Polymer Clay Sculpting Tutorial
Polymer clay is a versatile material that can be mixed like oil paints to create a vast color palette. Polymer clay can also be sculpted and fired to create many different types of surfaces using surface treatments. Polymer clay can even be carved or coated with different colors of metal leaf. By understanding the basic techniques needed to sculpt, fire and treat polymer clay pieces, you will be able to use this versatile medium to bring your creative ideas to life.
Things You'll Need
- Polymer clay in different colors
- Clay tools
- Needles
- Food processor (optional)
- Old toothbrush (optional)
- Flat baking pan
- Piece of paper
- Wet/dry sandpapers from 400- to 600-grit
- Dishwashing liquid
- Floor varnish (optional)
Instructions
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Mix colors for your polymer clay sculptural project. Try mixing small quantities until you find the right color mixture and then make larger quantities to maintain color consistency throughout the piece. Condition the clay by kneading and rolling it to ensure air pockets have been removed, as these will expand and cause bubbles when you fire the piece. Consider the type of shape and texture that will fit your idea.
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Test different techniques for creating shapes and textures. For example, running turquoise-colored clay and brown dirt in a rock tumbler or food processor creates the look and texture of turquoise. Try creating different shapes by rolling tubes and spheres. Use clay tools, needles or even an old toothbrush to test the effect of different types of markings on the surface of pre-fired clay. Build the sculptural shape that fits your design idea once you have chosen between your textural options.
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Prepare to fire your polymer piece. Check the manufacturer suggestions for firing temperatures, as these will vary between brands. Polymer clay fires at less than 300 degrees F, so it can be baked in a kitchen oven. Try using a paper lining on the flat baking tray to avoid creating a shiny spot on the piece. Make sure your baking pan is completely flat and does not warp in heat to prevent distortions to the piece.
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Remove the polymer clay sculpture after the recommended baking time and allow it to cool. Examine the piece for fingerprints and surface flaws, as these can be removed with wet/dry sandpaper. To sand the piece for prints, use wet/dry sandpaper from 400- to 600-grit. Hold the piece under running water and use a drop of dishwashing liquid as lubricant while sanding. Create a smoother shine by continuing to sand with finer wet/dry sandpaper. Create a high-gloss shine by dipping the sanded and dried piece in floor varnish.
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Tips & Warnings
To apply metal leaf to a finished sculpture, paint the area you want to treat with liquid polymer clay and apply small pieces of leaf until the area is covered.
