Are Clay Beads Plastic?
Clay beads are a popular choice for jewelry makers and crafters who want an earthy, natural material to work with. But there is often confusion around whether different types of clay beads actually contain plastic. Are Clay Beads Plastic? the answer depends on the composition of the clay used to create the beads. Let's take a closer look.
Polymer Clay Beads
Polymer clay is one of the most common clays used for crafting beads and jewelry components. Well-known brands like Sculpey and Fimo are polymer clays.
To create polymer clay beads
Condition the polymer clay by kneading until pliable
- Shape the clay into desired bead shapes and sculpt details
- Cure the finished polymer clay beads in a regular oven to harden them
Are Clay Beads Plastic? During the heating process, polymer clay undergoes a chemical reaction and is transformed into plastic. So yes, polymer clay beads contain plastic.
Specifically, the plastic comes from PVC resin which is a vinyl chloride polymer. This gives polymer clay its flexibility, affordability, and ability to hold intricate sculpted details. However, some jewelry makers prefer to avoid plastics altogether.
Air Dry Clay Beads
Air dry clay is made from natural materials like cellulose fibers or cornstarch. There are no synthetic polymers or plastics in its composition.
To make air dry clay beads
Condition the clay until soft and workable
- Shape into beads and pierce holes as desired
- Allow beads to fully air dry for 24-48 hours
- Seal dried beads with varnish or glaze for durability
Since air dry clay contains no synthetic polymers or vinyls, air dry clay beads are not plastic. Their natural composition makes them biodegradable.
However, air dry clay is prone to breakage before sealing. Applying a sealant makes the beads more durable. Air dry clay also can't achieve the same level of intricate detail as polymer clay.
Ceramic Clay Beads
Ceramic clay is derived directly from natural earthen minerals and contains no synthetic materials. Types include earthenware, stoneware, porcelain and terracotta.
To create ceramic beads
- Prepare the clay and wedge it to remove air pockets
- Sculpt desired bead shapes and pierce holes
- Allow beads to fully dry at room temperature
- Fire the dried beads in a high-temperature kiln to harden
Ceramic clay beads undergo an intense heating process to harden, but they contain zero plastics or polymers. Ceramic clay is 100% natural.
The kiln firing makes ceramic beads extremely durable, suitable even for outdoor use. Ceramic also allows for very intricate sculpting and bead detailing. But firing clay requires skill and practice.
Heishi Style Beads
Heishi beads are made by rolling clay into tubes, slicing into segments, then sealing or firing.
Traditionally, heishi beads were made from shell, turquoise, coral and other natural materials. Modern heishi-style beads substitute these with clay.
If made from polymer clay, modern heishi beads would contain plastic. But heishi-style beads made from natural clays result in plastic-free beads.
Their tubular shape allows heishi beads to lie flat, perfect for stringing into jewelry or stitching onto fabrics. Heishi beads have cultural significance in Native American art.
Which Clay is Best?
Are Clay Beads Plastic? are advantages and disadvantages to each clay type. Consider your needs:
- Polymer - Easy sculpting, affordable cost, plastic composition
- Air Dry - Natural material, biodegradable, delicate before sealing
- Ceramic - Extremely durable, detailed designs, higher production requirements
- Heishi-Style - Tubular versatility, imitation shell/stone/coral
In summary, polymer clay contains plastic while air dry and ceramic clays are natural and plastic-free. Knowing your clay composition helps determine if your beads will be plastic or 100% natural. With the right clay choice, you can design stunning jewelry free of plastics!