How To Make Polymer Clay Firmer - Clay is too soft

Want to know how to make your too soft polymer clay firmer and hold detail better? I'm going to show you a simple fix to this problem called leaching. When polymer clay is too soft its because its overloaded with plasticizers, usually modified vegetable oil of some kind added for improved thermal stability. Makes it difficult to work with, but can be easily fixed.
I've been a polymer clay artist for 15 years and just want to share everything I know:) You can find my etsy shop at www.piperpixiedesigns.etsy.com, and message me if you see something in the shop you want to learn how to make!

[@brightmoon7132]

The paper bags absorb much more oil than any other paper I've tried. I use the big heavy grocery bags and double it as Rachel shows in the video. Just make sure any printing on the bag is folded to the outside so the ink doesn't transfer ;) Thanks for this tip!

[@karenerdmann7978]

Thank you. I was getting so frustrated. I bought a higher priced/quality clay and was so unhappy with the gooshyness. The cheaper one I had before was manageable. I will do this and hope that I can work with it tomorrow. Thanks again.

[@silverdreams3]

Thanks! This has been extremely useful for me. :D I couldn't do ANYTHING with my mushy clay before I watched this video... made SUCH a difference! :D

[@wulfricfenrir4894]

UGHHHHthank you soooooo much i had the worst time with my clays being so soft they wouldnt hold any intricate shapes! So needed this thanks again!!

[@TheHandMadeDaily]

Glad you found it useful

[@TheHandMadeDaily]

Thanks!

[@TheHandMadeDaily]

I can definitely do that;) I finally figured it out!

[@7amanda7]

Just leaving the clay between the paper is enough to keep it from drying out, right? I live in Colorado, I'm worried about leaving the clay out overnight

[@sharonsteenbergen1301]

Thanks. I am trying to learn canes and the canes can't be cut with out smushing

[@plushypuppy2024]

Thanks for that, my canes have been great until it comes to cutting them, way too soft even with a sharper than sharp blade!

[@hannahjames870]

can u make a video on how to make ur clay from breaking up plz make

[@beadsbyangie]

what is butcher paper?

[@MeetrusPetrus]

I'm guessing, she means paper what grocery stores use to wrap meat/cheese into.
Simple white paper should work!