Comments on: What To Do About Fimo Soft Polymer Clay That’s Too Soft and Sticky

By: Hobokenmary

Hobokenmary — Thu, 06 May 2010 09:14:58 +0000

Thanks guys! I so appreciate all your help!

By: Cindy Lietz@Dollhouse Miniatures

Cindy Lietz@Dollhouse Miniatures — Wed, 05 May 2010 23:03:25 +0000

@Hobokenmary: I agree with Phaedrakat, that is a good question! Although I have not tested this myself, I can’t see the harm in storing your clay in the fridge should you have a period of time that gets extremely hot in your home.

Phaedrakat is right about the moisture. It is important to make sure there is no condensation on the clay before conditioning it, since moisture can cause bubbles, cracks and little moons in the clay, especially in Translucent.

Other than that it would probably be better off there than in the very hot room. You could try contacting Polyform to see what they think, if you were worried about it. Do let us know how it goes.

If anyone else has more information on long term storage of polymer clay in the fridge, do let us know.

By: Phaedrakat

Phaedrakat — Wed, 05 May 2010 12:07:22 +0000

@Hobokenmary: Good question! I know you can put your clay in the fridge/freezer for short periods of time to get it cold, but I don’t know about long-term storage. You have to be careful with getting moisture in your clay. Although if you did, you could just let it dry out before working it. I did a search, and this hasn’t really been covered here at the blog (as far as I could tell, at least.) Someone with more experience, help please!

By: Hobokenmary

Hobokenmary — Mon, 03 May 2010 20:56:19 +0000

I was wondering now that the summer months are almost upon us, I store my clay in a room that isn’t always air conditioned. Yesterday and today has been unseasonably hot and this morning while I was working with my clay I noticed it was much softer. Can I refrigerate my clay? I’m afraid that once the summer really does get rolling, my studio can get extremely hot and I wouldn’t want to damage the clay I already have and I have accumulated alot.

Once again, your help would be most appreciated. Thanks again, Mary

By: Peter Holland

Peter Holland — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:29:45 +0000

My pleasure Cindy.

By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Projects

Cindy Lietz@Polymer Clay Projects — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:18:20 +0000

Thank you Peter! That would be great!

By: Peter Holland

Peter Holland — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:45:13 +0000

Fantastic tips. I’ll be sure to send my visitors here.

By: Cindy Lietz@Polymer CLay Tutor Library

Cindy Lietz@Polymer CLay Tutor Library — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:33:34 +0000

Thanks for your comments Bonnie! Have you thought about putting a piece of paper or cardstock inside the baggy with the clay to help absorb some of the excess plasticizers? That might speed things up a bit!

@Shannon: I know I can be a little silly, but who couldn’t use some comic relief these days?! Nice point about firming up the clay for cutting, as well! That would really help in keeping the shape of things!

By: Shannon

Shannon — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:21:40 +0000

Ha! That’s funny! “Splash a little on your face”!

Because I like to achieve very precise pendants, hot and sticky clay are combated by sliding my work paper with the pre-conditioned and rolled flat clay on it into the freezer for a minute before I cut and bake.

This keeps the clay from distorting when a blade or cutter runs through it.

These are great suggestions I will have to remember, thank you for sharing them!

By: Bonnie Jones

Bonnie Jones — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:49:59 +0000

excellent points!!! I do have a problem with Puppen Fimo being too soft since they changed the formula. I have unwrapped the clay from its packaging and placed it in a baggy which I have left open hoping that extended shelf life will firm it up. We shall see.