Children love to make things like rings with clay. Teachers teach students how to make things from clay. But parents wonder if the clay is safe for their children. Porcelain and polymer are two common crafting substances that are useful for a variety of purposes.
For artworks, porcelain and polymer are made in clay format. Porcelain clay is preferable for complex projects and handicrafts. Polymer clay is ideal for small tasks and kid’s craftwork.
Clay can help in relieving your stress. Modeling materials include porcelain clay or polymer clay. They can be used to make folk art and ornaments. Polymer clay does not polymer as a main ingredient.
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Things you should know about porcelain clay
Cornstarch and glue are used to make porcelain clay, which is a modeling medium. Despite the title, this clay does not include so much quantity of porcelain. It does include small traces of oils and lubricants, which can give the clay a porcelain-like feel.
By utilizing cornstarch, you can create your porcelain clay at home. The components in the clay are biodegradable. As a result, you can use lemon zest or sodium benzoate to stop microbes from growing.
The clay is non-toxic, yet it is inedible. Furthermore, it is low-cost and easy to use.
How to make porcelain clay at home?
You need starch and glue in equal ratio to manufacture this at the house. You will have to pour a little glycerine or cooking oil to level out the solution and prevent cracking after drying. The ingredients must be heated in an oven.
The combination can then be collected into a clay sphere and allowed to cool. You may then mix and extend it into uniform elastic clay.
Do not store the clay in the refrigerator. In contrast, if you cover the substance, it will last around a week without additives at room temperature.
Pros of porcelain clay
There many kinds of clays available, but irrespective of whether you are a novice or a pro, each one will benefit you. Porcelain Clay is simple to work with, even for your kids.
You can learn how to twist it, whether they are making a large vase or simple pinch pots, and clay is simple to work with. It is less expensive than polymer clay. This clay will give a great look to jewelry and ornaments.
Clay is incredibly pliable, which means it may be sculpted to your preferences. That implies it is simple to transform into different shapes. To make something creative, you don’t need to utilize complex processes; instead, use your fingers.
Cons of porcelain clay
Porcelain clay can react to the environment. If the temperature changes then the material made from the clay begins to crack.
It can take some time to reshape the clay. While making sculptures from the clay, you need to be careful. You may have to make the whole sculpture again.
What you must know about polymer clay
PVC and fluid plasticizers make up polymer clay. This material contains polymer, as the name suggests. However, you must add fluid to the dry material until it takes on a gel-like material and is ready to be baked. These two characteristics are comparable to those of natural clay.
Pros of Polymer Clay
This clay can be used for long. This dough is a great option if you’re a tutor or have children at home.
Children may become sidetracked and abandon their job before it is completed. No need to care about throwing out unused polymer clay. In comparison to porcelain clay, polymer clay comes in different shades.
There are so many colors of clay available to select from. It keeps its shape and allows you to make precise designs.
Cons of Polymer Clay
When dealing with polymer clay, there are fewer possible health problems because, unlike porcelain, they do not dry and create a powder build-up that can cause significant health issues if breathed or eaten and a variety of porcelain glazes are poisonous.
The only real disadvantage of polymer clay is that it can be bit costly than other clays, but this is more than compensated for by the comfort of re-use and lower cost of completion.
Porcelain clay vs Polymer Clay – The final verdict
Modeling clays include porcelain clays or polymer clays. The distinction between them is that the former includes starch and glue as main ingredients, but the polymer clay has PVC resins and fluid plasticizers.
There are other ingredients used in making of these clays. Glycerin or cooking oil is added to porcelain clay. Mineral oil, metal oxides, and other ingredients are required for polymer clay.
The porcelain is non-toxic and can be manufactured at the house, whilst the polymer is hazardous and can’t be made by hand.
Another thing is that if a break appears on the clay item after cooling, you can repair it with porcelain clay but once baked, you cannot repair it with polymer clays.
Some main differences between these two clays:
- These clays are employed in commercial uses, such as gallery exhibits.
- The consistency stays unchanged even though they are treated at varying temperatures.
- These clays can cause problems because of plasticizers.
- They are accessible at an affordable price on the market.
Storage
When contrasted to porcelain clay, polymer clay needs less upkeep. Polymer clay, unlike porcelain clay, does not dry up when released to the environment and could be used for long. Porcelain clay is a delicate and brittle material. As a result, it necessitates extra care and preservation. While polymer clay must be cooked with precautions, polymer clay can be made in a regular home oven.
Usage
Polymer clay is commonly used for tiny crafts, while porcelain clay is suited for producing many types of kitchenware or sculpture. It can be utilized in a variety of handicrafts, including jewelry, home décor, scrapbooking, sculptures, and so on. Polymer clay is appropriate for both children and beginners.
Because porcelain clay is delicate and brittle than polymer clay, it must be handled with caution. As a result, you should not use polymer clays to make microwave-safe cups.
