How to Harden Modeling Clay

Some modeling clays can be baked to create permanent sculptures.

Some brands of modeling clay are nonhardening or self-hardening, while others can be firmed up by baking. If you find that you or your child has molded something you want to keep, consider making it permanent by putting it in the oven. Examine any information on the product to determine the appropriate hardening technique.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Oven or kiln
• Waxed paper
• Cookie sheet

1. Identify specifically what kind of clay you are working with.

2. Bake your creation if your clay is polymer clay (such as Fimo). Preheat your oven to a very low heat, such as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the clay object on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet, and put the cookie sheet in the oven for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the object.

3. Bake oven-hardening clay longer. You will need to bake the clay object as described previously, although at approximately one hour in a 300-degree oven.

4. Use a kiln if you are using a traditional kind of fine art clay. Let your piece air-dry for a week or so and then carefully transport it to wherever you have access to a kiln.

5. Wait patiently if you have self-hardening clay. Self-hardening clay dries best at room temperature over about a week.

Tips & Warnings

• Drying time will always depend on the thickness of your object.

• Beads and other small items can burn very quickly. If you need to bake beads, cut the oven time in half and watch them carefully.

References

• Sarajane's Polyclay Gallery: Frequently Asked Questions About Polymer Clay