Different Methods to Condition Polymer Clay

Softening Techniques for Malleable Clay Work

Polymer clay artists often find themselves needing to soften stiff or old clay to make it malleable for detailed sculpting or shaping. While hand-kneading is the traditional method, tools and techniques can help speed the process or ease strain on hands. This article explores various polymer clay conditioning approaches and their pros and cons.

Pasta Machines for Thin Rolling Polymer Clay

Pasta machines offer an alternative to manual kneading for softening stiff polymer clay. Simply run small pieces of clay through the rollers repeatedly to thin and soften. This method spares hands from extensive mashing. However, pasta machines require cleaning not possible for food safety. Dedicate a machine solely for clay or risk cross-contamination issues. Rolling clay also takes time and may not fully condition thick pieces. Still, pasta machines ease the workload for high-volume clay artists.

Small Rolling Pins for Precise Polymer Clay Shaping

Compact clay rolling pins designed for polymer artists provide a manual softening option. Roll stiff clay beneath the pin to gently knead and stretch the material. Small pins allow detailed shaping compared to hands. While simpler than pasta machines, rolling also takes time and energy. Pins condition locally rather than thoroughly transforming thick polymer clay. Consider rolling for refinement once clay is sufficiently hand-kneaded.

**Machine Kneading with the NeverKnead Press

For mass clay conditioning, the NeverKnead arbor press automates the kneading process. Load stiff polymer clay into the press and leveraged bars apply powerful mashing. This fully mechanizes the tiring hand work. The NeverKnead speeds volume softening without time or muscle investment. However, setup requires a half-ton press which may exceed needs for occasional sculptors. Dedicated clay conditioning machines suit professional studio workflows best.

Conditioning Agents for Supple Clay Blends

Adding small amounts of lightweight oils helps soften polymer clay without extensive kneading. Baby oil or specially formulated clay conditioners lubricate the material for easy blending. Conditioned clay takes less effort to shape and sculpt fine details. Oils also prevent drying which can harden clay over time. However, over-oiling may compromise the finished artwork’s integrity after baking. Learn appropriate conditioning ratios through testing for best results.

Combination Methods for Efficient Polymer Clay Preparation

Most artists find no single technique sufficiently conditions all clay needs. Integrating methods speeds the process while easing strain. For example, start with gentle hand kneading then run through a pasta machine or rolling pin to fully soften. Or use conditioning oils for supplemental suppleness when clay gets recalcitrant. With practice, workflows emerge to productively prepare polymer clay according to project scale and artist ergonomics. Combining techniques yields malleable working material quickly and comfortably.

Choosing Suitable Softening Based on Project Needs

The appropriate clay conditioning approach depends on unique project factors. Consider material quantity, detail requirements, available tools, and ergonomic priorities when selecting a preparation method.

Hand Kneading for Small Sculpts

Manual mashing remains the basic polymer clay softening technique. For warming small amounts into malleable chunks, nothing beats hands-on kneading. This fully conditions piece by piece with nuanced pressure control. Great for prototyping, miniature sculpts, or occasional crafting with just a few ounces of clay. However, extensive hand work risks soreness.

Mechanized Methods for Mass Production

Leveraging tools amplifies output for high-volume artisans. Pasta machines, arbor presses, and conditioning agents speed processing bulk batches. Mechanization streamlines studio workflows when molding, casting, or constructing with polymer in large amounts. Automated equipment suits complex full-time studio production demanding maximum clay throughput. However, hefty capital outlay may not justify occasional hobby use.

Combined Tactics for Moderate Volumes

A balanced strategy using both handwork and assistance optimizes many mid-scale polymer clay applications. Start stiff clay in hands, then run through a rolling pin to fully soften for moderate sculpting or caning tasks. Supplement with small amounts of lubricating oils as needed. Combining techniques conditions enough material efficiently without undue stress on muscles. Versatile methods suit part-time craftspeople and classroom instructors well.

Storing Polymer Clay for Long Term Projectkeeping

Proper storage protects polymer clay from conditions causing it to dry out, overheat, or become otherwise unusable over time. Consider archival techniques for stockpiling materials to be reused on future projects spanning months or years.

Airtight Containers in Moderate Temperatures

Seal cured and excess polymer clay in airtight packaging like resealable bags or sealed plastic containers. This prevents drying and degradation. Store in a cool place, avoiding direct heat sources that could partially bake clay over the long term. Cool basements or interior closets suit polymer clay storage best to retain plasticity for future uses.

Conditioning and Repackaging Periodically

Even in ideal storage, polymer clay stiffens gradually without use. Check archived materials every few months, Softening any solidified chunks restores flexibility. Rewarm, knead lightly, and replace in fresh packaging. Long-term archiving demands upkeep, but allows stockpiling large inventories of colors for complex caning, mosaics, or other intricate multi-stage works.

Catalog and Rotate Stock

Clearly label stored clay with dates and descriptions to maintain organization over years. Keep recently purchased materials at back to use oldest first before expiry. Continually cycling the collection prevents waste from languishing pieces. With dedicated care and maintenance, polymer clay keeps indefinitely for ongoing creative projects. In conclusion, polymer clay artists employ various techniques to condition the material for different scales of work. While hands remain the simplest method, tools and combined tactics can boost efficiency. Choosing approaches based on unique project needs helps sculptors productively prepare this modeling medium for all types of artistic creations. With proper storage, conditioned polymer clay also ensures long term materials accessibility.