Comparison of the most popular Polymer Clay Brands: Cernit | Kato Polyclay | FIMO Professional | FIMO Soft | Sculpey Premo | Sculpey Souffle | Sculpey III
Polymer Clay Brands Comparison | Polymer Clay Types
In this video I go over 7 of some of the most popular types of polymer clay and discuss their properties so that you can make a better informed choice in terms of which polymer clay brand is best for you to purchase. Some clays are better designed for specific clay techniques like canning while others are better suited for individual preferences. For instance, those with arthritic hands may want softer clays, or jewelry makers may want firmer clays that bake with a professional sheen or those with really hot hands may want a clay that is harder and won't get too sticky.
Jennifoo's List of Recommended Tools:
MARCATO Atlas 150 Pasta Machine (this is the machine I use!):
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Sculpey Clay Blades 3 Set Pack (for general cutting):
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Tissue Blades (dedicated thin & sharp blade for cane slicing)
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Sculpey Satin Glaze (for sealing surface treatments):
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Acrylic Roller and Tiny Hole Cutter Set:
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Large Circle Cutters:
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* If you use the Amazon affiliate links above to make a purchase I will receive a small commission. I greatly appreciate your support!
Breakdown of the Polymer Clay Types:
Cernit
All purpose clay that creates a luminous, porcelain-like finish. One of the best translucent clays that doesn't get too sticky. Cernit Applications/Uses: Favored among doll-makers. Hand-sculpted pieces with lots of color blending (translucency & softness increases ability to color blend). Jewelry & Faux Stones. In surface treatments: paints, silk screening, alcohol inks, chalks, powders, and varnish. Cernit Metallic & Shiny are great for mica shift technique.
Sculpey III
Nice soft clay for beginners to make simple sculptures or figures and for softening harder clays. Don't use if complexity & durability is a requirement. Sculpey III Applications/Uses: Viable alternative to firmer clays. Great for projects with density and bulk. Simple sculptures or figures. Adding to color blends. Mix in with harder clays to make them more pliable.
Sculpey Premo
Great medium-firm all purpose clay for beginners. Favored among jewelry makers with its durability, ability to retain detail & slight sheen when baked. Sculpey Premo Applications/Uses: Jewelry Making. Faux Stones, Cartoon Figurines, Home Décor (vase & cutlery decoration), Sculptures, & Detailed Pieces. Most clay techniques (including surface techniques). All-purpose polymer clay & very versatile. Easy starter clay for beginners.
Sculpey Souffle
Great soft and stretchy clay that bakes with strength & durability for lightweight applications. Easy on anthric hands. Sculpey Souffle Applications/Uses: Lightweight Applications. High quality clay that's easy on arthritic hands. Jewelry Making & Knitting Techniques (it also takes paint very well). Chunky Figurines (too soft for detailed sculpting). Mokume Gane Technique because it slices easy with little distortion.
FIMO Professional (rebranded from FIMO Classic)
Firm, all-around clay for both beginners & professionals. Works in mildly cold/warm climates & trying out nearly all clay techniques. FIMO Applications/Uses: Great versatile clay for beginners to test out all clay techniques before investing in specialized clays. Professional quality clay for artist. Works in both warm & cold climates (however if overworked, can get sticky). Jewelry, Faux Stones, Canning, Stamping, Cartoon Figurines, Home Décor, Sculpting. Creating thin layers without tearing.
FIMO Soft
Alternative to firmer clays, that holds it shape well & conditions quickly. All-purpose clay for beginners/amateur artist at the hobby level. FIMO Soft Applications/Uses: Embellishments, Cartoon Figurines, Home Décor & Beads. Excellent for use with rubber stamps because it holds its shape well. Superior shelf life for cannings (canes made from softer clays are easier to recondition) All-purpose soft polymer clay.
Kato Polyclay
Firm, all-purpose & professional quality clay for those with warm hands. Works exceptionally well for canning, faux stones, fine details & crisp lines.
Kato Applications/Uses: Works well in hot climates. Best clay for canning as it resists color blending. Precise Faux Stones & Beads with accurate color. Fine Detail Work including Strong Detailed Sculptures. Thin layers without tearing. All purpose clay for all clay techniques (with some exceptions).
Contents of this video
0:00​ - Introduction
0:44 - Cernit Polymer Clay Review
2:15 - Sculpey III Review
3:16 - Sculpey Premo Review
4:36 - Sculpey Souffle Review
5:37 - FIMO Polymer Clay Review
6:30 - FIMO Soft Review
7:22 - Kato Polyclay Review
Music:
Sunset (Prod. by Lukrembo)
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