5 Ways to Colour Polymer Clay

Did you know that instead of buying a myriad of polymer clay colours, you can dye white or translucent clay to create the same or a similar effect as mixing coloured clays? You can save money and make the most of the materials you already have at home. 

Continue reading to discover the method that best suits your artistry and empowers you to make beautiful polymer clay pieces with confidence.

You can use pigments or alcohol-based dyes to colour polymer clay, but each has benefits and disadvantages. It’s more common to use pigments, as using alcohol or water-based dyes can affect the curing process. Colouring polymer clay creations after baking is also popular and less risky. 

How to colour polymer clay before baking

Colouring polymer clay using alcohol-based inks

When it comes to colouring polymer clay, alcohol-based dyes like Copic markers or alcohol inks come highly recommended. What sets them apart is their ease of use and the ability to achieve versatile results.

You can add alcohol inks to polymer clay and quickly mix them. Since the dye will work with the original colour of the clay, it’s best to use a light clay colour, like white or translucent, as a base.

With alcohol-based colours, there’s no need to worry about the clay getting soggy or sticky. The alcohol evaporates quickly, leaving behind only the colours on the clay. 

How to colour polymer clay with acrylic paint

Water-based acrylic paints are a viable option among the variety of colouring methods for polymer clay. Mix the paint into the clay to create a new colour or paint on top of your completed creation. Either way, you’ll need to give the clay several days to dry out before it goes into the oven. 

The duration may vary based on the thickness of the paint layer and the environmental conditions where the clay is drying.

Using a lot of paint can also cause cracks to form on the clay’s surface after it dries, so try to maintain a thin, even coverage over the clay.

Once the clay is thoroughly dry, bake as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This process will solidify and preserve the colour of your clay, yielding a beautifully coloured polymer clay creation.

Colouring polymer clay with pastels

I personally use pastels on a finished project to add shading or to highlight details, but you can also mix it directly into the clay. Shave in the desired amount and combine it with the clay. Similarly to crayon, the results won’t be vibrant but rather subtle.

How to colour polymer clay with crayons

Crayons are an excellent option for creating subtle, pastel shades of polymer clay. You can shave or grate crayons into your clay and knead in. You’re not going to get vibrant shades using crayons, even if you’re using a light-coloured base, but the effect is gentle and great for jewellery making. 

Using mica powder to colour polymer clay

Using mica power to colour polymer clay can be quite messy, but the results can be lovely. Throw on some gloves before mixing, create a bowl shape from the clay and pour the mica into the ‘bowl’ before combining to get an iridescent effect. 

Avoid food colouring

Food colouring might seem convenient, but it’s mostly water and sugar. These two components can negatively affect the hardening process of polymer clay, sometimes creating an uneven texture or causing the clay to become too soft and lose shape. 

How to colour polymer clay after baking

If you colour polymer clay after baking, you’ll need to glaze your project afterwards to maintain the colour. 

If you’re going for paints, thin them down a bit with water to get a smoother finish. Then, brush or sponge the colours onto your cooled clay piece and layer until you’re happy with the look. If pastels are your jam, just rub them onto the surface and buff them in with a soft cloth or brush. You can also dry-brush them on if you’re creating shadow or a specific effect. Once you’re satisfied with your masterpiece, seal the deal with a coat of clear varnish or resin to keep those colours alive.

Find the best method for you

BEST FOR	Vibrant Results	Subtle, Pastel Colours	Quick Results	Less Cleanup	Pre-Curing	Post-Curing
Alcohol Ink	YES		Leave 3-5 hours		YES	YES
Acrylic Paint	YES		Leave 3-5 days		YES	YES
Mica Power		YES	YES		YES
Pastels		YES	YES	YES	YES	YES
Crayon		YES	YES	YES	YES

Polymer clay colouring FAQ

Can I use regular markers to colour polymer clay?

Yes, you can use regular markers to colour polymer clay. However, alcohol-based markers like Copic markers are generally recommended for best results as they lend a vibrant colour payoff and they dry quickly.

Is it safe to use crayon shavings for colouring polymer clay?

Yes, it is safe to use crayon shavings for colouring polymer clay. It’s a great way to use crayon bits and can create beautiful, vibrant colours when mixed with white polymer clay.

How long should I let the clay dry if I’ve used acrylic paint?

If you’ve used acrylic paint on your polymer clay, let it dry for at least 2 to 3 days before baking. Overly wet clay can cause problems in the baking process, such as bubbling or cracking.

Why is food dye not recommended for colouring polymer clay?

Food colouring is not recommended for polymer clay because the sugar and water components can interfere with the baking and hardening process. This can lead to issues like uneven baking or the clay not properly hardening.

Can I experiment with mixing different colouring methods?

Absolutely, experimenting with different colouring methods can yield exciting results. However, be mindful of drying times and how different mediums interact with each other, such as water-based and oil-based products.