Complete Guide to Polymer Clay Crafting in Canada

What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is a modeling material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, plasticizers, and pigments. When heated to the correct temperature (typically 275°F/135°C), the plasticizers evaporate and the clay hardens permanently. This process is called "curing" rather than firing, and it makes polymer clay accessible to home crafters.

Advantages of Polymer Clay

No shrinkage: Maintains exact size and detail after curing
Home oven curing: No need for expensive kiln equipment
Infinite working time: Never dries out until cured
Color variety: Available in hundreds of colors and finishes
Mixable: Colors can be blended to create custom shades
Durability: Cured pieces are strong and long-lasting
Detail capability: Holds fine details and textures

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Polymer clay is toxic when cured
Fact: When properly cured, it's non-toxic and safe for most uses
Myth: You need special tools to work with polymer clay
Fact: Many household items work perfectly as clay tools
Myth: Polymer clay can't be painted
Fact: It accepts many types of paint and surface treatments

Types of Polymer Clay

Popular Brands Available in Canada

Sculpey (Polyform Products)

Original Sculpey: White clay, perfect for beginners

Characteristics: Soft, easy to condition, very affordable
Best for: Large sculptures, beginner projects, painting practice
Drawbacks: Can be brittle after curing, limited to white

Super Sculpey: Beige clay favored by doll makers

Characteristics: Slightly stronger than Original, good detail retention
Best for: Doll making, miniatures, detailed sculptures
Working properties: Holds fine details well, translucent when thin

Sculpey Premo: Professional-grade polymer clay

Characteristics: Strong after curing, excellent color range
Best for: Jewelry, canes, detailed work, mixed media
Color options: 40+ colors including metallics and specialty finishes

Fimo (Staedtler)

Fimo Soft: European favorite for ease of use

Characteristics: Very soft out of package, quick conditioning
Best for: Beginners, children's projects, quick sculptures
Color mixing: Blends beautifully for custom colors

Fimo Professional: Artist-quality clay

Characteristics: Firmer clay with excellent strength
Best for: Professional work, fine details, jewelry
Working time: Longer working time before becoming too soft

Kato Polyclay

Characteristics: Strongest polymer clay when cured

Best for: Functional items, outdoor projects, high-stress applications
Working properties: Firmer texture, requires thorough conditioning
Curing: Can be cured at higher temperatures for extra strength

Specialty Polymer Clays

Liquid Polymer Clay

Uses: Adhesive, transfers, faux techniques, glazing
Application: Brush on, cure like regular clay
Brands: Sculpey Bake & Bond, Fimo Liquid

Glow-in-the-Dark Clay

Properties: Charges with light, glows in darkness
Projects: Night lights, jewelry, children's crafts
Tips: Mix with regular clay to adjust glow intensity

Metallic and Pearl Clays

Effects: Realistic metal finishes, pearl luster
Techniques: Buffing enhances metallic properties
Projects: Jewelry, decorative objects, faux metal items

Essential Tools and Equipment

Basic Tool Kit

Rolling Tools

Acrylic roller: Smooth, non-stick surface ideal for clay
Glass rolling pin: Heavy, stays cool, easy to clean
Pasta machine: Dedicated clay-only machine for even sheets
Brayer: Small roller for detailed work and smooth blending

Cutting Tools

Craft knife: Sharp, replaceable blades for precise cuts
Clay blade: Flexible metal blade for clean slicing
Cookie cutters: Metal preferred over plastic for clean edges
Kemper tools: Wire-end tools for cutting and shaping

Shaping and Texturing Tools

Ball tools: Various sizes for shaping and smoothing
Needle tools: For piercing, detailing, and cleanup
Rubber/silicone tools: Won't stick to clay, good for smoothing
Texture wheels: Create consistent patterns and borders

Household Items as Clay Tools

Kitchen Items

Aluminum foil: Support for curved shapes during curing
Drinking straws: Perfect circles, hollow forms
Fork tines: Texture and pattern making
Garlic press: Creates hair, grass, and extruded effects

Office Supplies

Pens and pencils: Texture rollers and shaping tools
Paper clips: Bent into custom tools
Rubber stamps: Instant texture and patterns
Index cards: Flexible scrapers and smoothers

Specialized Equipment

Dedicated Oven

While polymer clay is non-toxic when properly cured, many crafters prefer a dedicated toaster oven:

Temperature control: More precise than home ovens
Size efficiency: Better for small projects
Peace of mind: No food contamination concerns
Oven thermometer: Essential for accurate temperature monitoring

Work Surface

Glass cutting board: Smooth, non-stick, easy to clean
Ceramic tile: Inexpensive, can go directly in oven
Parchment paper: Disposable, prevents sticking
Silicone mat: Flexible, heat-resistant work surface

Basic Techniques and Methods

Conditioning Clay

Conditioning is the process of warming and kneading polymer clay to make it pliable. Proper conditioning is crucial for strong, workable clay.

