Translucent Clay

Translucent clay is basically polymer clay without the color added. Though no clay currently available is completely clear or transparent, translucent clay allows some light (and color) to pass through it, particluarly if it is used in very thin sheets.

Techniques

Translucent clay is frequently used in millefiori canes, to provide a translucent protective sheet over colored clay, and in many imitative techniques. For some imitative techniques, an often irritating phenomenon called "plaquing" may actually be helpful. In some translucent clays, there is a tendency for small white half-moon shapes to appear after baking. This "plaquing" is thought to be caused by moisture that gets into the clay from handling or atmospheric humidity.

Many artists like to have translucent clay on hand when mixing their own colors. The effect of different opacities and translucencies in juxtapostion can add immediate interest to a piece of art.

It is possible to add translucent clay to colored opaque clay to "stretch" it further (i.e. make more colored clay). Sometimes this is done to soften hard or crumbly clay, as translucent clay tends to be softer than opaque clay. However, the more translucent clay you add to your opaque clay, the more likely you are to have a color shift during firing. (Some colors of clay, right out of the package, are more prone to color shifts, simply because some colors are composed of a higher proportion of translucent clay than are others.)

When making mica shift using mica clay that is highly saturated with mica particles (such as the Kato brand), some artists find that they get a different chatoyant effect by mixing the mica clay with translucent clay, up to a 1:1 ratio.

Translucent clay is more prone to scorching than colored clays, so it is especially important to monitor it during curing and not over-bake. You may find that covering the clay or "tenting" it with a piece of aluminum foil helps prevent discoloration.

Many people find that translucent clay comes out somewhat clearer when dunked in ice water immediately after curing. (Leave it in the ice bath for at least thirty minutes for best results.)

Brands

Several brands offer translucent clay, but again, they are not all the same. Most artists and hobbyists agree that Kato brand translucent and Premo's "Frost" (formerly known as "translucent with bleach, "Premo #5310 w/bleach" or "CFC06") are the most translucent and the least prone to yellowing. Premo "Frost" is only available on-line in one-pound bricks, so you won't find it at your local craft store. However, there are different opinions on this matter. For instance, artist Kathleen Dustin uses Sculpey III in her creations.

Fimo Classic's "00 Art Translucent" is reported to produce an interesting pebbling effect that can make a realistic faux stone, so it is valued by artists who work with imitative techniques.

Each brand's variety of translucent clay has its own unique qualities. The brand that's best for one person or one technique may be not the best for another person or technique. Try out as many as possible to discover your personal preference.

Related Links

Using Translucent Clays
By Jeanne A. E. DeVoto
http://www.jaedworks.com/clayspot/polyclay-faq/translucent.html

Comparison of the translucent clays
http://polymerclayexpress.com/octo2002.html