Using Oven Bake Clays
Home crafters have a variety of modeling clays to choose from. Many are crafted to harden into pieces that are permanent once completed. Some of the most popular clays are air drying and polymer clay. Polymer clay must be baked in order to cure. Air drying clay can be baked as well but is not necessary. Risk of mold is eliminated when air drying clay is baked.
In the following are a few tips and suggestions for baking a newly modeled clay piece.
Racks of oven must be removed to accommodate the piece.
Oven should be preheated to 175 degrees F or lowest heat setting. Preheating oven makes a dry and hot area for speeding the process of hardening. Ovens that are too hot will simply scorch the clay.
Put clay piece on a cookie sheet that is clean and place into oven.
Oven door should be propped open a bit. Use a ball of foil or soda can to keep oven door from completely closing. Ventilation is formed with this technique allowing moisture to escape.
Dry clay will become a lighter color. Bake clay piece while checking on its color about every ten minutes. Drying times will depend upon the thickness and size of a piece.
Clay pieces can be placed on their sides in order to cure the bottom.
