If you’re tired of splurging on pricey polymer clay, why not embark on a money-saving adventure by crafting your own polymer clay substitute right in the comfort of your home? It’s not only cost-effective but also a delightful endeavor. Here, we’ll guide you through four simple methods to concoct your homemade polymer clay substitute.
Over the past few years, I’ve dabbled in creating polymer clay substitute using various recipes. Among them, my favorite is a type of polymer clay commonly referred to as cold porcelain. This particular polymer clay substitute is primarily made from cornstarch and white PVA or Elmer’s glue. What sets it apart for me is its smooth texture and slight elasticity, making it pleasant to work with. Additionally, once dried, it becomes remarkably hard and is relatively non-porous, allowing paint to adhere exceptionally well. Unlike baker’s clay or salt clay, it maintains its integrity over time without degrading.
I’ve utilized this clay for a variety of projects, including covering blown-out chicken eggs to create Christmas ornaments, crafting bowls, boxes, pendant blanks, and more. However, perfecting the recipe wasn’t an overnight success. Many online recipes yielded a mixture that was far too sticky to be practical. Through trial and error, I experimented with different ratios of glue and cornstarch, as well as the inclusion or exclusion of secondary ingredients. What I’m sharing here is the culmination of my experimentation efforts. Consider yourself fortunate to benefit from my trials and errors!
1. Glue and Cornstarch for Polymer Clay Substitute
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup of glue
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons mineral oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a non-stick pot, combine glue and cornstarch thoroughly.
- Add mineral oil and lemon juice to the mixture, stirring until well blended.
- Optionally, introduce food coloring or acrylic paint for desired hues.
- Heat the pot over low flame, stirring continuously until the mixture attains a mashed potato-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and let it cool on a flat surface.
- Knead the clay while it’s still warm, adding a dab of mineral oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape the clay into a smooth ball and store it in a resealable freezer bag in the refrigerator.
- Once cooled completely, seal the bag to maintain freshness.
- Utilize your Polymer Clay Substitute to craft various creations, ensuring to let them dry for at least 24 hours before painting.
2. Glue and Glycerin
Ingredients:
- 2 cups PVA (wood) glue
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup cornflour
- 1-2 drops food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix water and glue in a non-stick pot, boiling for two minutes while stirring.
- In a separate bowl, combine cornflour and water, then pour into the boiling glue mixture.
- Cover the dough while it cools.
- Sprinkle cornflour on a work surface and knead the dough until smooth and pliable.
- Store the clay in an airtight bag until ready for use.
3. Unbreakable Clay
Ingredients:
- 1 cup PVA glue
- ½ tablespoon stearin (stearic acid)
- 1 ½ tablespoons glycerin
- 1 ½ tablespoons Vaseline
- ½ tablespoon citric acid
- ½ cup cornstarch
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients except cornstarch in a non-stick pan over low heat.
- Gradually add cornstarch while stirring until the mixture forms a clay-like consistency.
- Knead the clay until smooth and non-sticky.
- Store in a sealed plastic bag until needed.
4. Pasta Francesa
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- 1 cup glue
- 1.5 tablespoons glycerin
- 1.5 tablespoons cold cream with lanolin
- 1.5 tablespoons white vinegar
Instructions:
- Dissolve cornstarch in water in a Teflon-coated pot over low heat, then add glue.
- Mix in glycerin, cold cream with lanolin, and white vinegar, cooking until dough forms.
- Knead the dough into a smooth consistency and let it dry for at least three days before painting.
Store your homemade clay creations in plastic wrap and keep them in a cool, dark place for longevity. Enjoy your crafting adventures with these versatile and economical polymer clay substitutes!
Cornstarch-based clays are often referred to as “cold porcelain.” While some variants are available for purchase, others can be crafted at home. Another convenient method for making homemade cold porcelain involves the use of a microwave oven.
It’s wise to prepare these clays in advance and have them ready for children’s projects. These non-toxic clays are easy to handle, making them perfect for little hands.
To maintain their pliability, store air-dry clays in airtight containers or bags when not in use, as exposure to air can cause them to dry and harden over time, albeit at a gradual pace.
PVA glue, also known as white glue or Elmer’s glue, differs from PVC glue. Although both can be used, they possess distinct properties. PVC glue tends to be softer and slightly more rubbery, with water-repellent qualities. On the other hand, PVA glue is harder but more absorbent and has the potential to become softer over time.
For those seeking a particularly durable clay, consider incorporating a small amount of Model Magic. This addition can enhance the strength of your clay, making it less prone to breakage once dried.
Ensure thorough kneading of the Polymer Clay Substitute dough to achieve optimal consistency. Complete blending is essential to eliminate any visible cracks in the dough.
