Polymer Clay is, clay-like substance used some forms of Sculpture, Modelling, Doll Making, and Jewelry Making.

Polymer Clays are traditionally oven cured, but some can be air dried.

All polymer clays contain a basis of PVC and one or sometimes several types of liquid plasticizer

Polymer Clay when manufactured is translucent, pigments are then added to the mixture, and for particular colors China clay is required to increase opacity.

Polymer clay is is easy to mold, and easy to cure, it also has the advantage that it does not shrink or change texture during the curing process, it cures in a conventional kitchen at approximately 265 to 275 °F (129 to 135 °C), 'bake' it for approximately 15 minutes per 1/4" (6 mm) of thickness). When properly cured, polymer clay is extremely strong, it wont break easily under any normal stress, including dropping a finished piece on a hard floor.

The most commonly known brands of polymer clay are Fimo; Sculpey, Premo and Studio by Sculpey, created by Polyform Products; Cernit; Formello; Modello; and Kato Polyclay. Each brand differs slightly in it's properties such as plasticity, transparency, curing temperature and flexibility.

Polymer clay can also easy absorb additives such as mica, as long as it is prior to curing, and through this experimentation metal clay, was invented. Once cured, the surface of the polymer clay can be coated with many various mediums such as paint, ink, colored pencil, chalk, metallic or mica-containing powder, glitter or metal leaf.

HEALTH WARNING: The long-term effects of exposure to the phthalate esters which are toxic and used as plasticizers to keep the clay soft and workable until curing are unknown. Some polymer clays are being reformulated with less toxic plasticizers however, polymer clay is not recommended for Children, for kids craft, choose another type of Sculptural Clay, such as Play Dough.

You can purchase Polymer Clay from any Polymer Clay Supplies, Sculpture Supplies or Jewelry Making Supplies.