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About
Polymer Clay
What is Polymer Clay?
For you chemists, it is a long-chain hydrocarbon, a
newly developed organic substance. For more detail, see
James Lehman's article. Once formed into the desired
shape, it is heated to a solid, forming a type of PVC
plastic, hard and durable.
It is NOT an
earth-based clay. Unlike earth-based, or mud-type clays
like potters use, it is possible to sculpt very fine
detail, incorporate vibrant colors, and the finished
product is water-impervious (water will not affect the
clay nor the colors), and it is generally harder to
break, although it can with a hard enough knock, and it
may dent or scratch.
About
Polymer Clay Cake Tops
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Q. How
long will polymer clay cake tops last?
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A. They can last
virtually forever with a little care. |
| Q. How should they
be cared for? |
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A. To avoid breakage
and damage: |
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1. Open the product packaging
very gently and carefully. |
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2. Do NOT hit or allow
contact with hard objects (polymer clay may
scratch and dent). |
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3. Do NOT press or push the
polymer clay product with any force. |
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4. Do NOT hold the head,
face, or any thin elements. Instead, gently hold
by the base or body only. |
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5. Clean carefully by hand
with a soft, dry brush or a semi-dry soft cloth: |
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Polymer clay cake tops are
very easy to care for; Usually all they need is
an occasional dusting to keep them beautiful. If
your cake top begins to loose its sheen, simply
buff it lightly with chamois, a soft piece of
cotton, or a soft rag and gently rub until its
shine is restored. If need be, you can wash
polymer clay with soap and water, or a mild
cleaner like dishwashing liquid. Do NOT use
harsh chemicals like glass or multi-purpose
cleaners, or ammonia or alcohol. These may
damage the polymer clay or ruin the finish. |
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Keep polymer clay away from
high heat, as it will burn at temperatures above
300°F. |
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6. Polymer clay cake tops
are valuable, delicate works of art for display
only, not toys for play. |
| Q. How long will
the colors last before they fade? |
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A. Do NOT store in
sunlight, and the colors will last for a long
time. |
| Q. How
break-resistant are they? |
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A. Although polymer
clay is strong once it is baked, thin pieces
will remain slightly flexible and break easily.
Avoid hard knocks. Superglue works well to
repair broken pieces. |
| Q. Will water hurt
them? Are the colors water-resistant? Does
humidity in the air affect them? |
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A. Water will affect
neither polymer clay nor the colors. |
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