Translucent Polymer Clay - Premo, Kato, Fimo, Sculpey III

[PolymerClayTutor]

Yes definitely try Fimo or Premo. You will be very happy with the results! Just so you know, Premo is my favourite because the colours are based on the artist pigment palette and mix with predictable results. But Fimo is a quality product as well, so it's your choice as which is better for you.

[kimmoore]

Thank you for the testing. You are 1 of the main people I go to for information and have yet to be disappointed. Thanks for helping all of us knew folks and the others to!

[alexxandrabyrd]

I have been looking for a good comparison video ALL DAY. This is the only video I have seen with even a decent comparison. I do appreciate the controlled variables as well. Thanks so much! Do more comparisons if you haven't already!

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi Alyssa Nuguid, yes you can add colored clay to translucent to make colored translucent clay. You need to be careful not to add too much or you'll lose the transparency. You can use alcohol ink instead if you wish. Just add a little at a time till you get the color you want. Let the ink dry before mixing in tho, or it will get sticky. Have fun!

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi Stiinuliinu, I have some videos coming up on cleaning your pasta machine as well as your hands and work area, so stay tuned for those. Make sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss them. Thanks for commenting!

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi AnthiemRose, I baked all the samples for one hour because I have found that they are much stronger when they are baked for longer than the package says. You are right about Sculpey discoloring if baked longer... but if you don't bake long enough it breaks (as you will see in the "10 minutes is Not Enough" video) These are a couple of reasons why I like Premo WAY more than Sculpey. I can bake it long enough to be strong and it won't discolor if you tent it. Watch my other videos to learn more.

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi MrAuxiom, there are lots of ways to tint translucent clay. That question and most questions related to anything polymer clay have already been answered at my blog (link in Description). If you type your keyword into the search box on my blog you should be able to find your answer quite quickly! Thanks for commenting!

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi miirandaatje, those 'wierd stain bubbles' in your Fimo Translucent are often called Moons or Moonies by the claying community and are caused by a process called plaqueing. Basically it is a small separation in layers, usually caused by moisture. Fimo does that more than any of the other brands. It actually is a benefit when making faux stones because it looks more realistic. To minimize them, keep your hands dry and don't overwork your clay. Thanks for commenting!

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi TaeKeyLove00, generally Kato Polyclay is firmer than most brands, but you will find that all the brands can have inconsistencies with firmness. It depends on the batch, how fresh it is and how it was stored. I have bought two blocks of the same color clay, at the same time and had one block very firm and one block soft and squishy. As a clayer, you just need to learn how to deal with it, by leaching or softening... depending on what you need.

[kissuoffstore]

I always try to bake my clay for up to an hour, however I have found white clays yellow when they are over baked, so it would be interesting to see this repeated following the manufacturers guidance. However, I like the fact you did this, elements were really helpful, like the clarities :)

[missyanne]

Cindy, you are such a joy to watch and learn from! I love your upbeat attitude throughout each video, and your hubs does a great job with the filming (very important). I look forward to all the tips and tricks you have yet to come. Thanks for being so great at what you do!

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi MitsukiChanEtc, Fimo bakes at a much lower temp than most of the other brands of clay. Although I do like to bake my pieces longer than the time it says on the package, I always bake that the temperature that it says. If your clay is discolouring, it means your oven is too hot. It sounds like the dial on your oven is wrong (most are), you need to get a separate oven thermometer to make sure that your oven is at the right temperature. For more baking info go to my blog. (Link in description).

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi BlackDawnYaoiLover, sometimes there is a slight tweak in formula or color of the clays over the years, but for the most part they are pretty much the same and should react the same in recipes. Thanks for commenting!

[SkullHerder]

I have been using clay for a long time now, and some of your tips I managed to figure out on my own, but others you have just helped me so much on improving my products. With a new baby I dont always have the time and money to test these things for myself so I am very grateful I found your channel. Just overnight you have increased the quality of my things :D

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi Penny Marsh, translucent clay is one of my favorite polymer clays. Although it isn't completely clear, it is semi-transparent and allows a lot of light into it, which makes colors looks wonderful. If it is thin enough it can be quite clear and makes a great glassy and protective layer for many techniques such as my Faux Labradorite technique. Go to my blog (link in description) and do a search on translucent clay and you'll see all the cool things you can do with it!

[MichaelOberle]

Thanks. This is exactly the information I was looking for. Wonderful to find it. Love that you went into such detail and tested the strength as well.

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi superkitten211 and sweetcharmsdelight, thanks for commenting! There are lots of ways to soften clay, some of which sweetcharmsdelight already suggested (though I don't recommend you use rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover to soften clay). Sometimes however the clay may be partially baked and impossible to recondition. In that case you can usually mix it into soft clay as an inclusion and still make some neat beads. Go to my blog (link in description) for more ideas. Good luck!

[PolymerClayTutor]

Hi alecitalindis, although I prefer to only use Premo, it definitely improves the qualities of SculpeyIII if you mix some Premo in it. It is a good what to use up your Sculpey if you are switching over.

[bonniefaltz]

Have watched many of your instruction videos and found them to be very helpful.  Thank you for taking the time to do these experiments and sharing your experiences. 

[BettyTampaBay]

I am new to polymer clay and I really love your videos...they are so informative and helpful to me. Thank you for puttiing this information out there for all of us new to the world of polymer clay.