Why Did My Polymer Clay Burn? Common Mistakes To Avoid

Polymer clay is generally considered non-flammable, but it is essential to be aware of how it reacts to extreme heat. When subjected to excessively high temperatures, polymer clay can indeed undergo a transformation, darkening and scorching rather than bursting into flames. This characteristic distinguishes it from materials that are highly flammable. So, while it won’t ignite in the traditional sense, it’s crucial to exercise caution when exposing polymer clay to extreme heat sources to prevent undesirable alterations to its appearance and texture. This information was last updated on February 18, 2021.

“Why did my polymer clay melt in the oven?” This is a common question that often arises due to confusion between polymer clay and modeling clay, which is also known as plasticine or plastalina. If you’ve ever accidentally mixed the two, you may have experienced the frustrating phenomenon of your clay melting in the oven. Polymer clay is designed to be heat-cured and hardened in the oven, while modeling clay is not. This confusion can occur when you inadvertently incorporate modeling clay, which is not heat-resistant, into your polymer clay creations. To avoid this issue, it’s essential to carefully differentiate between these two types of clay and ensure that you’re working exclusively with polymer clay for projects that require baking in the oven.

Have you ever wondered why your polymer clay emits smoke while baking? The key to achieving a successful cure with polymer clay lies in controlling the temperature. If you notice your polymer clay smoking in the oven, it’s a clear indicator that your oven temperature is too high. It’s worth noting that polymer clay is remarkably heat-resistant, often more so than one might initially assume. Therefore, understanding the appropriate temperature settings for your particular polymer clay brand is essential to avoid overheating and smoking during the curing process.