Expert: Nanetta Bananto - 2/29/2004

Question
Can cured (properly baked) polymer clay items be used outside? I want to make some small garden display pieces, frogs, garden signs, etc. to be used outside.

Also, is polymer clay similar to polyresin, or is that something completely different?

Thanks.  

Answer
Dear Dee - Polymer clay is actualy PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride. It is a form of plastic.  Although it is a wonderful sculptural medium, I cannot recommend polymer clay for outdoor items for these reasons:

1.  Sunlight will fade the color over time.
2.  Temperature differences will weaken the structure of the clay.  

Actually, finished polymer clay pieces should be treated as fine art by not exposing them to the above conditions.  I have left polymer clay pieces in the car in both summer and winter (In Kansas!) in my trunk for days.  The temperature extremes generally caused them to break or crack.  

However, you might consider making them for an indoor garden and take the chance on the sunlight issue.  I have had some little pieces in my kitchen window for a couple of years, which gives light but not alot of direct sunlight and the colors have remained.  If you do this, you may want to insert skewers, chopsticks or popsickle sticks cut to an appropriate lenth to stick into soil.

Check out polyformproducts.com for further information on Sculpey, Premo! and flex clay products.  

I hope this is helpful to you.  Nanetta