Polymer clay is solid vinyl plastic and does not need to be sealed against the elements. It is waterproof and does not crumble in the cold or melt in the heat. It will, in some cases, fade in the sun.

In fact, varnishes and paints are just thin layers of plastic and will deteriorate in the weather much faster than polymer clay alone. Skip them.

All plastic is brittle in the cold, and unsupported shapes can warp in the heat, so it’s best to place the item in the shade and avoid flexing during cold snaps. (Remember this if you sell at outdoor markets!)

You’ll still need to clean the item regularly from city grime and mildew if you’re in a humid area.

Will it eventually crack or crumble? Yes. The sun is a harsh master and eventually causes a lot of damage, even to natural materials like wood. But you should still be able to get many years of enjoyment out of a polymer clay creation in the outdoors.

Oh, and watch out for glue. Water can get behind separate pieces and then freeze/thaw cycles can pop things off. Plan accordingly!

#polymerclay