Sculpey

Big Bead Necklace, MFA 2006.197

Sculpey Clay

Description

[Polyform Products, Schiller Park, IL] A brand name for a plasticized Polyvinyl chloride based modeling compound. Sculpey is a polymer clay composed of PVC, plasticizers, coloring agents, and fillers. Sculpey comes in a variety of colors and feels like modeling clay but does not dry out until it is oven baked. Sculpey does not shrink when it is baked in the oven and does not crack, shatter, or break easily.

Sculpey contains about 15% di-(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DOTP) plasticizer. Prior to 1991, it contained di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) which is now listed as a carcinogen. The soft, uncured Sculpey should not be placed on painted or varnished surfaces as the plasticizer will dissolve these materials. Additionally, uncured Sculpey may be affected by solvent based paints. Sculpey instructions recommend baking at temperatures below 130C (275F). After baking, the material solidifies and can be sanded, drilled, carved, or painted.

Synonyms and Related Terms

modeling clay; Sculpy (sp); polymer clay; oven-bake clay; oven hardening clay

Risks

Polyvinyl chloride decomposes at 190C (375F) to form hydrogen chloride fumes.

Additional Information

Sculpey: [Website]