Fimo's problems

[Former_Member]

Do you have problem with fimo clay ?

More often, it's too sticky (I can't work it without let my fingerprint on it) or too dry, and I have to mix it for hours :(

I don't know if it's every color or juste few but it's a real problem because I lost my time to mix or to try to erase my footprint.

[LaLindaArtStudio]

I'm not a big fan of Fimo, although I do use it occasionally. I prefer Sculpey Premo Clay.

Also you can use a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol on your finger tips to smooth out the fingerprints or dust particles left on the clay.

[windysunset]

I have the same problems with Cernit - either too hard, or impossibly soft, and I was hoping to convert to Fimo, because the few packs I have from it are great to work with :D

[BlueLilyCrafts]

Sometimes it can be a hit or a miss, I think it depends on how old the block of clay is or how much air has gotten to it. You never know how long it has been in the store! Temperature can be a factor too, I have definitely had some annoyingly sticky clay when the weather gets hot. Then I have to put it in the fridge for a while or let it sit for a few minutes after I condition it.

[Former_Member]

I think Fimo soft is better than Fimo classic....... but the problem with the fingerprints remains. I am using a special abrasive paper and a varnish to finish my item :)

[Former_Member]

I work with Fimo Soft and I love it, is much more easier to use than Cernit.

I agree that it depends on the temperature or how freshly produced the clay is, but in case of hard enough items use... a few drops of pure baby oil (withought water) to soften it and condition it!

As for the fingerprints, I use disposable gloves and I have clearly results.

What makes me angry and is really hard for me, is to keep white clay in its original tone, even I try hard to keep as clean as possible my working space...

I would love to hear your tips about it...

[LadyAstarte]

I like to use Kato clay, though Preemo is really nice, also. I'm familiar with regular Sculpey but find it way too soft. The Kato black is very hard and crumbly at first, but I add a bit of translucent to work it. I have never tried Cernit or any of the other clays except Fimo Soft, which is ok, but I like the Kato better.
One of the things I don't like about the softer clays is the fingerprints, but more than that, when the slightest touch changes the shape.
I only dabble in polymer clay, so I don't have the experience, but I would love to know how others deal with the softness - like drag when you cut a millifori log, etc. I cannot cut one without scrunching the whole thing.

[CoolGiraffe]

Barbara:

For best results cutting millefiori canes, they need to rest for a bit to cool down and firm up. Wrap it up and set it aside for at least an hour. Some people put them in the fridge. To keep the cane from flattening when you slice, take some scrap clay and make a slicing cradle. Slick it with a tiny bit of cornstarch or water. For the slicing itself, I have a guillotine I made with Legos based on I saw on Pinterest. I have markings on the blade guide for different thicknesses, but I may move them to a different spot to make them easier to see.

[windysunset]

Isn't Fimo soft less strong than Fimo classic?

On the fingerprints topic, I find that wiping fingerprints on baked things with acetone does wonders (it also works for small dust particles or other imperfection) and saves the hassle of sanding (unless you want to sand nevertheless).

Nadia, about the white clay, make sure you don't touch any other color clay with your fingers before that, make sure there is no dust on the work surface or on your fingers and that your clothes aren't linty. You can condition a tiny scrap piece of white beforehand to take away any dust, grease or whatever from your fingers, and then work with the rest of the white clay.

[Former_Member]

I use Fimo soft, mostly because it's the cheapest I can get, but in the hot and humid Australia weather, it becomes dry very quickly. Since I can't bear to throw it out, I spend ages trying to get it to a workable condition (even WITH mix in softner).

I've found Sculpey lasts a lot better in this climate, I'm going to buy a big batch soon.