What happens if you overheat polymer clay?

In addition to phthalate exposure the research indicates that when polymer clay is overheated enough or accidentally burned, the PVC will break down and release highly toxic hydrochloric acid gas.

Can you overheat polymer clay?

It is perfectly safe to cure or bake polymer clay in your home oven. If you burn polymer clay, small amounts of irritating vapor can be emitted, so ventilate the room if this happens.

Why is my polymer clay burning?

If you have burned polymer clay, you need to address your oven, not your baking times. Many people assume that baking longer times at lower temperature settings will solve this problem. It’s common to read recommendations in forums to set your oven to, for instance, 215°F (100°C) and bake for an hour or so.

Can polymer clay burn?

Yes, polymer clay can burn if you do not bake it according to package instructions. Just like anything you would bake in the oven, if you bake clay too hot for too long, it will burn. That is not the ideal outcome for your beautiful creations. However, polymer clay does not burn easily.

Is it toxic to bake polymer clay in the oven?

Although polymer clay fumes are not dangerously toxic, fumes at high temperatures may cause eye, nose or mouth irritation if projects get too hot in the oven. Always follow recommended baking times and do not bake creations in the microwave.

Can polymer clay be baked twice?

As long as you’re following the package instructions — and using an oven thermometer to maintain the proper temperature — you can bake polymer clay multiple times and complete a complicated piece in multiple steps.

What does burnt polymer clay look like?

Sometimes you’ll find that your polymer clay beads will come out of the oven with a brownish tint ranging from a slight yellow to a dark burn depending on how bad the scorch was. This happens when the oven you are using (a toaster oven in my case) has open elements that send direct heat onto your polymer clay.

At what temperature does polymer clay burn?

Most polymer clay is far more heat tolerant than you’d expect. It will not instantly burn at 1° above the recommended setting. Polymer clay does not burn and turn black unless the oven is near 350°F (190°C).

Can you save burnt polymer clay?

Once polymer clay has darkened, scorched, or burned, it can’t go back to being the original color unless you do something like paint those areas, or sand and buff them, or cover with more clay or with other things to hide them, etc.