Use of Polymer/Air Dry clay.

[Phestus]

I have read about people cutting out a pattern then filling the open part with Polymer Clay or Air Dry Clay. If anyone has tried this could you please tell me if you have problems with the clay shrinking as it dries. Polymer has to be baked in an over for about 30 minutes at 275-295 degrees and air dry, as it's name implies, dries after 24-48 hours exposure to the air. I would like to give it a try but want to make sure I get the right clay and am prepared for what I might encounter. Many Thanks....


Cheers,

Phestus

[DWSudekum]

The polymer clay baking temperature is at that temperature but your bake time is incorrect. The package states 15 minutes per 1/4 of thickness. If you do decide to use the polymer clay the cooking sheet that you are using will no longer be able to be used for food. You will need to work the polymer clay to get it soft and pliable. it is real easy to use and stands up real nicely.

DW

[Don in Brooklin On]

I haven't used the clay for scroll pieces yet but I used FIMO clay for a bowl below.

My biggest concern was the colour spreading into the wood so I sealed the area first. I also undercut the lower edge a little.

I have a couple of projects that I plan on doing in the future with clay inlay but got to get Christmas cuts done first.

IMG_6798.jpg

Don

[Phestus]

Don and DW,

Thanks to both of you for responding to my query on Polymer and Air Dry clay. I'm sorry but I still don't know if there is a shrinkage problem with either clay. Guess I'll just have to buy a little of each and try 'em out. Thanks Again!


Phestus

[DWSudekum]

With the polymer clay there is very little if any shrinkage. The main problem with the polymer clay is you have to bake it so you are working with temperatures hotter than boiling water. A bit of care has to be taken but it is colorsafe, fun and easy to use.

DW

[Simon Jester]

I have done a few small pieces without a shrinkage problem. Apparently it's normal for polymer clay to shrink a bit, though, so it could be a problem on larger items where more clay is used. The clay can be baked more than once, so if shrinking is a problem you can just fill in the gaps with fresh clay and bake it again.

[Spirithorse]

Hi, All,
I have also wondered about some of these items such as shrinkage, pieces drying and flaking out, color bleed.
Don in On, that bowl would NOT be food safe, correct?
Thanks for any replies. God Bless! [email protected]

[Don in Brooklin On]

Don in On, that bowl would NOT be food safe, correct?

From what I read the Polymer Clay in non toxic and food safe. It is not on the FIMO site but there is a whole site about Polymer Clay safety which states it is non toxic.

After I baked the FIMO I put the bowl back on the lathe to sand down and then finished with 4 thin coats of General's Salad bowl finish and then polished with the Beal system.

Overall, I think it would be food safe.

Don

PS: I experienced no shrinkage that I could see but I overfilled and sanded back.