Clay conditioner is used to even out the ingredients in clay, particularly the plasticizers, which hold the clay particles together. This ensures a properly mixed and more workable clay.
Since the provided reference is extremely limited, a comprehensive answer requires drawing on general knowledge of polymer clay conditioning practices. Here's a breakdown of how to condition polymer clay, generally, which inherently incorporates the function of a clay conditioner:
Conditioning Polymer Clay: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Warm the Clay: Begin by warming the clay in your hands. This makes it more pliable.
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Initial Squishing and Rolling: Squish the clay between your fingers and roll it into a log or snake shape. This starts the process of distributing the oils.
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Kneading: Knead the clay vigorously. Fold it over and press it down, repeating the motion. This helps to combine the ingredients, soften the clay, and remove air bubbles.
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Using a Pasta Machine (Recommended):
- Fold the Clay: Flatten the clay into a rectangle and fold it in half.
- Roll Through the Machine: Pass the folded clay through a pasta machine (dedicated to clay use only!). Start at the widest setting.
- Repeat and Gradually Decrease Setting: Repeat the folding and rolling process multiple times (10-20 times is common). Gradually decrease the thickness setting on the pasta machine with each pass. This thorough mixing ensures even distribution of the plasticizers.
- Listen to the Clay: As you condition the clay, you will start to hear a smooth, almost silent pass through the pasta machine. This usually means it is appropriately conditioned.
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Addressing Crumbliness: If the clay is very crumbly, consider adding a small amount of liquid clay or clay softener. Work this in thoroughly using the kneading or pasta machine methods. Note that Sculpey Clay Softener and similar products also perform the role of a "clay conditioner".
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Addressing Stickiness: If the clay is too sticky, try leaching out some of the excess oils by pressing the clay between sheets of plain white paper. The paper will absorb the oil.
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Test the Clay: After conditioning, the clay should be smooth, flexible, and easy to work with. It shouldn't crumble or be overly sticky.
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Conditioning New Blocks Differently: Consider that very new blocks of clay (especially Premo Sculpey) may be too soft. In this case, they might benefit from leaching some plasticizer before conditioning.
By following these steps, you ensure that the "ingredients in the clay," including the plasticizers, are evenly distributed, resulting in a clay that is easier to manipulate and bakes properly.
