Do you remember that?
Fimo then and now: The modeling clay offers these new variants
Fimo clay is a modeling clay for creating creative works of art
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Many inventions share the same fate: they first experience a hype and then disappear into nirvana. And then there are these inconspicuous products that are so simple and yet never really go out of style – like polymer clay.
1954 is the year of birth of Fimoik, a type of modeling clay made up of three words: Fifi (the nickname of its inventor), Mondelling material and mosaik. It was not until the mid-1960s that the name was changed to Fimo through the takeover of Faber. Since 1978 all rights belong to the Staedtler company. However, the recipe remained the same and was only changed in 2006 after consumer protection classified the phthalate-containing plasticizers in it as harmful. There is now a wide range of different “varieties” with different properties. What they are and what you should know before using it is explained in this article.
This is what makes Fimo modeling clay special
Fimo is a registered brand name for a modeling clay that is easy to shape and therefore ideal for handicrafts – regardless of which type of Fimo you choose. There is one difference, however, in how the putty hardens: To do this, it either has to go into the oven (you can read how this works exactly at the end of the article) – or it dries out in the air, which is what is known as Fimo air. As long as the mass is still raw, it can be designed, stamped and textured as you see fit. After hardening, the form is so firm that it can be processed further. Whether carving or turning, drilling or grinding, polishing or drilling: there are no limits to the possibilities. Fimo can then be painted (for example with acrylic paint) and then varnished.
This is where the types of Fimo differ
Fimo soft
For beginners Fimo soft recommended: The modeling clay is particularly soft and therefore easier to shape. This saves you a lot of kneading and you can start right away. According to the manufacturer, this variety is particularly suitable for making jewelry such as earrings, chain pendants or brooches as well as small home accessories and decorative elements.
Fimo professional
It is suitable for advanced hobbyists and artists Fimo professional. In contrast to the soft variant (and all others), this type is particularly firm, so it has to be kneaded well before the actual processing. But it is also more dimensionally stable and can be used for filigree works of art – also in combination with Fimo soft or Fimo effect.
Fimo kids
There is also a slimmed-down version for children, which was specially developed for small hands: Fimo kids is very soft and can therefore be easily shaped. The CE-certified modeling clay contains understandable step-by-step instructions that children can use to help them do handicrafts. There are also child-friendly sets (“Form & Play”) to play with.
Fimo effect
Particularly beautiful effects can be achieved with this type of Fimo: If you want to make your works of art shine, glitter or glow (which would certainly be useful for jewelry and decoration), you can Fimo effect insert. The material as well as the surfaces are available in different variants, for example metallic and glitter, pastel and pearl.
Fimo leather-effect
This variety should not only look like leather, but also feel the same: That Fimo leather-effect can be cut, sewn, punched and embossed even after it has hardened. The modeling clay is very flexible and therefore ideal for making leather-like accessories (for example bracelets, bags, chains).
Post-processing: This is how Fimo hardens properly
Depending on which type of Fimo you choose, you have to pay attention to the following points during hardening:
- The classic modeling clay of Fimo has to harden in the oven at 110 degrees – only the “leather effect” variant requires more heat, namely 130 degrees (for 30 minutes).
- Depending on which technique you use, your finished work of art has to be cured several times in a row in the oven – classic Fimo is also suitable for this.
- All types of Fimo that have to go into the oven to harden (the information is on the packaging) can be combined with one another – this does not apply to Fimo air.
- There are special ones for sealing the finished works of art Lacquers (glossy and matte) and fimo pens. Alternatively, you can also use acrylic and oil paints, which are resistant to plasticizers.
- If you want to poke a hole in the modeling clay, you can either try this with a needle before it hardens – or with a fine hand drill (after baking).
Important: Here’s what you need to know about polymer clay
Important for parents to know: According to the manufacturer, Fimo is suitable for children aged eight and over – as the modeling clay could be swallowed. In this case, the following applies: The oven-hardening modeling clay cannot gel in the stomach, as temperatures above 90 degrees are required for this. It can therefore not lead to any injuries to the stomach. In addition, you should not leave your offspring unattended when the clay ends up in the oven.
Important for adults to know: Never clean Fimo in the dishwasher as the detergents would attack and damage the material. If the modeling clay has become too hard, for example because it has dried out in the fresh air, you can remove the clay with “Mix Quick“get soft. And should a part of the work of art break off, you can attach it again with an ordinary superglue.
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