Polymer Clay
Polymer clay is derived from a chemical called polymer polyvinyl chloride. However another alternative name for it is clay. The reason as to why it’s known as clay is, because of its quality resembles as that of mineral clay. It’s always used by sculptors, artisans and craftsmen.
Besides this polymer clay that is available in markets, similar other types of clay are also available, like the dry air polymers that have been recently introduced. Generally polymer tends to harden when met with temperatures over 273 degrees Celsius to 278 degrees Celsius, for over 20 minutes. Gentleness, elasticity and flexibility are the qualities that make polymer one of the most preferred sculpt able substance.
There are many uses of polymers besides being used for the purposes of craft and sculpture. Among these are the use of polymer for making hand shaped articles of any size and form. Some clothing apparels and accessories can also be made out of it. Even jewels and other ornaments can be made from it, after hardening clay at the above mentioned temperatures. This hardens clay and making it tough, so ornaments that are made out of it will not break so easily.
Many other articles and items like glass, terra cotta, metal and plastics can be made out of it. Some pencil holder or pen stands too are made from the polymer clay. Besides that, candle holders and switch boards can be made from polymer also.
Polymer is not only used by craftsmen and artisans, but also by schools and colleges and other crafting institutes that provide various courses in learning sculpture. The highest use of polymer in the recent commercial market is in making or manufacturing toys and articles meant. Many other articles are made of clay such as hair brushes, combs, notebooks covers, cardboards etc.
Polymer clay is available in many colors such as green, brown, fluorescent, besides its original color i.e. dark grey. The original color many vary since every producer or manufacturer may produce it differently. Polymer can be used along with other machines and item so that it could bring good results, like the clay gun, the pasta machine or the clay knife, which is quiet sharp so as to cut the polymer into any desired shapes and sizes. Polymer could be impressed and suppressed into various shapes and sizes so as to produce the most artistic creations, by the craftsmen and artisans.
This entry was posted on Saturday, June 28th, 2008 at 12:09 pm and is filed under Polymer Clay. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.