Fimo

The Fimo clay comes in two formulas-- Classic and Soft.

Fimo Classic is available in 24 colors, including pearl and translucent. It is the firmest of the clays and therefore takes more effort and time to condition. Many artists put up with the extra trouble of conditioning for the other side effect of Fimo's stiffness-its ability to hold detail in canework. Fimo Classic is also one of the more durable clays after curing, with good flexibility to prevent breaking.

Fimo Soft is available in 52 colors, including several special effects clays. Fimo Soft has recently been re-formulated. Though the new formula makes the clay softer, it also reduces the strength of the final product. Cured Fimo Soft, like Sculpey III, is prone to brittleness and breaking if used in thin sheets or extensions. For beads or other more-or-less rounded shapes, Fimo Soft is a viable alternative to the firmer clays.

The Fimo brands of clay have recently (as of 2007) undergone a reformulation. Due to this change, they can be cured at a significantly lower temperature than most other polymer clays. Previously, instructions indicated that it should be cured at 265°F (about 130°C) for 30 minutes per ¼ inch thickness. Now, however, the package indicates that they can be cured at 230°F (about 110°C) for 15 to 30 minutes per ¼ to ½ inch thickness. The most recent word is that these brands of clay may still be cured at the original temperature-- they just don't need as high a temperature to successfully cure.

Fimo Classic and Fimo Soft both come in approximately 2-oz. (58 gram) blocks or 12.5-oz. bricks.

Both Fimo Classic and Fimo Soft are readily available in craft stores, such as Michaels and Hobby Lobby, though they may not carry all colors. These colors can be ordered on-line.

Fimo-- Official Site