Do you remember that?
Fimo in the past and today: 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 hype and then disappear into nirvana. And then there are those nondescript products that are so simple and yet never really go out of style – like polymer clay.
1954 is the year in which Fimoik was born, a type of putty made up of three words: Fifi (the nickname of its inventor), Mondelliermasse and Mosaik. It was not until the mid-1960s that the name was changed to Fimo, following the takeover of Faber. Staedtler has owned all rights since 1978. However, the recipe remained the same and was only changed in 2006 after consumer protection classified the plasticizers containing phthalates as harmful to health. There is now a wide range of different “types” with different properties. This article explains what they are and what you should know before using them.
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. However, there is a difference in how the putty hardens: it either has to go into the oven (how this works exactly, read at the end of the article) – or it dries out in the air, in which case it is so-called Fimo air. As long as the mass is still raw, it can be designed, stamped and textured as you wish. After curing, the mold is so strong that it can be further processed. Whether carving or turning, drilling or grinding, polishing or drilling: there are no limits to the possibilities. Fimo can then be painted (e.g. with acrylic paint) and then varnished.
This is where the Fimo types differ
Fimo soft
For beginners will 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, necklace pendants or brooches, as well as small home accessories and decorative elements.
Fimo professional
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 easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions that children can use to help with their crafts. Matching sets are available for children (“Form & Play”) to play with.
Fimo effect
Particularly beautiful effects can be achieved with this type of Fimo: If you want your works of art to shine, glitter or shine (which would certainly be useful for jewelry and decoration), you can Fimo effect deploy. 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 like it: That Fimo leather effect can be trimmed, sewn, punched and embossed even after curing. The modeling clay is very flexible and therefore ideal for crafting leather-like accessories (e.g. bracelets, bags, chains).
Post-processing: This is how Fimo hardens properly
Depending on which type of Fimo you choose, you need to consider the following points when hardening:
- The classic modeling clay from 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 the technique you use, your finished work of art has to be hardened in the oven several times in a row – classic polymer clay is also suitable for this.
- All Fimo types that have to go into the oven to harden (the information is on the packaging) can be combined with each other – this does not apply to Fimo air.
- There are special ones for sealing the finished works of art paints (glossy and matte) and pins from polymer clay. Alternatively, you can also use acrylic and oil paints that are resistant to plasticizers.
- If you want to poke a hole in the modeling clay, you can either try to do this with a needle before it hardens – or with a fine hand drill (after baking).
Important: This is what you need to know about polymer clay
Important things for parents to know: According to the manufacturer, Fimo is suitable for children from the age of eight – as the modeling clay could be swallowed. In this case, the following applies: The oven-hardening modeling compound cannot gel in the stomach, since temperatures above 90 degrees are required for this. It can therefore not lead to injuries in the stomach. In addition, you should not leave your offspring unattended when the dough goes into the oven.
Important things to know for adults: Never clean Fimo in the dishwasher, as the cleaning agents would attack and damage the material. If the modeling clay has become too hard, for example due to drying out in the fresh air, you can use “Mix Quick” get soft. And if a part of the work of art breaks off, you can attach it again with ordinary superglue.
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