Hand Conditioning

Warm the clay: Hold in hands or sit on warm surface
Start kneading: Fold and press repeatedly
Work systematically: Ensure all areas are conditioned
Test flexibility: Clay should bend without cracking
Typical time: 5-15 minutes depending on brand and age

Pasta Machine Method

Initial flattening: Pound clay into rough sheet
First pass: Feed through thickest setting
Fold and repeat: Always feed fold first through machine
Continue until smooth: Usually 10-20 passes
Final test: Should be smooth and pliable

Color Mixing and Blending

Basic Color Theory

Primary colors: Red, blue, yellow cannot be mixed from others
Secondary colors: Orange, green, purple mixed from primaries
Tertiary colors: Combinations of primary and secondary
Complementary colors: Opposite colors create neutral tones when mixed

Mixing Techniques

Marbling Effect:

Partially mix two or more colors
Leave visible streaks and swirls
Roll into sheet to reveal marble pattern
Great for natural stone effects

Skinner Blend:

Place two triangular pieces of different colors together
Roll through pasta machine repeatedly
Fold in half each time, same direction
Creates smooth gradient from one color to another

Texturing Techniques

Surface Textures

Fabric impressions: Press textured fabric into clay surface
Natural textures: Leaves, bark, shells create organic patterns
Sandpaper textures: Different grits create various roughness levels
Stamp textures: Rubber stamps provide consistent patterns

Dimensional Textures

Carving: Remove clay to create recessed designs
Adding elements: Apply small pieces for raised textures
Piercing: Create holes and openings with needle tools
Dragging: Pull tools through clay for directional textures

Curing and Baking

Temperature and Time Guidelines

Proper curing is essential for strong, durable polymer clay projects. Each brand has specific requirements:

Standard Curing Temperatures

Sculpey brands: 275°F (135°C) for 15-30 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness
Fimo brands: 265°F (130°C) for 20-30 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness
Kato Polyclay: 300°F (150°C) for 10-30 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness
General rule: Longer baking at correct temperature makes clay stronger

Curing Setup and Safety

Oven Preparation

Preheat thoroughly: Allow 15 minutes for even temperature
Use oven thermometer: Built-in thermostats often inaccurate
Create tent: Cover pieces with aluminum foil to prevent scorching
Ventilation: Ensure good airflow, open windows if possible
Support pieces: Use ceramic tiles or glass dishes

Common Curing Problems

Undercuring: Clay remains flexible and weak
Overcuring: Clay darkens and becomes brittle
Hot spots: Some areas cure faster than others
Cracking: Usually caused by trapped air or uneven thickness

Testing for Proper Cure

Flexibility Test

Properly cured clay should be strong but slightly flexible
Can bend without breaking when cooled
Should not leave fingerprint impressions
Should not flake or crumble

Break Test

Test piece should break cleanly, not crumble
Break should show solid color throughout
No white stress marks in colored clay
If undercured, re-bake at correct temperature

Finishing Techniques

Sanding and Smoothing

Progressive Sanding

Start with coarse grits and progress to fine for smooth finishes:

400 grit: Remove major imperfections and tool marks
600 grit: Smooth surface, prepare for finer sanding
800 grit: Create semi-smooth finish
1000+ grit: High polish preparation
Wet sanding: Use water to prevent dust and achieve smoother finish

Sanding Tips

Use circular motions: Prevents deep scratches
Work gradually: Don't skip grits for best results
Keep work wet: Reduces dust and prevents overheating
Clean between grits: Remove all residue before proceeding

Polishing and Buffing

Hand Buffing

Soft cloth: Denim or microfiber work excellently
Circular motions: Build heat through friction
Pressure: Firm but not excessive pressure
Time: 5-10 minutes of buffing for high shine

Machine Buffing

Rotary tool: Use felt wheels for polishing
Bench grinder: Dedicated buffing wheels
Safety: Eye protection and secure holding essential
Speed control: Start slow to avoid heat buildup

Surface Treatments

Painting

Acrylic paints: Work well on cured polymer clay
Primer: Usually not necessary on smooth surfaces
Metallic paints: Create convincing metal effects
Sealing: Varnish protects painted surfaces

Glazing and Varnishing

Polymer clay glazes: Specifically formulated for compatibility
Varathane: Water-based polyurethane works well
Application: Thin, even coats prevent runs
Curing: Some glazes require oven curing

Project Ideas for Canadian Crafters

Beginner Projects

Maple Leaf Ornaments

Perfect for celebrating Canadian heritage:

Materials: Red and white polymer clay, cookie cutters
Technique: Basic cutting, texturing with real leaves
Finishing: Gloss varnish for durability
Uses: Tree ornaments, gift tags, decorative accents

Simple Jewelry

Learn basic techniques with functional results:

Earrings: Cut shapes, add ear wires
Pendants: Textured pieces with simple bails
Bracelets: Beads strung on elastic or wire
Techniques learned: Cutting, piercing, finishing

Intermediate Projects

Miniature Food Items

Popular for dollhouses and charm bracelets:

Canadian specialties: Tiny poutine, maple cookies, butter tarts
Techniques: Color mixing, detailed shaping, realistic texturing
Tools needed: Fine detail tools, texture wheels
Skills developed: Precision work, color matching

