Polymer clay is divided into two large categories: one solidifies by drying on air, the second requires baking at high temperatures (e.g. in the oven). And he and the other kind of clay can be painted, but there are some nuances.

Bake polymer clay



Different manufacturers offer bake polymer clay in a huge color spectrum. Additionally, you can paint it if necessary. For this approach:
- acrylic paint;
- gouache;
- pastel;
- crayons and pencils;
- Mel.

After the pottery was baked in the oven, it must cool. Dyeing hot polymer clay is not recommended as it may cause burns. And the paint won't stick. The only exception is pastels. Paint it product that has not yet baked in the oven. For painting it is recommended to use a soft brush with natural hair, so as not to compromise the integrity of the composition.

Application of self-hardening polymer clay



This type of clay is presented in a very sparse palette of white, gray and terracotta hues. Some manufacturers have expanded color range of polymer clay that hardens in the air naturally. For example, "Fimo" offer not only standard colors, but also bright shades that you can mix in the base color, making it original and unique. To dye application of self-hardening polymer clay, there are two options.

The first is to add paint to a basic plastic mass during the kneading. For this purpose, suitable only acrylic paint, water-based. Add some paint into a mass, knead the clay. If not enough brightness, you can add a little paint. For getting unusual shade, you can mix several colors. If the clay to work properly by an uneven, can be very original and unique coloring of the product.

The second is to paint the already fashioned from clay the subject. This approach not only acrylic but also in oil, pastel and gouache. Apply the paint have already cured the finished object. After the paint is dry, it can be fixed with clear nail Polish. This will give additional strength to the product of polymer clay. Noted that some inks change color after drying. To prevent this from happening, you need to apply them in several thick layers, each of which needs to be dried.