Fimo Air Basic is a ready-to-use, clay-like, water-based modelling material that dries in the air and can subsequently be easily reworked. It consists of 97% natural raw materials and is suitable for use in schools and kindergartens. The large size comes in a practical (reclosable) plastic storage box that serves to prevent this clay from drying out even for longer periods of time.
When doing particularly delicate work with this clay, tools like WOOD MODELLING TOOLS or A MODELLING KNIFE are very helpful. It is best to employ a sheet of foil as a working base because this will make removing your modelled piece from its substrate that much easier while at the same time keeping your workbench clean. When taking a work break it is necessary to moisten your partially finished model with water and cover it in an airtight manner in order to prevent it from drying out in the interlude. Even when attaching pieces or during any model making work it is advisable to keep both the surface and your hands wet for the whole time.
In the case of larger objects it is advisable to employ a POLYSTYRENE FOAM core; in smaller objects or ones with protrusions, a frame made of STEEL CHICKEN WIRE can be used for stabilization purposes.
Fimo Air Basic cures in about 24 hours, the actual time depending on the thickness of the layers. The work piece should be turned successively during the drying process so as to assure an even drying on all sides. When curing, the water contained in the material evaporates and the work piece (model) will shrink about 7%. As the piece dries, small cracks may appear, especially if the process is accelerated by means of a heater or the sun, but this represents no problem. You can simply fill the cracks with fresh modelling material.
Further work on your piece (drilling, gluing, painting, varnishing) can begin when it has completely cured. Painting work can be done with HANDICRAFTS PAINTS. Refining or finishing work can be done with METAL LEAF if you desire.