Polymer clay is a versatile and popular crafting material used to create a wide range of artistic and functional projects. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, proper storage of your polymer clay can play a significant role in maintaining its quality and usability. One question that often arises is whether it’s safe to store polymer clay in the fridge. In this article, we’ll delve into the advantages and potential drawbacks of refrigerating polymer clay.
The Benefits of Refrigeration
Refrigerating polymer clay can offer several potential benefits:
- Firmness: Keeping polymer clay in a cooler environment, such as the fridge, can help maintain its firmness, making it easier to work with and reducing the risk of distortion or smudging.
- Preventing Softening: Polymer clay can become soft and malleable when exposed to warm temperatures or direct sunlight. Storing it in the fridge can help prevent softening, especially during hot weather.
- Extended Shelf Life: Refrigeration may help prolong the shelf life of polymer clay by slowing down the aging process and reducing the likelihood of polymerization over time.
Potential Drawbacks
However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider:
- Condensation: Moisture can accumulate on the surface of polymer clay when taken out of the fridge, potentially causing issues like stickiness or uneven textures.
- Color Changes: Rapid temperature changes can sometimes lead to color shifts or variations in polymer clay, affecting the final appearance of your projects.
- Odor Absorption: Polymer clay has the potential to absorb odors from the fridge or other stored items, which could impact the smell of your clay and finished creations.
Best Practices for Storing Polymer Clay
If you choose to store polymer clay in the fridge, here are some best practices to follow:
- Wrap and Seal: Wrap your polymer clay in plastic wrap or a resealable plastic bag before placing it in the fridge. This can help protect it from moisture and odors.
- Gradual Temperature Changes: When removing polymer clay from the fridge, allow it to gradually come to room temperature before unwrapping it to minimize condensation and color changes.
- Testing: Before using refrigerated polymer clay for a project, test its consistency and workability to ensure it hasn’t been negatively affected by the cold environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while refrigerating polymer clay can offer certain benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and take proper precautions to ensure the clay remains in optimal condition. Whether you choose to store your polymer clay in the fridge or at room temperature, following best practices for wrapping, handling, and testing can help you create beautiful and long-lasting creations with this versatile crafting material.
