FIMO Clay is a popular brand of polymer clay known for its vibrant colors, ease of use, and versatility in a variety of crafting and sculpting projects. However, like any medium, working with FIMO Clay can sometimes present challenges. Whether you are a seasoned polymer clay artist or a beginner, you might encounter issues that hinder the desired outcome of your project. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes made when working with FIMO Clay and provide solutions for fixing them.
Clay Too Hard or Stiff
Problem:
One of the most common issues faced when working with FIMO Clay is the clay being too hard or stiff, making it difficult to shape, mold, or work with.
Causes:
- The clay has not been conditioned enough, meaning it hasn't been kneaded sufficiently to soften it up.
- The clay was stored in a cold environment, which caused it to harden.
- The clay is old and has dried out due to improper storage.
Solutions:
- Knead the Clay : Always take time to properly condition the clay. Knead it by hand until it becomes soft and pliable. Use a pasta machine or clay roller to speed up this process, as they can help ensure an even consistency.
- Use a Clay Softener : If your FIMO Clay is still too stiff, you can add a small amount of polymer clay softener. Add a drop or two, and knead it into the clay. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the clay too soft.
- Warm the Clay : Gently heat the clay by placing it in your hands or putting it near a warm source (not hot). Be cautious not to overheat it, as this can cause other issues.
Clay Too Soft or Sticky
Problem:
Another common issue is that FIMO Clay becomes too soft, sticky, or greasy, making it difficult to handle and shape.
Causes:
- Over‑conditioning: Kneading the clay too much can cause it to become overly soft and sticky.
- High humidity: When the air is humid, the clay tends to absorb moisture, causing it to become sticky and challenging to work with.
- Excessive use of clay softeners: If too much softener is used, it can make the clay overly pliable and sticky.
Solutions:
- Let the Clay Rest : If the clay becomes too soft, allow it to sit for a few minutes to firm up. You can also place it in the fridge for a short time to cool it down.
- Work in Small Batches : If the clay is sticky, work with smaller portions at a time, keeping the rest wrapped or stored to prevent the whole batch from becoming too soft.
- Use Cornstarch or Baby Powder : If the clay is sticky, dust your work surface and tools lightly with cornstarch or baby powder. This will help absorb some of the excess moisture and reduce stickiness.
- Avoid Excessive Softener: Ensure you use only small amounts of softener and mix thoroughly before adding more if needed.
Cracking or Breaking During Baking
Problem:
Cracking or breaking of the polymer clay after baking is another common issue. This typically occurs when the clay is too thick, not properly conditioned, or subjected to extreme temperature changes.
Causes:
- Thick pieces : If the clay is too thick when baked, it can crack as it cools due to uneven curing.
- Insufficient conditioning : Unconditioned clay doesn't cure properly, leading to brittleness and cracking.
- Rapid temperature change : If the baked clay is exposed to sudden temperature changes (e.g., removing it from the oven and placing it in a cold room), it can cause it to crack.
Solutions:
- Bake in Thin Layers : If you are creating thick pieces, consider baking them in thinner layers to ensure even curing. If necessary, cure larger pieces in stages, allowing each layer to cool before adding the next.
- Condition Thoroughly : Always ensure that the clay is well‑conditioned before baking. This will allow the polymer molecules to bond properly during curing, reducing the risk of cracking.
- Bake Slowly and Evenly : Follow the baking instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is the correct temperature. Avoid using a high temperature setting, as this can cause the clay to bake unevenly.
- Allow Gradual Cooling : Once the clay is baked, allow it to cool gradually at room temperature instead of immediately exposing it to a cold environment.
Bubbling or Air Bubbles in the Clay
Problem:
Air bubbles inside FIMO Clay can appear during baking, causing unsightly marks or ruining the final look of your piece.
Causes:
- Air trapped during conditioning : If the clay is not conditioned properly or if air is trapped during molding, bubbles can form.
- Baking too quickly : Rapid baking or using a too‑high temperature can cause air pockets inside the clay to expand, leading to bubbles.
Solutions:
- Work Gently : During the conditioning process, be gentle with the clay to avoid trapping air. Make sure that no large air pockets are trapped inside when shaping the clay.
- Roll Clay Evenly : Roll the clay into smooth balls or shapes, and make sure there are no visible air pockets. If you see any, use a pin or needle to prick and release the air before baking.
- Bake Slowly : To prevent air bubbles from forming, bake your FIMO Clay at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. Gradually increase the temperature, giving the clay enough time to cure evenly.
Uneven or Incomplete Baking
Problem:
Sometimes, the FIMO Clay does not cure evenly, leading to an incomplete bake or inconsistent hardness throughout the piece.
Causes:
- Inconsistent oven temperature : The temperature in your oven may not be consistent or precise, leading to uneven baking.
- Too thick pieces : Thick pieces may not bake through evenly, especially if they are too large.
Solutions:
- Use an Oven Thermometer : Ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature by using an oven thermometer. Oven temperatures can often be inaccurate, so this step can prevent many baking issues.
- Bake in a Convection Oven : If possible, use a convection oven that distributes heat more evenly. This can help ensure that your clay bakes uniformly.
- Test Small Samples : If you're unsure about the baking time or temperature, test your FIMO Clay on a small, similar piece before working on the final project. This allows you to confirm that the baking conditions work as expected.
Color Fading or Discoloration
Problem:
Sometimes, FIMO Clay may discolor or fade, especially in colors exposed to excessive heat or sunlight.
Causes:
- Overbaking : Baking at too high a temperature or for too long can cause the colors of the clay to fade or darken.
- Exposure to light : Some colors in FIMO Clay may fade when exposed to direct sunlight over time, especially lighter shades or pastel colors.
Solutions:
- Bake Within Recommended Time and Temperature : Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for temperature and baking time to avoid overheating and discoloration.
- Use UV Protection : If you are creating items that will be exposed to light (like jewelry or ornaments), consider coating them with a protective protective varnish or applying a UV‑blocking spray to prevent fading over time.
Difficulty in Shaping or Molding
Problem:
FIMO Clay may not hold its shape properly or may be too soft or too stiff to mold into the desired form.
Causes:
- Improper conditioning : If the clay isn't conditioned properly, it may not have the right texture for molding.
- Too much softener : Adding too much softener can make the clay too soft and cause it to lose its shape.
Solutions:
- Condition Thoroughly : Make sure the clay is well‑conditioned, and keep your work area clean to avoid adding dirt or oils that can affect the clay's texture.
- Work in Small Batches : Work with smaller amounts of clay if it's too soft or sticky to prevent the entire batch from becoming unmanageable.
- Use the Right Tools : If you're struggling to mold FIMO Clay into intricate shapes, try using sculpting tools, needles, or molds designed for polymer clay.
Conclusion
FIMO Clay is a versatile and enjoyable medium for crafting, but like any art form, it comes with its own set of challenges. Understanding common mistakes and how to fix them will help you achieve better results and improve your overall skill. By paying attention to your clay's conditioning, baking conditions, and storage, you can avoid most common issues and create stunning polymer clay projects.