Best polymer clay manufacturers for 2020

Toy companies manufacture hundreds of thousands of products that vary in color, size and appearance. But the main problem is that the products are of the same type, despite the difference. It is impossible to surprise children with a new doll or car, because similar models have met before, although they were in a different form. Manufacturers of polymer clay offer a solution to the problem - create something with your own hands or with your child. The activity is creative and fun, and also brings the family together.

The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a rating of the best polymer clay manufacturers for 2020.

What does the story say?

Previously, toys had personality, each irregularity was unique. Puppet masters created a dozen cars or people by hand, which is why they acquired their own features. Remember at least the fairy tale "The Steadfast Tin Soldier" by Andersen, where the main character was a legless officer. He never said a word in his entire history, but everyone worried about his fate. The figurine became a symbol and showed people that they should not judge anyone by their appearance. And the reason for this was the factory defect, which "revived" the product.

Nowadays, toy companies do not allow defective products to be sold. Because they value their reputation and do not want to receive the goods back. Of course, the spirit of that time has passed, but modern technologies offer to create toys or jewelry on their own.

Polymer clay, as a product for creativity, appeared in the 1930s. It was originally sold in toy stores and was intended to create doll heads. However, with the growing popularity of such a product, people began to understand that clay is capable of more. A small piece of plastic turned into a decorative element. In the 21st century, polymer clay is in great demand among children and experienced craftsmen. Because it is easy to work with, and the finished result is beautiful and unique.

Features:

The first advantage is plasticity. Feels like a person is working with ordinary plasticine. The only difference is that at the end of the work, it is necessary to carry out heat treatment in order to consolidate the result. For firing, a high temperature of 200 or 500 degrees is not required, 100-130 is enough^about... This is also an added benefit.

When firing, it is important to follow safety precautions and use an inexpensive mask and open windows, because the material gives off a toxic odor. When sculpting, this is not detected, which makes the product safe for children.

The second feature of polymer clay is its service life. With proper heat treatment, a toy or jewelry can be used for ten years. Water, fading and temperature changes are not a problem for such a product.

Production and varieties

Polymer clay is available in a variety of colors and packaging. It is often small pieces that are placed in a plastic bag. A person independently acquires a product of a specific shade, but if he wants to give an unusual color, then colorless models are sold, which are painted after firing.

There are two types of clay in stores - self-hardening and baked.The first option is a plastic mass that solidifies when it comes into contact with air. It will take a little more time: from several hours to a day, depending on the dimensions of the finished product.

Self-hardening products can be heavy or light. The latter is used for the production of bijouterie, flowers, various decorations, etc. Such figures turn out to be more realistic, to the extent that an unknowing person cannot distinguish from the original until he touches it. Heavy is used to create toys or figurines. After hardening, the surface is rough like standard pottery clay.

The only thing a self-hardening model is afraid of is contact with water. It is necessary to take care of such a product with a special brush. So the person will extend the service life and not spoil the appearance.

The baked version is the same plastic material, the difference is in the method of hardening. Here the user needs to carry out heat treatment. Since during this process, plasticizers evaporate, and the figure becomes hard and durable.

The maximum firing temperature is 130 degrees, the minimum value is 100-110^about... If the specified parameters are not observed, the clay will not bake or melt at all. To accurately determine the temperature, craftsmen use a compact thermometer that determines the temperature from a distance.

What tools are used when working?

When working with polymer clay, you do not need to have special tools. There are a number of standard fixtures available to create any figurine. Moreover, they are easy to find, and the cost is at an affordable level. But besides the usual devices, there are some auxiliary ones that will help give the product a unique texture and create an interesting effect. All that is required for work is a block of clay, equipment for rolling, a sharp knife, a work table and a firing oven.

• A special rolling pin or paste machine is required to roll the product.
• A scalpel or knife is used to cut the block into small pieces.
• The work surface is created using a parchment sheet, but ceramic tiles or glass are also allowed. The latter is the preferred option.
• To assemble the figurine, professionals recommend using wire cutters and pliers. The presence of such tools is a mandatory decision, without them it will be impossible to create anything.
• Bamboo sticks or knitting needles are required to pierce holes.
• Beads or ear wires are used as decorations.
• A baking oven will help harden the finished product. It is important to know that at the end of firing, the product is washed and ventilated. This is done to remove harmful toxic elements. Microwave, alternatively prohibited.
• A brush is used to apply varnish or paint.

4 top tips for proper firing

• The first thing to consider is that the clay is baked in a ventilated room. Because when organizing such a process, the material emits an unpleasant odor of plastic, which settles in the body. If a person feels bitterness, it says that the product is starting to melt.
• When firing a colorless figurine, it is important to cover it with foil so as not to spoil the appearance.
• When constructing a complex element, repeated heat treatment may be required.
• If the product is still hot, it must not be removed from the oven. This is especially true for large parts that have a high density. If you ignore this rule, cracks will form on the outer surface, which will ruin the appearance of the product.

Safety first

Despite the fact that most of the products carry the AP mark (it indicates the non-toxicity of the product), compliance with the main safety rules is still mandatory. Since a person works with clay based on oil products.

