Q&A for How to Soften Polymer Clay

If the clay is so hard it cannot be kneaded then warm it using one of the techniques given above or place the clay in a plastic bag and put the bag in warm (not hot) water until it has warmed throughout (ensure the clay does not become wet). If the clay is still too hard to knead, you may need to get newer clay that is softer.

Lotion works a little, but doesn't make too much of a difference. It will only work on clay that is already malleable.

Air the microwave out for an hour after heating the clay before using it for food.

Microwave your clay in 10 second increments until the clay is soft.

No; water will not mix with polymer clay. Additionally, if any water is in the clay when it's baked, it will turn to steam and damage the finish of the model.

You should put it in the oven for 30 minutes on 110 c or 230 f depending on your clay, but you should first check on the packaging of your clay.

Clean your work area thoroughly and wash your hands before you start. Avoid touching your clothes, hair, etc. during construction. After you finish, you may use adhesive tape on the model to remove fluff or marks. You may need to apply fresh tape a number of times. Use alcohol on the clay to loosen stubborn fluff and marks before quickly removing them with your finger or a lint-free cloth.

No, once it has been in the oven, it is hard and will stay hard.

You could, although it does give off a smell that isn't really enjoyable after really long periods of time.

Rubbing the with clay with Vaseline will make it soft. I tried this and it worked very well.

You need to soften it more. Keep working with in then it will start sticking together.

Yes. Water will turn to steam and evaporate when the clay is baked, which will likely cause your piece to crack or otherwise become misshapen. Since polymer clay is oil-based, mineral or baby oil are the least expensive and most efficient ways to soften your clay.

CORN STARCH! Sprinkle and smooth the powder over the surface of the rolling pin, pasta/conditioning machine, other tools and/or on the surface area of the clay itself. It's very fine powder and will get mixed into the clay while working it (which is fine), but you shouldn't intentionally mix more of it into the clay. Use it much like a baker uses flour on sticky dough. Don't be afraid to use as much as you need. It will be your new best friend, especially with softer clay brands like Sculpey III. Regarding the crumbling problem, I'd refer you to the tips in the article above. It is very comprehensive.

Maybe half an hour at most. If you leave it out in the air it will dry out easily, so don't do that. Just keep kneading it and you'll be okay for a while.

Be sure to keep it near a heat source. Also, if you put it in the oven, it will be kept a lot softer and easier to handle. Remember NOT to sculpt while it is still hard, though!

Baby or mineral oils work the best, but coconut oil can also be used.

Pound it with a mallet to break it up into tiny pieces, or just throw it away and get new clay.

Yes, microwave for about 10 seconds. But be sure to remember to let the the microwave air out with the door open for about an hour, so it is safe for microwaving foods again.

Hardening without baking only works with air dry clay. If it says on the package to bake, you need to bake it

Yes you can, but it will not completely soften it. Once the clay is kneadable, then you can also add lotion to soften it more.