In the Studio with Katie: Baking Times for Polymer Clay

Did you tear open that last package of clay and in haste tear the baking times and temperatures.  Don't worry - we're here to help!  Here's a smattering of baking times and temperatures for some of the basic PolyForm products and Sculpey lines of clay.

Baking Times for Sculpey Clay

To ensure the accuracy of the oven temperature and protect your clay, you may want to purchase an oven thermometer. There are some available that have been designed specifically for polymer clay curing. Do not ever try to microwave your polymer clay. Clay can be baked on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or cardstock. Some people like to use ceramic tiles or glass that can serve as both a work and baking surface.

Original Sculpey

Preheat to 275 degrees F (135 C). Bake for 15 minutes per quarter inch of thickness. For example, a piece of 1/2" thickness should be cured for 30 minutes.

Super Sculpey

Preheat to 275 degrees F (135 C). Bake for 15 minutes per quarter inch of thickness. For example, a piece of 1/2" thickness should be cured for 30 minutes.

Sculpey III

Preheat to 275 degrees F (135 C). Bake for 15 minutes per quarter inch of thickness. For example, a piece of 1/2" thickness should be cured for 30 minutes. To test the curing, try pressing the tip of your fingernail into the bottom of your piece after it has cooled; it will leave a mark but will not actually enter the clay.

Premo! Sculpey

Preheat to 275 degrees F (135 C). Bake for 30 minutes per quarter inch of thickness.

Granitex

Preheat to 275 degrees F (135 C). Bake for 15 minutes per quarter inch of thickness. For example, a piece of 1/2" thickness should be cured for 30 minutes.

Sculpey Super Flex

Preheat to 275 degrees F (135 C). Bake for 20 minutes per quarter inch of thickness.

Amazing Eraser Clay

Preheat to 250 degrees F (121 degrees C) Bake for roughly 15 minutes per � inch of thickness. Millefiore canes or logs need to be baked BEFORE slicing.

NOTE FROM SCULPEY: Children have difficulty gauging thickness. It is suggested that thicker pieces be initially baked for 15 minutes, then another 5 minutes, another 5 minutes, etc. The clay needs at least 15 minutes to cure properly. Strength increases as the baking time increases. Always be certain to first check the oven's temperature accuracy with an oven thermometer.

If an object has a variance in thicknesses, an armature should be shaped in order to bulk out the thick parts tightly crushed heavyweight aluminum foil is the best material to use. Try to keep all parts of the sculpture of an even thickness of clay. Layering the clay is the best method to avoid cracking and maintain even thickness in a medium or large sculpture.

Construct an approximate form from tightly crushed, oven weight aluminum foil (this can be applied over an armature in larger sculptures). Cover form with a thick layer of clay. Bake for 15 minutes at 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Add a second thick complete layer (like a skin), which can be built up slightly to show contours. Re-bake for 15 minutes at 275 degrees F. Then, apply a third complete layer, adding finishing details, and re-bake for a final 15 minutes at 275 degrees F. Overbaking will cause darkening of the clay, and burning can cause bubbling and darkening.

This material was first posted by Katie A. Oskin on the PCETeam Blog on 4/16/11.

Information was taken from the Polymer Clay SuperStore Online.