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How to Solidify Clay

Children's clay products dry out and become solid when left out of their airtight containers for several hours. Knowing this, some hobbyists are surprised when their sculpted clay jewelry and crafts never harden. Polymer clay, the type of clay typically used in sophisticated crafts, doesn't dry out on its own -- it only solidifies when placed in an oven for 10 minutes to half an hour. This type of clay comes in a wide variety of colors and is easy to shape into figures, beads, pendants and containers.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass baking dish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shape the clay into the desired object. Visit the Polymer Clay Spot website for some beading and sculpting ideas. You may add metal or glass accessories to the clay object, but don't add string, plastic, varnish, paint, wood, glue, tape, paper or any items that could melt or catch fire in an oven. You can add varnish and additional accessories after the baking process.

    • 2

      Place the clay items in a single layer in a glass baking dish. Place the clay dish in a cool oven.

    • 3

      Heat the oven to 275 degrees. Bake small objects for 10 minutes, and check on large objects after 15 minutes. Wait for the oven to cool down before checking on the clay items. Rapid changes in temperature can cause the clay to crack.

    • 4

      Feel the object. It should be hard and firm. If it feels rubbery, put it back in the oven and cook at 275 degrees for an additional 5 minutes.

    • 5

      Allow the object to cool completely before adding accessories, paint or varnish.

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