Introduction
Are you tired of spending hours creating the perfect polymer clay creation, only to have it crack or become burnt during the baking process? Look no further! In this blog post, we will be discussing the dos and don’ts of baking polymer clay to help you achieve maximum success with your creations. From temperature control to proper handling techniques, follow these tips and tricks to take your polymer clay artistry to new heights. Let’s get started!
The Dos of Baking Polymer Clay
When baking polymer clay, there are a few things you can do to ensure success. First, use an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is accurate. Preheat your oven before beginning to bake the clay so it has time to reach the correct temperature. Follow the recommended baking time and temperature for your clay; if you’re not sure, err on the side of longer rather than shorter. Once the clay is in the oven, resist the urge to open the door frequently to check on it; every time you do, heat escapes and can cause uneven baking. When the timer goes off, carefully remove the clay from the oven using gloves or an oven mitt. Allow it to cool completely before handling so you don’t risk warping or damaging it.
The Don’ts of Baking Polymer Clay
Baking polymer clay is a great way to set your designs and make them permanent, but there are a few things you should avoid doing if you want to ensure success. Here are the top four baking don’ts for polymer clay:
1. Don’t use an oven that’s been used for cooking food – The chemicals and fumes from cooking can react with the polymer clay and ruin your project.
2. Don’t try to bake too many pieces at once – Overcrowding the oven will lead to uneven baking and can cause some pieces to warp or distort.
3. Don’t forget to preheat the oven – This step is crucial for getting the temperature just right and ensuring even baking.
4. Don’t bake the clay on foil or other non-porous surfaces – The heat can cause these materials to stick to the clay and ruin your piece. Always use a ceramic tile or similar surface when baking polymer clay.
Tips for Successfully Baking Polymer Clay
Baking polymer clay is a great way to ensure your projects hold their shape and maintain their color. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to get the best results.
Here are some tips for successfully baking polymer clay:
1. Preheat your oven before putting the clay in. This will help the clay bake evenly.
2. Follow the instructions on the clay packaging carefully. Different types of clay have different baking temperature requirements.
3. Place your clay project on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil to prevent it from sticking.
4. Don’t overbake the clay or it will become brittle and break easily. Watch it closely towards the end of the baking time and remove it from the oven as soon as it is done.
5. Allow the baked clay to cool completely before handling or painting it.
