On a side note, there have been significant improvements to the Sculpey III line of products over the last year or so, so my negative opinions described in this post, may no longer be valid. I am very happy with the Premo Line they make however, and will continue to use it as my main polymer clay for now.

Thanks again for your comment!

In defense of Sculpey III:

I feel the need to defend Sculpey III as a perfectly legitimate clay to use for crafting purposes, especially if you’re simply working with kids, exploring your own ideas, or want to make something pretty. It seems like this post has people headed for the hills and running the opposite way when it comes Sculpey III and I think that’s an entirely unnecessary aversion to this product.

I have been using Sculpey III, (also Premo! and Sculpey Bakeshop) regularly for the past four years to create little clay creatures. It’s more of a hobby than anything, so I’ve only made a couple hundred items (critters) during my time with these clays. (A little over half of them have been for sale/sold (others are gifts, or personal)).

I have never had a problem with Sculpey III (even white) turning purple, getting brown spots or anything, ever. . I usually bake the Sculpey III as the package states, estimating for my thickness (which is on average 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick). So, the guys are in the oven approx. 15-30 minutes. I’ve used a few different toaster ovens and an electric stove, and none of them ever effect the quality.

The only “problem” I’ve had with Sculpey III color is burning due to operator error. It browns slightly if it’s in there 40+ minutes, and will eventually blacken if you leave it in long enough, no matter how thick it is or the clay color. My personal issue was surface fissures due to cooking rate – so, I learned to cook thicker pieces longer at a lower temp. Other than that, I’ve never had a hang up with any of the polymers I use. The horns, ears, and tails on my critters have broken off if dropped from too high, or handled improperly (i.e. chewing, stomping, throwing against hard surfaces) – but only at extremely thin points, or poorly melded joints (again, mostly operator error, not clay issues).

Bakeshop is extremely soft, but it’s designed for little hands and fingers. I use it if I want to avoid having to pre-work the clay for something small and quick, or to add to Sculpey that is slightly too hard or “dried up” for me. Premo! does require longer baking time, and if anything those colors sometimes go a little wonky on me (but not enough to be an issue). I’ve never experienced serious issues with any of these products. I’ve yet to use FIMO because the nearest place that sells it is a couple hours away – and I’m already using clay that works for me. I dislike Studio Sculpey because it doesn’t hold heat very long (i.e. goes cold quickly and requires frequent re-working to warm it), so I choose not to use it. Sculpey “Light” though is one of the most pointless, and worst, art products I’ve ever used (across the board) – I can wholeheartedly advise against using Sculpey Light.

Again, I neither bead, do any clay caning, nor try to render doll flesh or the like – but I have worked with Sculpey III regularly and sold the products I made with it.

Everyone has their personal material preferences, my suggestion is to go out and develop your own. You’ll only ever know a product through your own experiences with it. Play with whatever you come across and feel drawn to… In the case of polymer clays, I’m pretty sure most anyone reading this has blown $3.00 on a worse idea.

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@ Rain D. – Pearl Ex Pigment Powders are super fantastic with polymers. You can mix a little in for a very subtle effect, or brush it on the clay before you bake it. However, when brushing it on, it will act much like cornstarch does – the clay will not stick to itself. So, make sure you won’t need to attach anything else to a surface before you powder it. After baking, though, soft clay can be attached and cooked on, or hard items can be glued.

13 oz Bar Dark Flesh 76700 $13.95 $8.37 IN STOCK

13 oz Bar Flesh 41046 $13.95 $8.37 IN STOCK

Sure hope so….