You can stick polymer clay together using different methods depending on whether the clay is raw or baked, and sometimes the specific brand.
Getting a strong bond between pieces of polymer clay is crucial for creating durable sculptures, jewelry, and other crafts. The best way to achieve this often involves using liquid polymer clay or specialized adhesives.
Bonding Polymer Clay: Methods Explained
The technique you use depends on the state of the clay pieces you are joining.
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Raw Polymer Clay to Raw Polymer Clay:
- To enhance the bond when joining two pieces of uncured clay, you can use any liquid clay. This is particularly effective for brands like Premo, Souffle, or Kato. Applying a thin layer of liquid clay between the raw surfaces before joining them helps fuse them together during the baking process.
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Raw Polymer Clay to Baked Polymer Clay:
- When attaching a piece of raw clay to a piece that has already been cured (baked), the strongest bond is typically achieved by using Fimo Liquid Gel. Apply the liquid gel to the baked surface, then position the raw clay piece onto it before baking the entire structure again.
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Baked Polymer Clay to Baked Polymer Clay:
- Joining two pieces of cured polymer clay requires a strong adhesive. For bonding baked Kato clay specifically to itself, Loctite Control Gel is recommended for the best results. Apply the gel adhesive according to the product instructions to create a secure bond between the two baked pieces.
Quick Reference Table
| Scenario | Recommended Bonding Agent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Raw to Raw Polymer Clay | Any Liquid Clay | Especially useful for Premo, Souffle, Kato |
| Raw Polymer Clay to Baked | Fimo Liquid Gel | Apply to baked surface before joining raw |
| Baked Kato to Baked Kato | Loctite Control Gel | Use adhesive on cured pieces |
Using the correct bonding agent for your specific project ensures that your polymer clay creations are sturdy and long-lasting. Always follow the instructions for both the clay and the bonding agent you are using.
