.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Bake the Polymer Paste
Step 1. Make a hole with a needle in your model if it contains an air pocket
Models that contain closed air pockets need ventilation holes to prevent them from cracking due to the temperature change in the oven. Pierce the dough with a needle until you reach the internal air pocket.
- If your model does not contain air pockets, there is no need to create ventilation holes!
- Make sure you make at least one hole in each air pocket to ensure the necessary ventilation.
- For example, many model animals made with modeling clay contain an air pocket to be lighter. In addition, even jewelry such as earrings and pendants can contain air pockets, especially if they are very complex projects.
Remember, some types of pasta don't need to be hardened, like oil-based ones, then check on the packaging of the paste you are using that it needs to harden!
Step 2. Read the directions on the package to find out what temperature to set the oven
Many products show the temperature on the packaging, which can range from 100 to 150 ° C. Check if the temperature needs to be changed according to the thickness of the dough and set the oven correctly.
If you are using modeling pastes from multiple brands for a single project, follow the directions for the product you have used the most. If in doubt, set the temperature to 130 ° C
Step 3. Put the dough on a ceramic baking sheet
While the oven heats up, place the model on a baking sheet suitable for use in the oven. You can use a baking sheet or even a ceramic tile.
- The ceramic retains heat well and prevents the temperature from dropping too quickly when you open the oven door.
- Do not use metal or glass trays, as their temperature varies faster.
Step 4. Cook the pasta immediately after painting it
One of the benefits of polymer clay painting is that you don't have to let the paint dry before putting the model in the oven. As soon as you have finished giving the model 1-2 coats of paint, turn on the oven and get ready for cooking.
Painting the model can extend the cooking time. Generally, for each coat of paint, add 3-5 minutes of oven time
Step 5. Bake the pasta in the oven for the time indicated on the package
Most types of modeling clay on the market need to be cooked for 10-30 minutes, depending on the thickness and color of the clay. As a general rule, bake the model in the oven for the time specified on the package for each 0.5cm of thickness.
- For example, if the package suggests that you bake clay for 15 minutes and your model is 1cm thick, bake it for 30 minutes.
- If you've lost the packaging, you usually don't take any chances by cooking the pasta at a lower temperature for longer, like 30-40 minutes.
Step 6. Fill a large bowl with ice and water while the pasta cooks
Get a pot or bucket that can hold your model. Fill them with ice water, leaving about 5cm of space at the top.
The pasta needs to be completely submerged in the water, so try to use the largest pot possible
Step 7. Take the pasta out of the oven and immediately put it in the water
Once the firing is complete, separate the model from the ceramic with a spatula. Carefully move it into the pot and soak it in frozen water for at least 30 seconds to prevent it from getting too hot. At that point, take it gently with your hands or a pair of pliers.
- When you take clay out of the oven, it can be soft on the outside and some tools, such as tongs, can leave marks on it. Use the tongs only to remove the pasta from the ice water and not to take it out of the oven.
- If you don't know how to move the model, try immersing it without removing it from the ceramic.
Method 2 of 2: Dry the Self-Curing Paste
Step 1. Let the clay sit for 24-48 hours
Keep it in a dry, well-ventilated area, without touching it. Every 4-6 hours, check for cracks or defects and make sure the paste is hardening. The time required varies according to the thickness of the model and the humidity of the air, but almost all types of pasta will be completely dry within 72 hours.
If your paste does not harden after about 12 hours, try increasing the temperature by heating the model with a hair dryer, or putting it in the oven at the lowest temperature for 1-2 hours. Check it often
Step 2. Repair cracks that appear during hardening
As the clay begins to dry out, cracks or indentations may form in the model. To get rid of them, dip your fingers in a glass of clean water and rub them a couple of times on the blemish.
If you notice large cracks forming during hardening, try saving the project by reforming the clay. To do this you need to add some water to the model and leave it for 10 minutes in a plastic bag. At that point, knead the dough and keep adding small amounts of water until it becomes usable again
Step 3. Turn the clay after 12-24 hours have passed
If you have a three-dimensional model, such as a vase or a piece of jewelry, turn it around so that the bottom dries as well. You should do this halfway through the hardening time, which varies based on the type of paste you are using.
When handling modeling clay, be very careful. Avoid touching it more than necessary
Step 4. Wait for the paste to dry before painting it
It is simple to add colors or designs to your clay. Just wait for it to dry and apply acrylic paints or tempera with a brush. At that point, let the paint dry for 24 hours and protect it using a spray sealer or brush applied over the model.
For example, if you want to make an intricate design on a clay pot, be sure to use a fine, thin brush, then protect the paint when it dries
Advice
- When baking clay, avoid opening the oven door. This can let the heat escape and cause cracks in the dough due to the sudden change in temperature.
- Be patient! For some products, it takes 72 hours for the paste to harden completely. If you touch or move it ahead of time, you risk ruining your project.
