Cold porcelain is an alternative material for clay crafts that can dry without being burned/oven. This material is cheap and easy to make and despite the name cold porcelain, it is not made of porcelain. Once prepared, this material is malleable and hardens when left in the open air, without the need for other processes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) cornstarch
- 1 cup (240 ml) white glue
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) baby oil or olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon, lime, or vinegar juice
- Lotion (optional)
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Microwave
Step 1. Mix 1 cup (240 mL) of cornstarch and 1 cup (240 mL) of white glue
Use a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2. Add 2 tbsp (30 mL) baby oil and 2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice
The alternatives are listed above. Keep stirring until there are no lumps.
Lemon juice is not essential in establishing the consistency but is highly recommended as it inhibits the growth of mold
Step 3. Alternately cook in the microwave and stir the mixture every 15 seconds
Microwave for 15 seconds, then remove and stir. Depending on the power your microwave requires, this step may take between three and nine 15-second intervals.
- The dough will form lumps as it cooks. Try to stir as much as possible when removed from the microwave.
- The dough is ready when it is sticky and very dense. It's easy to tell if the dough is ready once you try it for the first time.
- It's better to be undercooked than ripe, because if it's undercooked, the process can still be continued.
Step 4. Apply lotion to clean hands and kneading surface
This will prevent sticking. You can prepare the surface while the dough is in the microwave.
Step 5. Knead the dough until cool
Immediately remove the hot cake-like dough from the bowl and start kneading.
It usually takes 10 to 15 minutes for the dough to cool to room temperature. Continue to knead the dough
Step 6. Wrap the dough tightly and leave it for 24 hours
Use airtight plastic wrap to keep the porcelain dough cold. Place in a cool and dry place for 24 hours.
- You can coat the plastic with lotion to keep it from sticking.
- To make an airtight wrap, shape the dough into a cylinder and roll up the plastic to wrap it. Twist the plastic at both ends.
- The dough can be stored in the refrigerator, but it's okay in any area that is not exposed to direct sunlight, is not hot and not humid.
Step 7. Check the thickness
After being left for a day, remove the cold porcelain to see the thickness. It should now be ready to use.
- Take a small piece of cold porcelain and gently pull it out. Good cold porcelain will form like a tear when pulled and broken.
- If the inside feels sticky, knead again with added cornstarch.
- If cold porcelain is brittle or dry, it may be due to overcooking or overcooking. You can add a little more oil, or make some more undercooked cold porcelain and knead both doughs.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Stove
Step 1. Stir the ingredients in a saucepan
Place 1 cup (240 mL) cornstarch, 1 cup (240 mL) white glue, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a saucepan.
Step 2. Stir on low heat for 10-15 minutes
Lift the dough when it starts to separate from the edges of the pan. It will look like ricotta cheese when it's done.
Step 3. Knead until the dough is cold
Wait until cool enough to hold, knead until it reaches room temperature.
Step 4. Store in an airtight container
Use a sealed plastic bag, store in a cool and dry location, away from direct sunlight.
Step 5. Chilled porcelain will be ready to use within 24 hours
After that you can adjust the thickness by adding oil if it is too dry or cornstarch if the dough is still sticky.
Method 3 of 3: Sculpting with Cold Porcelain
Step 1. Use acrylic or oil paint
If you want to make colored porcelain, add paint of your choice and knead again before you start carving.
You can add paint while kneading before the porcelain cools down, but this will reduce its shelf life
Step 2. Knead before you shape
Each time using a new amount of cold porcelain, knead to increase its elasticity.
Step 3. Shape the cold porcelain into your desired sculpture
Good cold porcelain should be easy to shape and easy to carve making intricate designs.
Step 4. Glue the cold porcelain sculptures with water
To glue two wet cold porcelain sculptures together and press together and smooth the meeting of the two carvings with wet fingers.
Two dry sculptures can be joined together using regular white glue
Step 5. Use basic materials to create a large masterpiece
Cold porcelain shrinks significantly as it dries, and large works may not dry deeply. Try using a different material inside and cover it with cold porcelain.
Step 6. Leave your sculpture to dry
Cold porcelain does not require cooking and will harden when exposed to air.
Drying time depends on the size of the sculpture, temperature and humidity. Keep checking until it's really hard
Step 7. Give your sculpture a protective layer
Without a protective layer to seal your cold porcelain work it will be prone to "melting" under heat or in water, but you should still store it in a cool, dry place.
There are many types of protective coatings (sealants and lacquers) commonly used to coat and seal cold porcelain sculptures, with a glossy or matte finish. Clear acrylic coating is one of the transparent coating options
Tips
- Store unused cold porcelain in a cool, airtight container.
- To repair a crack in a cold porcelain sculpture, mix white glue and water, and apply it to the crack with your finger.
- Cold porcelain is safe for children as long as the paint used is non-toxic.
Warning
- Making cold porcelain definitely contaminates the bowls, utensils and pans used. Clean quickly before the rest of the dough hardens, and don't use your fancy cookware.
- You must use corn flour. Other flours are not suitable for making cold porcelain.
- Cold porcelain is very hot when freshly cooked.
