March 27, 2008
Baking Polymer Clay Safety Tips - Fumes From Burning Not So Good
Vid #11: Safety Tips for Baking Polymer Clay:
Yes even a soft, squishy and colorful compound like polymer clay has it's own list of warnings and label cautions. But I think most people would agree that spending quality time with your clay is probably a heck of a lot safer than the morning or afternoon commute in rush hour traffic. Wouldn't you agree? :)
Of course with polymer clay there's the standard safety information about sensible use when it comes to working with sharp cutting blades and pointy tools. That's the obvious stuff.
For today though, I'd like to talk about how to prevent your clay from burning during the baking process. Burned clay will create fumes that you really should not be breathing.
The very upper temperature limit for baking polymer clay is 350 degrees Fahrenheit but this varies from brand to brand (see further discussion about this in comments section below). I usually stay at around 265 degrees to be on the safe side.
And another polymer clay baking tip… It's usually best not to rely on the temperature gauge or settings dial on your oven's control panel. The heating elements in the oven wear out over time and that can cause inaccurate temperature readings. Use a separate oven thermometer instead. You can get them at pretty much any big box retail store these days.
>> Polymer Clay Tutorials <<
The full version of the "Polymer Clay Safety" preview video shown above, is included in my Polymer Clay Bead Making Fundamentals Course [SEE Video #6 of 39]. Besides information about how to bake polymer properly, I also discuss:
- Using dust masks when sanding your beads.
- Breathing metallic powders not so good.
- Microwaving clay… Not!
- Safety glasses and rotary tools… my "close call" story.
- Baby wipes not just for babies bottoms.
- Polymer clay safe for schools and children (certified non-toxic).
- Clay really doesn't taste good. So don't let your kids eat it!
Spread the Word!
Filed under 02: Tools, 04: Handling by Cindy Lietz
Comments on Baking Polymer Clay Safety Tips - Fumes From Burning Not So Good »
Although polymer clay is certified non-toxic, make sure to always follow the safety tips and guidelines listed on the packages of the products you purchase. Just be sensible and you'll be fine.
Cindy Lietz's last blog post..Focal Beads - Handmade by You!
Hi there!
Found your blog tonight
and wanted to compliment it!
Very cool site with a lot of information!
I think I will put your link on my website.
However - there is one mistake…
regarding the UPPER temperature limit
of Polymer clay…
It is NOT 350 degrees….
polymer clay starts to burn right away when the
temperature hits 300 degrees.
Some doll artists do bake their sculptures
(the very last bake) using 300 degrees heat but ONLY a minute or two, and always covered with some protective material.
Kind regards,
Shateal
Shateal, Thank you so much for your comment! You are very right when it comes to certain clays.
Polymer clays burn or darken at a variety of different temperatures depending on a few different variables. Different brands of clays are made with different formulations of plasticizers and therefore have different baking temperature ranges. They range from 230 degrees (Fimo soft translucent) to 325 degrees (Kato Polyclay).
This variable in baking temps also translate to the burning temps. Another variable is color and translucence. The lighter the color or the more translucent it is, the lower the temperature it will burn or darken at. Except with Kato Polyclay and especially Kato Liquid Polyclay Clear Medium, which becomes more translucent with higher temperatures.
The flesh colored clays with a lot of translucency that doll makers use is especially susceptible to darkening, therefore they must bake at a lower temperature than someone baking a dark colored bead made of Premo or Kato Polyclay.
So what I'm trying to say here is read the package. The baking temperature for each clay is different and may even vary depending on the color within a brand. Use a thermometer, bake on a tile to help evenly distribute the heat and tent your beads with a folded piece of parchment paper… And never let it go above 350 degrees!
Cindy's last blog post..Pirate Crossbones Jewelry Pillaged in Broad Daylight
This question just came to me via email form Elaine: "Hi, I can't seem to remember what temp. to bake my projects of beads, or small things. Could you please let me know? Thanks"
Hi Elaine - The article on this page along with the dialog between myself and Shateal should help you out.
And here's a tip for everyone on how to best use my blog as a resource to find quick answers to your questions. At the top of each page right under the photo of me in the header section, is a small box called 'Search'. Just type any keyword into this box and you will see a list of articles, one of which may be exactly what you are looking for.
@Elaine: You could try the 'Search' technique after you review the information on this page, to find even more articles. Use 'baking' and/or 'temperature' for your keywords.
@Everyone: If you don't find what you are looking for using the search box, feel free to use the 'Contact Cindy' form like Elaine did. Or better yet, just post a question in the comments section of an article that seems to be a close topic match for your question.
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Hello Cindy :-)
I've read some article on the net a while ago that someone cooked the fimo beads in the microwave, with about 5 cm water above the beads, for 15 minutes. I love trying out new things, so I gave it a try. The beads came out hard, the colour is a bit lighter than the original, but I think it's a great way - and a shorter one - to "cook" the beads.
Wish you the best and thank you for being such a great teacher.
Corinne Langshtad
Hi Corinne! I know a few people bake their beads in water in the microwave but I don't recommend it, because of the potential for burning and toxic fumes. If you like the way the boiled beads turn out, I would recommend boiling them in water on top of the stove instead. It safer. Make sure not to let the water boil dry though or you will have the same problem.
I love it that you like to experiment… so do I! I just want you to be safe. Thank you so much for that comment!
INFORMATION UPDATE… about the fumes that can happen when you burn your polymer clay in the oven. I just posted about this important polymer clay safety topic in another thread. So rather than re-posting the info here, simply follow the link by my name above to go to the original post.
hi,
i would like to ask if its still safe to bake food in the same oven where you bake your clay?
thanks!
Good question lemondrop. On the packaging the clay says nontoxic and that can be cured in your home oven. It says nothing about whether or not food can be baked in the same oven or not.
I think the safest thing to do is to keep all food and clay items separated. For me this includes baking my beads in a toaster oven that is dedicated to 'clay only'.