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Q&A for How to Sculpt Using Polymer Clay
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QuestionDo I need a slip for this clay? If so, how do I make it?Community AnswerYou do not need a slip. You simply take the clay out of the package, condition it in your hands, and sculpt.
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QuestionI want to do my sculpture in sections, baking as I go and then continuing. How would I do that?Community AnswerThe clay should re-bake perfectly fine if you bake at a slightly cooler temperature (say, maybe 260 if the recommended is 275, as it is for most polymer clay).
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QuestionI see sculptors brushing a liquid on their polymer clay work as they go. What is it?ZaclanCommunity AnswerThe liquid is likely isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol). This partially melts the clay and aids with smoothing its surface. It evaporates quickly and the clay will then return to its original consistency.
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QuestionI want to make a large sculpture, 2' x 2' x 3'. Would polymer clay be too expensive? Could I use polymer only for the outer layer?ZaclanCommunity AnswerPolymer clay would likely be too expensive for a solid sculpture that large (also, the baking time would be very long and likely cause cracks on the outside), but it would be suitable for the outer layer (4 to 10 mm thick, depending on the intricacy of and accuracy of your inner layer). Bear in mind that you will need to bake the sculpture in an oven, so you may prefer to make it from smaller sections and bake them separately.
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QuestionDo I need anything else to make things with polymer clay besides my hands?Community AnswerYou will most likely need clay tools to help create details on your project, but that's all.
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QuestionHow do I bake my sculpture if it has multiple parts without overbaking some parts and underbaking others?Community AnswerYou can put multiple plates in the oven and as the smaller parts gets finished, you can take their plates out of the oven, close it again and wait for the rest to finish.
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QuestionMy clay has really hardened. Would water or rubbing alcohol help with that?Alila InsanaCommunity AnswerYou could knead or warm the clay to soften it, or just mix it with newer clay.
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QuestionI want to disfigure a fired ceramic pot by encasing it in polymer clay. Should I put it in the oven or do I need a higher temperature?Community AnswerSince the ceramic pot is already fired, the oven should be fine. Polymer clay baking temperatures are normally around 275ºF (check the instructions for your particular brand), which most ovens can meet. What I would worry about in this case though, is the fact that the polymer (after baking) might not stick to the ceramic. A solution might be to bring some rough sandpaper to your pot.
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