modeling clay?

Question

could someone please inform me on how to soften modeling clay? It would be dearly appreciated. I have been pressing in between my palms for about 5 minutes, and it hasnt gotten any softer, i also tried putting some water on it, and i dont think that is working very well, its just making a messy =)

Answer 1

Which kind of "modeling" clay do you have? Clays are made from various materials, and some are almost impossible to soften once they've dried or cured.

"Modeling clay" (plasticine) is usually the heavy type that kindergarteners have played with for years, and often comes in long bars. It won't ever get rock hard because it's got oil and wax in it, but it might firm up a bit over time. If that's what you have, you can try banging on it with a hammer (maybe in a ziptop bag) and/or getting it warm under a lamp, etc. before you try kneading it with your hands again.

If you have Play Doh or other air-dry clays that you've purchased or made at home (like the salt dough clay mentioned before or a "paper clay", etc.,), I don't think you really can soften it. Generally for air dry clays, once the water is gone, it's kinda done. You could try soaking it at least overnight though in a bowl of water, then try working it (maybe even hammering or mixing in a food processor first) to see if it's salvageable at all, but it's almost guaranteed to be really messy (maybe you could also knead it while it's in a bag?).

If your clay is a polymer clay (must be cured in a home oven), it won't dry out, but it can accidentally get cured from too much heat or from too much ultraviolet light. That can actually be reconstituted with various oils, but it's way more trouble that you probably want to go to!


HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 2

Polymer clay will not air dry, and must be baked if you want it to harden. Modeling clay isn't a precise term, and it may be based on different substances - oil, waxes, minerals, fibers or polymers. You have to know what type you are buying, because they all act and react differently.

Answer 3

a home recipe for clay is 2 cups flour, 1cup salt, and 2 tablespoons of oil. Try adding a little bit of oil. Cooking oil. Maybe if you just rub it on your hands and knead the clay it will be enough. To keep it your supposed to put it in a plastic bag in the fridge.