Molding from polymer clay – quite popular occupation, especially among women, girls. The molding from this modern material allows to realize the creative potential of the master, to please relatives and acquaintances with original products.
Creation of toys and jewelry of polymer clay – creative occupation which allows to create the exclusive products unique on beauty and originality. Someone buys ready accessories, and someone prefers to make independently conceived products. In the second case the master by all means will face problem of material selection. Precisely to pick up polymer clay, it is desirable to have idea of it and its properties.
Polymer clay: what is it?
There are also other names of this material: thermoplasticine, clay, polimer, plasticity. In fact it is non-toxic material with the high level of plasticity which part polyvinylchloride (PVC) in the form of small particles, softener, pigments (dyes) and natural fillers (chalk, clay, etc.) is. On exterior, the properties reminds traditional plasticine. However at heat treatment (it can be, for example, endurance in oven), material becomes very firm, strong as porcelain or ceramics.
How to choose plastic?
At once pay attention to smell – it has to be specific, inherent in thermoplasticine. Further take piece of clay in palms and try to knead it hands; good clay will not stick to hands. It is necessary to consider that too solid material does not suit for work with children. Cut off piece of clay and look at cut; quality material has to have it equal, glossy, - availability of time or opaque shade speak about low quality. When cutting, clay should not be deformed and stick to knife. There is one more way of check of material on hardness; for this purpose take any relief subject and make print on clay, - on good plastic of effort will be minimum, - quality thermoplasticine differs in pliability. If you have paste machine, then it is possible to continue check. Roll thermoplasticine sample so that flat cake 3 mm thick has turned out, - its edges should not be torn. The next stage – check by thermal treatment. Bake clay at temperature specified by the producer and pay attention to color of material: it has to remain the same, as well as before heat treatment. Low-quality clay will grow dull or will go spots. The piece of clay processed at temperature can be checked for durability and elasticity. The good stuff will be bent in any party, bad will become firm and in attempt of bending will break.
Who produces thermoplasticine?
Foreign and domestic manufacturers are engaged in production of polymer clay. The market is saturated by the most various grades of this material. Among the most known companies which are engaged in production of thermoplasticine it is possible to note: - Sculpey; - Cernit; - Fimo; - Sonnet; - Hobby; - Flower; - Artifact. Four last companies – domestic, however are considered the most qualitative products of foreign producers which do not crumble and have higher level of plasticity. Each brand has the nuances: these are color shades, solidification temperature (polymerizations). Number of the companies produces special polymer clay for production of dolls, others offer the material shining in ultrafilleta. The translucent plasticity or with spangles, nacreous outflow is popular. Plasticity of various companies can be mixed among themselves, trying to obtain the necessary shade or hardness.