• Work is carried out on the surface and with tools that are not used in everyday life, such as cooking.
• It is important to understand that the resulting workpiece cannot be tasted, much less eaten. Especially parents should supervise children who can play with such figures.
• At the end of work, hands should be washed with soap and water to remove excess plasticizer.
• When it is possible to carry out firing outside, it is better to do it there. If it is not possible to carry out heat treatment in the fresh air, it is necessary to organize good ventilation of the room.
• It is prohibited to exceed the maximum temperature.
• After the workpiece has cooled down, the baking sheet is checked. If you find solidified pieces of material, it is important to remove them.
• When working with hard clay, rest your fingers to prevent pain in your hands. Better to make the figures slowly, but without health risks.
• To avoid leaving fingerprints on the finished product, latex gloves are used.
• When working with multiple colors, it is preferable to start with lighter shades, as some pigments remain on the hands.
• When storing clay, it must be tightly wrapped in a bag to prevent pieces of material from getting on the pet's hair or carpet.

Rating of the best polymer clay manufacturers

MUNGYO

The company was founded in 1946. The first products were chalk for boards, but over time the company expanded and began to produce products for artistic modeling. Throughout its existence, the products of this manufacturer have been exported to 130 countries. Most of the products have positive reviews and are popular with experienced craftsmen and novice users.

Popular product is MUNGYO Sculpt Dry. It is a self-hardening clay sold in white. Suitable for children and their parents. Weight - 500 grams.

The average cost is 280 rubles.

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Yozki

The products of this company are designed for children 7-16 years old. It will help to properly organize the child's creative activity at home. Suitable for creating simple dolls or jewelry. For heat treatment, you can use an oven or boiling water.

EcoPolymer clay Yozki is a popular product from this manufacturer. The material is completely safe and is designed to create miniatures with fine detail. After firing, the color resembles ivory. Weight - 56 grams.

Sold at a price of 105 rubles.

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Artifact

The first Russian company to start producing polymer clay for creativity. The materials are sold under the brands "Sonnet", "Lapsi", "Tsvetik". For 20 years of operation, the enterprise has gained wide popularity among professional craftsmen. Some goods are delivered not only to domestic stores, but also abroad. The products are produced in 106 colors, in addition to the sale of individual bars, the company is engaged in the production of large gift sets.

One of the popular products is Artefact 250gr, neutral. The material is intended for creating figurines and intricate decorations. After a long kneading, it becomes plastic, so the hands will not get tired quickly. Baking is carried out at a temperature of 130 degrees for 10-30 minutes (depending on the density of the figurine). It is forbidden to exceed the temperature regime, as they can emit toxic fumes.

The average cost is 450 rubles.

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Craft & Clay

One of the best companies with products for children and adults. In addition to plastic, the company produces paste machines and special tools for material processing.The main advantage is affordable cost. Clay is made from quality materials, so it is soft in texture and pleasant to the touch. In addition to standard colors, there are models in stores with a metallic effect and frosted glass.

A good example is Craft & Clay CCH polymer clay. Non-toxic product designed for oven baking. The weight of the bar is 52 grams, it is sold in a mother-of-pearl design, which will give the finished element a beautiful appearance. Not afraid of moisture and sun exposure. After firing, it holds its shape well and does not fade when exposed to UV rays.

Sold at a price of 169 rubles.

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Cernit

Belgian manufacturer of goods for creativity. The polymer material is perfect for creating jewelry, dolls and small figurines. It is recommended to wear latex gloves when working with clay, as plastic leaves good fingerprints. At the end of the firing, the finished version has the effect of a porcelain surface, which is an additional advantage.

The finished product will differ from similar companies. Plastic is sold in several colors, so finding the right one is easy. It is produced in briquettes of 56 gr., There are also large pieces weighing 0.5 kg.

Cernit Shiny is a popular product that comes in 8 colors. This kind of clay is perfect for the Mika shift technique, which makes it possible to create a unique decorative figurine. After firing, the workpiece shimmers in the light, creating a radiant effect. Heat treatment is no different from previous models.

The average price is 188 rubles.

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Fimo

The founding company of polymer creativity. It is with her that the history of the development of this material begins. For more than 50 years, the company has produced millions of sets of products and tools for organizing children's leisure and small businesses.

The main difference between FIMO and other manufacturers is its bright color palette. But besides this, the material never shrinks and cracks during firing. But also the manufactured products have a low cost, which made it possible to conquer 85% of the market. The company is the leader among European representatives. Each product is certified and safe for use by children and adults.

Fimo Classic is a suitable option for beginners. Plastic is suitable for sculpting small jewelry or medium-sized figurines. Can be mixed with different colors and manufacturers, including Russian ones. Baking time - up to 30 minutes at 110 degrees. Designed for use by children under 7 years of age, but only under the supervision of an adult.

Sold at a price of 115 rubles.

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Finally

It's never too late to be creative. Today, manufacturers produce thousands of products that will help develop motor skills for children and adults. If you have experience working with polymer clay from the manufacturers described in the rating, or you prefer a different material, tell us about it in the comments.