Soften dry FIMO again - instructions

• Soften FIMO
  • Kneading | manual
  • Grating | manual
  • Petrolatum | manual
  • Slide closure bag | manual
  • Heating | manual

FIMO is a popular modeling clay that is used by model builders, hobbyists and parents to sculpt attractive artworks with little effort. Dry FIMO is a typical problem when the package is opened and not completely used up. With the right methods, the FIMO can be softened and used again. You do not have to dispose of the precious modeling clay.

You have to fight with dry FIMO modeling clay, although you are just trying to realize an artistic idea "> make FIMO soft

Soften FIMO again: 5 methods

Dry FIMO does not have to be thrown in the trash, because it is still usable. You ask yourself how? There are some methods by which you can soften the hard modeling clay again and use it for modeling. FIMO is very durable and even if it is completely hardened, it can be softened again.

This is exactly what makes the clay so popular, as it allows even the smallest remnants to be used together with a packet of new modeling clay . If you are sitting in front of hard modeling clay, you should try one of the 5 methods below. The big advantage of these is their immediate effectiveness, because with only a few steps, the modeling clay is supple again and does not lose the desired properties.

Kneading | manual

The most strenuous and time-consuming method is slow and continuous kneading to soften FIMO. You do not need tools or materials for this, because when kneading, you slowly heat up the modeling clay and give it the ability to make the suppleness that the product is known for. Dry FIMO is difficult to knead, because it is very strong, but it can be easily broken. The following instructions illustrate this method to make kneading easier.

• prepare a cup
• wash your hands
• this protects the modeling compound from dirt
• break off a small piece of the dried FIMO

• Take this between the palms
• start to press it
• occasionally roll the crowd

• it softens over time
• take your fingers to the rescue
• knead thoroughly and with much force

• is a piece of FIMO again supple, put in the bowl
• repeat until your dry FIMO is soft again

Kneading is especially suitable for you if you want to use the modeling clay directly afterwards. This is also the reason why you use a bowl to collect the supple plasticine and not accidentally forget it. If you knead dry FIMO, it will be completely preserved and there will be no change in smoothness at all, making this method extremely effective at the same time. You can then use the modeling compound in the same way as after opening a fresh package.

Grating | manual

Grating or grating is a good way to soften and soften FIMO that is not yet completely dry. Behind this method hides a process of making modeling clay malleable again by shredding, which will be explained to you in the following guide.

For this method you only need one of these tools per se:

• knife
• onion chopper
• Four grater

You can choose which of these tools to use. It is particularly easy with the onion chopper, as this can crush even large quantities of FIMO and thus saves time and energy. A square drive, however, is much easier than the use of a knife, since the individual pieces of friction must be really small and a knife is for this extremely unfavorable. If you only have one knife, you should use it.

You will also need the following items:

• PE film
• fresh or quick mix FIMO

In order to soften dry FIMO again, you need fresh or the Quick Mix variant to allow the suppleness . If you do not have them, you can do it without it, but it's much harder. Once you have all the necessary materials and tools ready, follow this guide to soften your FIMO.

1. Take the dry block of plasticine and start to grind or cut it as little as possible over the tool.

Take particular care of your fingers when using the Vierkantreibe, as dry FIMO can be quite unruly and thus leads to injury quickly. The individual pieces of the fimos should look like cheese at the end.

2. After crushing the modeling clay, wrap it in the PE film and add a few pieces of fresh FIMO or Quick Mix. This does not have to be as small as dry FIMO, but only be added to the mass.

If this was added to the mass, mix it briefly and then beat it into the PE foil. You should now hold a small packet of grated FIMO in your hand.

3. Leave the packet for at least twelve hours. During this time, the clay softens again and can then knead much easier, which should be a bit recognizable by the shape of the FIMO. This should not seem so dry to this condition. If in doubt, you can leave this wrapped up a little longer.

4. Begin by kneading the modeling clay inside the PE film, as it is not completely mixed at this time. Knead extensively, but make sure that no foil gets into the mass, as it can only be removed with difficulty.

5. Now take a part of the mass, for example a quarter, out of the PE film and start kneading it as smoothly as possible. It would have to be quite easy if the mass could be sufficient time.

Start with a sausage and roll it sufficiently between your hands until you can knead a ball or a rectangle. Take your time here. Fortunately, this method is not as exhausting as the direct kneading of the dry mass.

6. Over time, the slightly crumbly would have to form into a homogeneous mass that you can then easily use for modeling. Take care not to let too long breaks while kneading, otherwise the mass could dry up again. In this case, as a precaution, repack the material in foil.

As you can see, softening dry FIMO is not that hard. Although you need patience and some strength, then the play dough is then usable in the same way as before. The properties do not change in any way, which makes this method as gentle to the mass as the kneading. It may take a while to clean the tools, but it's well worth the effort.

Tip: A great advantage of this method is the ability to mix different colors and create attractive transitions. For the grated pieces are simply mixed together, kneaded and ready.

Petrolatum | manual

Vaseline has established itself as a "softener" for dry FIMO because of its moist properties, as it shows direct success and leaves the modeling clay a little softer than before. Nevertheless, the use of the agent has no negative effects on the FIMO, even if it takes a little longer in the oven. The only thing you need is Vaseline and the following instructions.

• break off a piece of dry FIMO
• take a little petrolatum on your fingers

• rub this in
• start kneading
• Knead until FIMO is soft

• Alternatively, use a little more Vaseline

A big advantage of Vaseline is the simple usage. In addition, the mixture ensures a quick result, because it works immediately by the massage.

Tip: As an alternative to Vaseline, you can also use FIMO Liquid or baby oil to soften dry FIMO and then use it for modeling. The liquid is simply mixed under the dry modeling clay and kneaded well until all the clay is soft, supple and well malleable while the baby oil is incorporated in the same way as the vaseline.

Slide closure bag | manual

A simple zipper bag is another way to reuse your dry FIMO. Once you have one available, all you have to do is heat up a little bit of water, do not boil, and put the bag filled with dry FIMO in the water.

The heat of the water flows through the bag into the FIMO modeling clay and ensures that it softens again. Depending on the temperature, the clay must stay longer or shorter in the water.

You can check over the bag how soft the clay is. Please do not burn yourself.

Heating | manual

If you decide to heat, you have chosen the longest method because you have little influence on the process yourself. It has already been mentioned above that heating the mass makes it supple again and this knowledge can be used here. As such, for this method, you simply need to move the dough to a much warmer location for a limited period of time and check it over and over until it is soft and supple.

Suitable for this are:

• Window sills without direct sun
• bathrooms
• kitchen
• Baby room
• Attics in the summer
• basement, cellar
• Garden over the summer

Of course, you should take care when storing in the nursery to stow the plasticine so that it can not be reached by the offspring. Even baths help with this method, as a little moisture can also soften FIMO again. Do not forget to periodically check the modeling clay and knead it as soon as it softens.

After heating, kneading always occurs. This method can be used excellently if your FIMO is particularly hard and can hardly be shaped anymore. You can tell by the fact that it only crumbles when you try to knead it.

Tip: Be sure not to use a hair dryer to heat the FIMO as it will often cause the modeling clay to harden if the temperature is too high and the jet is too long on the ground. Even a few moments too long can harden the modeling compound, which is irreversible and makes the dough unusable.