Air dry polymer clay doesn't actually air dry; it's typically baked to harden it. While some clays are labeled "air dry," they're often different formulations than polymer clay that requires baking. For typical polymer clay, you harden it by baking in an oven. However, some products like Sculpey® Air-Dry™ clay can technically be both air-dried and baked.
Baking Polymer Clay
If you're using a standard polymer clay that's meant to be baked, here's how:
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the clay's packaging (usually around 275°F (135°C), but check your specific brand). Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, as oven temperatures can vary.
- Prepare Your Baking Surface: Place your clay creation on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This prevents sticking. You can also use a ceramic tile.
- Baking Time: The baking time depends on the thickness of your piece. A general rule of thumb is to bake for 15 minutes per 1/4 inch (6mm) of thickness.
- Baking Process:
- Thin pieces should bake for a minimum of 15-20 minutes.
- Thicker pieces require longer baking times. Check for hardness frequently by gently poking the clay with a pin or toothpick. If it still feels soft, continue baking in 5-10 minute increments.
- Cooling: Let the clay cool completely in the oven before handling it. This allows it to harden fully.
For Clays Marketed as "Air Dry":
If you are using a clay like Sculpey® Air-Dry™ clay, you have two options:
- Air Drying: Allow your creation to dry at room temperature. Drying time will vary based on the thickness of the clay and the humidity in your environment. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days. Turn the piece occasionally to allow all sides to dry.
- Oven Baking: You can also bake the clay at 200°F (93°C) to speed up the hardening process. Thin pieces should bake for at least 20 minutes. Thicker pieces will require longer baking times, so check for hardness periodically.
Important Considerations:
- Ventilation: Bake in a well-ventilated area.
- Dedicated Oven: Consider using a dedicated toaster oven for baking polymer clay to avoid any potential contamination of your regular oven.
- Burnt Clay: Do not overheat the clay. Burning can release unpleasant fumes and weaken the material.
- Testing: Before baking a large project, test a small scrap of clay to ensure your oven temperature and baking time are correct.
