Polymer clay is a unique type of clay that is designed to be cured through baking, unlike traditional clay that is air-dried or fired in a kiln. Adding water to polymer clay can have several effects on its properties and workability.
Texture and Workability
Adding a small amount of water to polymer clay can help soften it and make it more pliable. This can be useful when blending colors, creating gradients, or achieving smoother textures in your clay projects. However, adding excessive water can make the clay too sticky or gooey, affecting its workability.
Caution with Water
It’s important to exercise caution when adding water to polymer clay:
- Use only a tiny amount of water at a time to avoid overhydration.
- Avoid adding water to large amounts of clay all at once.
- Work the water into the clay thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Be mindful of the type of project you’re working on, as some techniques may require drier clay.
Baking Considerations
When working with water-added polymer clay, it’s important to note that the added moisture can affect the baking process. Excess water content can lead to steam forming during baking, potentially causing bubbles, cracks, or other imperfections in the cured clay.
Experimenting with small amounts of water and observing the effects on your polymer clay can help you achieve the desired results in your artistic projects.