Learn the differences between Sculpey III, Sculpey Premo, FIMO Professional, FIMO Soft, Kato Polyclay & Cernit
In this guide I go over 7 of some of the most popular types of polymer clay and discuss their properties so that you can make a better informed choice in terms of which polymer clay brand is best for you to purchase.
Some clays are better designed for specific clay techniques like canning while others are better suited for individual preferences. For instance, those with arthritic hands may want softer clays, or jewelry makers may want firmer clays that bake with a professional sheen or those with really hot hands may want a clay that is harder and won’t get too sticky.
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Breakdown of the Most Popular Polymer Clay Types:
Sculpey III is a nice soft clay for beginners to make simple sculptures or figures and for softening harder clays.
Don’t use Sculpey III Polymer Clay if complexity & durability is a requirement. Sculpey III Applications/Uses: Viable alternative to firmer clays. Great for projects with density and bulk. Great for simple sculptures or figures. Can also use an as additive to color blends by mixing in a small portion with firmer clays to make them more pliable. My favorite combination is Kato and Sculpey III translucent.
Sculpey Premo is a medium-firm all purpose clay for beginners.
Sculpey Premo is favored among jewelry makers with its durability, ability to retain detail & slight sheen when baked. Sculpey Premo Applications/Uses: Jewelry Making. Faux Stones, Cartoon Figurines, Home Décor (vase & cutlery decoration), Sculptures, & Detailed Pieces. Most clay techniques (including surface techniques). All-purpose polymer clay & very versatile. Easy starter clay for beginners.
Sculpey Souffle is a soft and stretchy clay that bakes with strength & durability for lightweight applications.
Sculpey Souffle is easy on arthritic hands. Sculpey Souffle Applications/Uses: Lightweight Applications. High quality clay that’s easy on arthritic hands. Jewelry Making & Knitting Techniques (it also takes paint very well). Chunky Figurines (too soft for detailed sculpting). Mokume Gane Technique because it slices easy with little distortion.
Fimo Pro is a firm, all-around clay for both beginners & professionals.
Fimo Professional was rebranded from FIMO Classic. It works in mildly cold/warm climates & trying out nearly all clay techniques. FIMO Applications/Uses: Great versatile clay for beginners to test out all clay techniques before investing in specialized clays. Professional quality clay for artist. Works in both warm & cold climates (however if overworked, can get sticky). Jewelry, Faux Stones, Canning, Stamping, Cartoon Figurines, Home Décor, Sculpting. Creating thin layers without tearing.
Fimo Soft is an alternative to firmer clays, that holds it shape well & conditions quickly.
Fimo Soft is an all-purpose clay for beginners/amateur artist at the hobby level. FIMO Soft Applications/Uses: Embellishments, Cartoon Figurines, Home Décor & Beads. Excellent for use with rubber stamps because it holds its shape well. Superior shelf life for cannings (canes made from softer clays are easier to recondition) All-purpose soft polymer clay.
Kato is a firm, all-purpose & professional quality clay for those with warm hands.
Kato Polyclay works exceptionally well for canning, faux stones, fine details & crisp lines. Applications/Uses: Works well in hot climates. Best clay for canning as it resists color blending. Precise Faux Stones & Beads with accurate color. Fine Detail Work including Strong Detailed Sculptures. Thin layers without tearing. All purpose clay for all clay techniques (with some exceptions).
Cernit is an all purpose clay that creates a luminous, porcelain-like finish.
Cernit polymer clay is one of the best translucent clays that doesn’t get too sticky. Applications/Uses: Favored among doll-makers. Hand-sculpted pieces with lots of color blending (translucency & softness increases ability to color blend). Jewelry & Faux Stones. In surface treatments: paints, silk screening, alcohol inks, chalks, powders, and varnish. Cernit Metallic & Shiny are great for mica shift technique.
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