Maya Ellison
Polymer clay is a versatile and pliable modelling material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticizers. It is used by crafters, hobbyists, and professionals alike. When baked, polymer clay cures and hardens into a plastic. However, the question arises: does cooked polymer clay fuse to plastic? The answer is complex. While cooked polymer clay does not typically fuse to plastic, certain plastics are incompatible with polymer clay in its raw state. Uncured polymer clay contains free plasticizers, which can soften and melt certain plastics if the two come into contact. Therefore, it is essential to store and work with unbaked polymer clay in compatible containers and on suitable surfaces to avoid any unwanted fusion or damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can cooked polymer clay fuse to plastic? | Yes, it can. |
| Can raw polymer clay fuse to plastic? | Yes, it can. |
| How does raw polymer clay affect plastic? | It can soften or melt certain plastics. |
| Which plastics are incompatible with polymer clay? | Polycarbonate, Teflon, nylon, acrylics, and other plastics with the recycling symbol #7 |
| Which plastics are safe for storing polymer clay? | Polypropylene or PP plastic with the recycling symbol #5, Polyethylene Terephthalate or PETE with the recycling symbol #1 |
| Can polymer clay be stored in wooden containers? | No, it can damage some finishes. |
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What You'll Learn
Polymer clay melts some plastics
Polymer clay is a synthetic clay made from PVC powder and other chemicals, including plasticizers, fillers, binders, pigments, and lubricants. It is a popular modelling material that can be cured by baking in a home oven. The baking temperature and duration are crucial, as too low a temperature will cause the clay to crumble, while too high a temperature will cause the outside to fuse and burn before the centre is cooked.
Polymer clay can melt or soften certain plastics in its raw state. Uncured polymer clay contains free plasticizers, which are chemicals that make plastic soft and flexible. When a piece of raw polymer clay is placed on an incompatible plastic surface, the plasticizers in the clay can cause the plastic to soften and "melt". This occurs because the plasticizers in the clay are still active and can migrate into the plastic, disrupting its structure.
Not all plastics are affected by polymer clay, and it is important to identify compatible plastics to avoid damage. For example, Sculpey® recommends storing clay in containers made from polypropylene (PP) plastic, which can be identified by the recycling symbol #5. Other plastics that are not compatible with polymer clay include polycarbonate, Teflon, nylon, and acrylics.
In a test conducted by The Blue Bottle Tree, four types of polymer clay were found to melt polystyrene plastic, with Fimo and Sculpey III having the greatest effect. The clay fused with the plastic, creating a clear, sticky, and oozy substance that was impossible to remove.
Therefore, it is essential to be cautious when working with polymer clay and to use compatible materials for storage, tools, and work surfaces.
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Raw clay has free plasticizers
Polymer clay is made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base and contains plasticizers, fillers, lubricants, pigments, and binders. In its raw state, polymer clay can melt or soften certain plastics. Raw clay has free plasticizers, which are chemicals that make plastic flexible and soft. When raw polymer clay comes into contact with incompatible plastic, the plasticizers in the clay can soften and cause the plastic to "melt". This is because the plasticizers in the clay are still active and have not yet fused with the clay's PVC particles.
It is important to note that not all plastics are incompatible with polymer clay. Some plastics, such as polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are generally considered safe to use with polymer clay. These plastics are often used for clay storage containers or bags. However, it is always a good idea to check the recycling symbols on plastic products to ensure compatibility.
Some plastics that are incompatible with polymer clay include polycarbonate and polystyrene. These plastics can be softened or dissolved by raw polymer clay. Polycarbonate is a hard, rigid, and impact-resistant plastic often used in reusable water bottles and CDs/DVDs. Polystyrene is a lightweight, rigid, and brittle plastic used in CD/DVD cases, disposable cups, and packaging.
When working with polymer clay, it is essential to use compatible tools and work surfaces to avoid any unwanted softening or melting of plastics. It is also important to store unbaked polymer clay in compatible containers to prevent damage to the clay or the container. While fully cured polymer clay does not typically react with plastics, there may be some residual plasticizer left, which could potentially affect certain plastics.
Overall, it is important to be cautious when working with polymer clay and plastic materials to avoid any unwanted softening or melting. Understanding the compatibility of different plastics with polymer clay is crucial for the success of clay projects and the preservation of tools and work surfaces.
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Clay fuses with polystyrene plastic
Polymer clay contains plasticizers, chemicals that make plastic flexible and soft. When raw polymer clay is placed on the surface of an incompatible plastic object, the plasticizers in the clay can soften the plastic, causing it to lose its stiffness and appear to "melt". Polystyrene, identified by the recycling code #6, is a type of plastic that is susceptible to many common solvents and is used in products like meat and produce trays, disposable coffee cups, pool floaties, packing materials, and takeout boxes.
