Now we Bake !

Now that we have gotten answers to the most common questions , let us move onto finally baking our project.

Most of us use different methods to ensure burning, browning and soft spots don't mar our work. I follow Ginger Davis Allman's method of baking clay.I have had good results so far , with only few instances of burning ( because of temperature spikes).
To bake this way ,you need :

Aluminum containers are easily available in super markets. Buy a size that fits your oven.

You need at least 2 binder clips for this. I used four for a while, but it doesn't seem make any notable difference.

She uses a small size ceramic tile , which she places inside one the containers.
Then , on top of it , copy paper or printer paper , then the project is placed on top of it , close with the other container , use the binder clips to close the sides.

Picture Credit : Blue Bottle Tree . Thank you Ginger !

Putting Ceramic tiles in your oven has another major benefit for those who have misbehaving ovens. Ceramic tiles help with spiking , that is , it helps with stabilizing your oven temperature so that your projects have a better chance of baking thoroughly.

Covering your project with containers helps with stabilizing temperature. This also has an additional benefit of containing any toxic fumes on the off chance your project gets burnt.


I however did not find any small size ceramic tile , so my alternative is to put a cardboard piece, cut to size ,inside the box. I have tried putting only printer paper , while this prevents shiny spots , the paper has to be replaced every time.I am essentially lazy so I use cardboard instead.You can use a single piece of cardboard for baking around 20-30 times.

Putting a piece of cardboard instead

Another common technique is using baking soda / Corn powder. This is a good option for baking sculptures or projects that are not flat , or otherwise needs some support during baking to retain their unique shapes.

Set project in the corn powder. Cover & bake.

You will  need 2 aluminium containers as well as 2 binder clips for this technique also.

Pour the powder of your choice into the container and put your project in. Close the container using the other container and binder clips. Bake.

I do not follow this technique generally as I mostly make things that do not need support. If you want to bake small figurines or flowers with delicate petals etc , this would be a good option for you.

Con : The powders may stick to the crevices in your project. Use a toothpick or tooth brush to get them out.


 The piece used here for explaining is NOT polymer clay. It is cold porcelain. I wanted to show the type of projects that would benefit from this technique , as well as to show powder sticking.


NOTE : Many people use regular baking pans ( non disposable) for baking polymer clay. Line the insides with foil before putting in the tile/cardboard or powders. Use another regular baking pan that covers the first one perfectly and bake,

You can bake your PC project directly, using the pan provided with the oven & leaving your project open , but this generally results in burning. If not burnt it will most likely discolor your baked clay or leave a shiny spot where it touches the pan.

You are sure to find many more techniques as you get familiar with clay. You will most likely modify a technique you like to fit your particular needs.Also :

• The clay will be quite flexible after taking it from the oven. Once it cools down , it will be much harder , but still a little bit flexible. This is normal.The thinner pieces will be more flexible than the thicker pieces.
• If you try to break your project during this stage & the piece crumbles ( feels a bit like crumbled wax), then your project may be under baked , ie, baked at a lower temperature than recommended.
• When you bake whites or translucent clay , and you notice that  the clay is slightly beige or brownish , then you may be baking at a higher temperature than needed.So please purchase an oven thermometer to ensure that your clay doesn't give you any nasty surprises.
• You can bake your clay pieces multiple times. As long as the temperature range is controlled , your item will not get burned .Infact , experts say that baking for longer makes your pieces stronger.

I have tried to add in the questions I answer most of the time. I cleared most of my doubts from the blue bottle tree. Ginger writes very clearly &  articles are easy to read. Please read through the comments on her article  as well , as your question might be answered there as well.

If you would like me to add anything in , please let me know.

Thanks for reading , have a great day !