How to Soften Polymer Clay

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Polymer clay becomes hard as it ages;as a result, it is difficult or even impossible to shape and use, especially if it has been exposed to the air.However, many people don't know that even the most hardened piece can be salvaged.There are several methods you can use to regenerate this material, from hand mixing to adding oils and thinners;Using one or more of these remedies, you can turn a stone-hard block of polymer clay into a moldable mass.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Heat and Knead the Clay

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  1. Step 1 Scaldala con il calore del corpo.
    If the clay is only slightly hardened, you may be able to soften it by heating and working with your hands.Before proceeding, hold the material in your hand to warm it up a little;alternatively, you can use your body heat by sitting on it.[1]
    • The heat regenerates the material;if it has become only slightly less malleable, you may be able to restore its softness with your own heat.
    • Regardless of which method you decide to use, you should always raise the temperature of the clay first.
  2. Step 2 Usa una fonte di calore.
    If the clay has become very hard, you may need more than body heat;place a hot water bottle on the material for about 20 minutes to make it more malleable.[2]
    • Alternatively, you can use a heat lamp, but make sure you don't raise the temperature of the clay above body temperature, otherwise you'll start to cook it, rendering it unusable.
    • You can also try heating it in the microwave in 10-second intervals until it reaches a suitable temperature.
  3. Step 3 Falla rotolare fra le mani.
    When it has softened, work it with your hands to give it a snake shape and then roll it into a ball.This movement generates friction and makes the clay more malleable.[3]
    • You can divide the mass into smaller pieces and then shape it.
  4. Step 4 Spianala con un matterello.
    If it's too hard to work with your hands, you need to use more force.Place it on a clean cutting board or kitchen counter and flatten it with a rolling pin to flatten it as much as possible;afterwards, always roll it with a rolling pin.At this point it should be warm enough to shape with your hands.
  5. Step 5 Colpisci l'argilla con un martello.
    If the block has become too hard to flatten with a rolling pin, you need to increase the "impact force".Break the material into the smallest pieces possible and then transfer them to a sealed plastic bag.Wrap everything in a cloth and place it on the floor, concrete driveway or asphalt outside.[4]
    • Tap the clay for several minutes using a rubber mallet;this way, you break it into even smaller fragments and generate friction to heat it.
    • When you're done, take the material out of the bag and shape it into a ball with your hands.
  6. Step 6 Impasta l'argilla.
    After rolling it, work it with your hands on the kitchen counter as you would a mass of dough;use the necessary force to stretch and reshape it.[5]
    • This method ensures that you work the entire surface of the clay.
    • If you don't want to do it by hand, you can also use a mixer specifically for clay.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Add Emollient Substances

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  1. Step 1 Aggiungi un diluente liquido.
    It is one of the products available that make polymer clay soft and no longer malleable.Many are made by the same manufacturers who also produce clay and contain specific substances to revive the aged material.
    • If heating and kneading the clay wasn't enough, opt for this solution.
    • Pour the liquid, one drop at a time, as you shape the material;if you exaggerate with the doses you can make it excessively soft.
    • Liquid thinners can be used as glue, consequently making the clay stickier.If this happens, wrap it in kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture and reduce the adhesive power.[6]
  2. Step 2 Usa una barretta di prodotto emolliente.
    There are many other substances for softening polymer clay that are not sold in liquid form, but rather in solid bars;they are made with a mixture of neutral compounds that make the material more malleable.
    • Use one part solid emollient to five parts polymer clay.Heat the latter and then insert the bar inside it, before kneading everything to make the mixture soft and homogeneous.
    • Solid emollients have a whitish color and are therefore more suitable for clay with very intense colors.Remember that adding too much emollient in relation to the amount of material could also dilute the color.
  3. Step 3 Aggiungi dell'argilla polimerica liquida.
    This is another useful material for your purpose and makes the hardened clay more malleable.Use it as you would any other liquid thinner, pouring in a drop at a time and kneading the material until you get the desired consistency.[7]
    • Try to use a colorless product, so as not to alter the color of the clay.
    • You can also use colored liquid polymer clay, but be aware that it will alter the original appearance of the hardened material.
  4. Step 4 Usa l'olio minerale.
    While it's not specifically designed to soften polymer clay, it works wonders as an emollient while also improving the texture of the material;pour a drop at a time, kneading until you obtain a modeling clay.[8]
  5. Step 5 Strofina il blocco di argilla con della vaselina.
    This substance is present in almost every home and you can use it when you don't have access to commercial emollients.In this case, apply a small amount to your fingertips and rub it into the clay;then knead the material to incorporate the Vaseline, adding more emollient until you get the right consistency.[9]
  6. Step 6 Mescola l'argilla vecchia e dura con quella fresca.
    An alternative is to incorporate new material into the hardened material and knead until a malleable mass is obtained.The higher the dose of new clay, the softer the final result will be.Be careful to use clay of the same color, unless you don't mind mixing shades.[10]
    • Work the clay with your hands until you get the consistency you want.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Crush the clay

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  1. Step 1 Tagliala con un coltello.
    If you're dealing with very hard clay, you may need to use a food processor to break it up and heat it;But first you have to cut it into the smallest possible pieces with a sharp knife.
  2. Step 2 Metti l'argilla e il prodotto emolliente nel robot da cucina.
    When you have managed to chop it as best as possible with the knife, transfer it to the small appliance and, if you wish, add a few drops of thinner or liquid polymer clay for better results;place the lid on the food processor.[11]
    • Alternatively, you can use a coffee grinder, but you will have to process several batches.
    • Use blades and a container intended for clay only, because, although you can wash them, it is not advisable to use them for food.
  3. Step 3 Macina il materiale a impulsi di 10 secondi.
    Set the appliance to maximum speed, so as to chop and soften the clay, making it more malleable;Continue with this technique for 1-3 minutes until the clay is the consistency you want.
  4. Step 4 Toglila dal robot da cucina e impastala.
    When it has become soft, remove it from the appliance.You may need to use a spoon to scrape the walls and get material out of the cracks;now you can press all the pieces together and shape them.
  5. Step 5 Impasta l'argilla con le mani.
    After blending it in the food processor, it should be soft and pliable;work it by hand to melt the pieces:at this point it is ready to be used.
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Advice

  • Between one use and another, remember to always wrap the clay with well-adhering transparent film, to prevent it from drying out.
  • Try heating and kneading the clay before moving on to other remedies to soften it.
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Things you will need

  • Rolling pin
  • Food processor
  • Clay softening substance (such as thinner, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or liquid polymer clay)
  • Rubber mallet
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