Polymer clay is one of the most accessible and satisfying materials for makers of all ages. At BradburyART, we stock a growing range of Sculpey products—ideal for jewellery, figurines, home décor, and more. Whether you're new to clay or already hooked, here’s what you need to know, including the tools, techniques, and answers to common questions.
What’s the Difference Between Sculpey and Polymer Clay?
Sculpey is a brand of polymer clay—so the two aren’t different materials, but Sculpey is one of the best-known options out there. We stock several types including:
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Sculpey III – Great for general use, soft and easy to blend.
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Premo Sculpey – A bit firmer, holds fine detail better, ideal for jewellery or more durable items.
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Sculpey Soufflé – Matte finish, lightweight and strong, perfect for wearable pieces.
Other brands of polymer clay include FIMO and DAS (though DAS also makes air-drying clay). You can browse them all in our Model Making Clays & Materials section.
Does Sculpey Clay Need to Be Baked?
Yes—Sculpey must be baked to cure and harden. It stays soft and workable until it's heat-set in a standard home oven. Most types bake at 130°C for 15–30 minutes, depending on the thickness. Use an oven thermometer if possible, and avoid using a microwave—it won’t cure and may damage the clay.
What Happens If You Don’t Bake Sculpey Clay?
If you skip the baking step, your project will stay soft and fragile. Over time, it may crack, attract dust, or lose shape. Sculpey is designed to be baked—once cured, it becomes strong enough for long-term use or handling.
Do You Paint Sculpey Clay Before or After Baking?
Paint Sculpey after baking. The surface needs to be cured and cooled before painting so that it doesn’t interfere with the clay’s ability to harden. Acrylic paints work best—choose a flexible, high-quality brand for better adhesion. You can also finish with a glaze if you want extra shine or protection.
Essential Tools to Get Started
Here are a few Sculpey must-haves from our shop:
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Sculpey Tools Set – Includes a needle tool, smoothing tool, and knife.
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Clay Roller or Acrylic Rod – For even sheets and blends.
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Flexible Blade Set – For precise slicing and trimming.
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Texture Sheets and Moulds – Great for impressions and patterns.
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Clay Extruder – Makes uniform strands and decorative shapes.
You’ll find all of these in our Model Making section.
Techniques to Try
Once you've got your tools and clay, here are a few beginner-friendly techniques:
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Marbling – Twist and roll two or more colours for a swirled effect.
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Caning – Create layered patterns, roll into logs, then slice.
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Skinner Blend – A smooth colour gradient from one shade to another.
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Stamping and Texturing – Add detail with everyday objects or texture mats.
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Sculpting Miniatures – Start small: animals, food items, or characters.
Project Ideas
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Marble stud earrings or pendants
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Mini pots with succulents
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Trinket trays or ring holders
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Character figurines
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Custom buttons or game pieces
Final Touches
Once baked, you can:
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Sand and buff for a smooth finish
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Paint with acrylics
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Seal with glaze (optional for shine or protection)
Ready to make something?
Check out our full range of Sculpey clay and model making tools here and get started on your next project today.
