Baking Clay
A Guide to No-Bake and Baking Clay
When it comes to the art of sculpting clay, we really are spoiled for choice between no-bake and baking clay. At one time, it seemed like the only option available was to bake clay for many hours and at very hot temperatures that would have the electric company whooping for joy. –But not anymore! We are going to talk about a variety of clay types as well as take a look at a quick and simple recipe for baking clay that is fun for adults and children alike!
Polymer is perhaps one of the more popular types of clay around. It is used by professionals, hobbyists, and even children because it is just so darn easy to use! In all actuality, polymer clay isn’t really clay at all. It is made out of a PVC material and includes a substance called “liquid plasticizer”. Because this material is so similar to mineral-based clay and is used for the same purposes, polymer gets dumped into the same category as mineral clay.
Traditional polymer clay is easy to sculpt and won’t air dry. But the beauty of it? It doesn’t require high temperatures in order to harden. Most polymer clays can harden after about fifteen minutes when baked between 265 and 275 degrees F, although different brands may have specific baking requirements. Polymer also will not shrink once baked and will not produce a change in the texture of the object, as some clay do. As far as the “finish” goes, this baking clay can either be wet-sanded or buffed or it can be painted using a water-based varnish.
Makin’s clay is a new and highly popular form of no-bake clay. While this clay is polymer-based, it doesn’t have to be baked in order to harden. As long as the clay is being “worked”, it will continue to stay soft and pliable. Once the project is ready to harden, it is simply left to air-dry for about 24 hours. Not only is it very easy to work with, but it can also bond to other materials and although it is available for purchase in many colors, non-colored Makin’s can be painted once it has dried.
If one is looking for an easy-to-prepare project that will entertain children for hours, then homemade baking clay is a must-try. Don’t be fooled, as adults can have just as much fun sculpting their homemade clay as a child can, and the baking process is a cinch. To make your own clay, you’ll need four cups of all-purpose flour, one cup of salt, and one and a half cups of warm water.
The first step is pouring the salt into the warm water and allowing it to sit until the water cools. In a large bowl, mix together the flour and the water and salt mixture. One shouldn’t be afraid to use their hands, as this mixture will need to be kneaded for about ten minutes in order to reach the correct consistency. For colorful clay, a little food coloring should be added to the water and salt mixture before it is added to the flour. After the clay has been sculpted into the desired object or shape, it should be placed onto a baking sheet and baked at 325 degrees F. It usually takes between half an hour to an hour for the clay to harden properly. One should be very watchful during the baking process and only bake the clay until all of the moisture has gone, as this clay can darken and burn if left too long. A water-based sealant may be used to paint the clay after it has cooled completely.
These easy, do-it-yourself modeling clays make it easy to take up a creative hobby at home without having to purchase specialized equipment. Plus, most craft stores now have a huge selection of no-bake and baking clay available at reasonable prices, meaning anyone can sculpt! Gone are the days of having to attend sculpting classes or rent equipment to enjoy a simple but fulfilling art project!