FAQs

Using your Claylab Cutters

Here are some of our favourite tips and tricks to creating a perfect clay piece, every time!

Use cling wrap or cornflour/baking powder to avoid your clay sticking to your cutters.

Cling wrap:
Carefully lay your sheet of clay down on a flat surface. Lay a sheet of cling wrap on top of your clay, making sure not to get any wrinkles in the process. Use your cutter as normal, pushing through the plastic and clay until it reaches your working surface. Remove the plastic and clay, and you'll find your piece perfectly-cut and ready to go!

Cornflour/Baking powder:
Place cornflour or baking powder in a bowl or plate, and dip your cutter in before tapping off any excess. Then cut as usual. Look at you go! 

Caring for your Claylab cutters

1. They are not dishwasher safe, nor are they oven safe!
2. Keep away from any extreme heat--direct sunlight, boiling/very hot water, etc. 
3. Wash your cutters in lukewarm water, then air dry before storing. 

Working with your clay

Do I need an adhesive to use layers of clay?
If you’re using unbaked clay, placing layers of clay to each other will bind them when baking. Ensure that air pockets do not form between layers by gently rolling the layers together. If you’ve already baked your pieces, glue the layers together using an adhesive.

Do you have to seal clay after baking?
Polymer clay is relatively hardy and resistant to water. Some makers like to sand down their pieces, or additionally you can seal with a resin. We recommend sealing them if you’re planning on adding additional elements to the outside, such as gold leaf. How should I store excess clay once the packet is open?
Once your clay packet is opened, we recommend keeping it in a sealed ziplock bag in a cool, dark place.

Can polymer clay get wet after baking?
Yes! Polymer clay is water resistant.

Is polymer clay toxic?
No! Polymer clay is non-toxic.

What polymer clay should I use?
We recommend using Sculpey clay. Sculpey Premo and Souffle are both hard wearing after baking, and ideal for jewellery. Some other clays can become brittle after baking, so make sure to check the recommended uses before purchases.
How do I stop getting bumps in my clay?
Bumps and bubbles sometimes appear during the conditioning phase, when they clay is folded over and air is trapped between layers. Be mindful not to create these pockets of air when folding clay, and cutting your clay instead of folding helps. 

Why does my clay keep cracking?
Cracking can be caused by underbaking, wet clay, or using the wrong type of clay for baking. Ensure to follow the guidelines for baking your specific clay, choose your clay appropriately, and keep your surface dry before working with your clay.