Decorative Vessels

Functional pottery-style pieces:

Pinch pots: Basic hand-building techniques
Coil building: Traditional pottery methods adapted
Surface decoration: Carved, stamped, or painted designs
Finishing: Interior glazing for functionality

Advanced Projects

Sculptural Figures

Artistic expression through three-dimensional work:

Planning: Sketch designs, consider proportions
Armature: Wire or foil core for large pieces
Progressive building: Build and cure in stages
Detail work: Fine features added last

Mixed Media Artwork

Combine polymer clay with other materials:

Canvas integration: Clay elements on painted backgrounds
Wood combinations: Clay details on carved wood
Metal accents: Wire, findings, and hardware
Lighting effects: LED integration for illuminated pieces

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Clay Conditioning Issues

Clay Too Hard to Condition

Causes: Old clay, cold storage, certain brands
Solutions: Warm gently, add clay softener, grate and re-knead
Prevention: Store in warm area, use clay regularly
Commercial softeners: Sculpey Clay Softener, mineral oil (sparingly)

Clay Too Soft to Work

Causes: Over-conditioning, warm environment, hand heat
Solutions: Cool clay, add firmer clay, leach on paper
Leaching process: Roll thin, sandwich between paper, wait 1-24 hours
Quick cooling: Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes

Curing Problems

Cracking During Curing

Causes: Trapped air, uneven thickness, temperature spikes
Prevention: Roll out air bubbles, gradual temperature changes
Repair: Fill cracks with liquid clay, re-cure
Thickness consistency: Keep walls even throughout piece

Color Changes During Curing

Darkening: Usually from overheating or burnt particles
Prevention: Tent with foil, monitor temperature carefully
Brands vary: Some more susceptible to color shifts
Test pieces: Cure sample before full project

Finishing Issues

Fingerprints and Tool Marks

Prevention: Gloves, clean tools, light touch
Removal: Sand smooth, buff to restore shine
Tool care: Clean tools frequently during work
Smoothing techniques: Alcohol on brush for final smoothing

Adhesion Problems

Clay to clay: Clean surfaces, proper conditioning
Clay to other materials: Use appropriate adhesives
Liquid clay bonding: Thin layer between pieces
Mechanical attachment: Pins, screws for permanent bonds

Safety Considerations

Health and Safety Guidelines

General Safety

Non-food equipment: Dedicate tools exclusively to clay use
Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated area
Hand washing: Wash thoroughly after handling clay
Eye protection: When sanding or buffing

Curing Safety

Temperature monitoring: Use accurate thermometer
Ventilation during curing: Some fumes are normal but should be exhausted
Never exceed temperatures: Higher heat can release harmful fumes
Cool down safely: Allow pieces to cool in oven when possible

Environmental Considerations

Disposal

Uncured clay: Can go in regular trash
Cured clay: Dispose as non-toxic plastic
Liquid clay: Allow to cure before disposal
Packaging: Recycle where possible

Workspace Management

Dust control: Wet sand to minimize airborne particles
Tool cleaning: Baby wipes or alcohol for quick cleanup
Storage: Keep clay sealed to prevent dust accumulation
Organization: Separate tools and work areas by function

Building Your Skills

Learning Resources

Online Communities

Canadian clay groups: Local Facebook and forum communities
YouTube tutorials: Free step-by-step instructions
Pinterest inspiration: Project ideas and techniques
Instagram artists: Follow professional clay artists

Formal Education

Community college courses: Often include polymer clay modules
Art center workshops: Hands-on learning with expert instructors
Craft store classes: Beginner-friendly introductions
Artist retreats: Intensive learning experiences

Setting Up a Workspace

Essential Workspace Features

Good lighting: Natural light preferred, supplement with LED
Comfortable seating: Adjustable chair for extended work sessions
Storage solutions: Organized clay, tool, and project storage
Ventilation: Fan or window for air circulation

Organization Tips

Color coding: Store clay by color families
Project boxes: Keep works-in-progress contained
Tool rolls: Organize tools for easy access
Inspiration board: Visual references and project ideas

Conclusion

Polymer clay opens up a world of creative possibilities that's particularly well-suited to Canadian crafters. Unlike traditional ceramics, it requires no special firing equipment and can be pursued in any home workshop. The techniques covered in this guide provide a solid foundation for exploring this versatile medium.

Success with polymer clay comes through practice and experimentation. Start with simple projects to master basic techniques, then gradually challenge yourself with more complex work. The Canadian crafting community is welcoming and supportive – don't hesitate to connect with local artists and online communities for inspiration and advice.

Remember that polymer clay is a forgiving medium. Mistakes can often be corrected, and even "failures" can be recycled into new projects. The key is to keep creating, learning, and pushing the boundaries of what you thought possible with this remarkable material.

At Grifespian Media, we're committed to supporting Canadian polymer clay artists with quality materials, reliable tools, and comprehensive resources. Whether you're just beginning your clay journey or looking to refine advanced techniques, we're here to help you succeed in bringing your creative visions to life.