In an experiment conducted by The Blue Bottle Tree, four types of polymer clay were placed on polystyrene plastic, and all four types melted into the plastic. Fimo and Sculpey III had the greatest effect, with the clay and plastic fusing together to create a black, sticky, oozy substance. This demonstrates that raw polymer clay has the potential to fuse with polystyrene plastic, causing a chemical reaction that results in the softening or "melting" of the plastic.
It is important to note that not all plastics are compatible with polymer clay. To avoid unwanted fusion or damage, it is recommended to store polymer clay in containers made of compatible materials like polypropylene (PP) plastic, which has the recycling symbol #5. Additionally, it is advised to keep polymer clay away from painted and wooden furniture as it can damage certain finishes.
While raw polymer clay can cause polystyrene plastic to soften or "melt," it is important to distinguish between the terms "melt" and "fuse." In the context of clay and plastic, "melt" refers to the softening or loss of stiffness in the plastic due to the chemical reaction with the clay's plasticizers. However, "fuse" typically implies a stronger and more permanent bonding or welding together of two materials.
To achieve a true fusion between polystyrene plastic and another material, specific adhesives or cements are required. Polystyrene cement, for example, is an acetone-based adhesive that chemically reacts with polystyrene to create a fused bond. Other options for bonding polystyrene include using epoxy or cyanoacrylate adhesives, which form a barrier bond by creating a strong adhesive layer between the two pieces of plastic.
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Clay storage containers
Polymer clay can melt or soften certain plastics in its raw state. This is due to the presence of plasticizers in the clay, which make plastic flexible and soft. When raw polymer clay is placed on an incompatible plastic surface, the plasticizers in the clay can cause the plastic to unstiffen or "melt". Therefore, it is important to store unbaked polymer clay in compatible containers.
Sculpey® recommends storing clay in containers or bags made of polypropylene or PP plastic. PP plastic containers are marked with the recycling symbol #5. Other compatible plastics include PETE, which is marked with the recycling symbol #1. Heavy-duty plastic bags are also a simple and affordable option for storing clay, as they help keep the clay moist and workable for long periods.
It is important to avoid using incompatible plastics for storing polymer clay, as the clay can melt into the plastic and cause a mess. Polystyrene plastic, for example, is known to be incompatible with polymer clay and can result in a sticky mess.
In addition to using compatible containers, it is also recommended to keep polymer clay away from painted and wooden furniture, as it can damage certain finishes. Metal containers are also mentioned as a storage option, with one source mentioning that they store their clay in square metal cookie cans.
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Clay baking temperatures
When baking polymer clay, it is important to ensure that the oven temperature does not exceed 275 °F (135 °C). The clay can be baked for longer if needed, but the temperature must not go above this limit. Polymer clay can be baked repeatedly if required, for example, to cure it further or add additional layers.
The baking time and temperature depend on the thickness of the clay. It is recommended that thicker pieces are initially baked for 15 minutes, followed by additional 5-minute increments. For every 1/4 inch of thickness, the clay should be baked for 15 minutes. For example, a 1/2-inch thick piece should be cured for 30 minutes.
To ensure the accuracy of the oven temperature, it is advisable to use an oven thermometer, with some designed specifically for polymer clay curing. Baking polymer clay at temperatures above 275 °F can cause issues such as darkening, bubbling, and burning.
Regarding the compatibility of polymer clay with plastic, it is important to note that raw or uncured polymer clay contains free plasticizers, which can soften and cause certain types of plastic to "melt" or become sticky. However, once the clay is cured in the oven, the plasticizers fuse with the clay's PVC particles, becoming mostly inert. Therefore, baked polymer clay is generally considered safe to store in certain types of plastic containers, such as those made of polypropylene (PP) or PETE.
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Frequently asked questions
Polymer clay itself is a type of plastic, and after curing in the oven, it becomes hard plastic. It does not fuse to all plastics, but it can melt or soften certain plastics in its raw state.
If you place a slab of unbaked polymer clay on the surface of an incompatible plastic, the plasticizers in the clay can soften the plastic and cause it to unstiffen or "melt".
Polymer clay is compatible with polypropylene or PP plastic. A box made of PP plastic will have the recycling symbol #5 on the bottom. Polymer clay also comes in plastic wrappers or clamshell boxes, so the plastic used for those is also safe.
Plastics not to use with polymer clay include polycarbonate, Teflon, nylon, acrylics, and other materials that include a combination of different plastics (#7).
Polymer clay should be stored in containers or bags made of polypropylene plastic. It should be kept away from painted and wooden furniture as it can damage some finishes.
