O que é cerâmica fria? Passo a passo para fazer em casa

Cold ceramic is a malleable mass widely used in decorative crafts and valued for its production ease and exquisite finish. Essentially composed of white glue and cornstarch, it does not require traditional baking in an oven, solidifying simply in the open air. Often chosen to compose decorative objects and souvenirs, it offers incredible versatility by being able to mold everything from small adornments to more elaborate decorative vases. Its popularity in decoration is mainly due to its practicality and low cost, ensuring visual results that add charm and personality to any project.

Flávia Burin and Bruna Moretti - Dust and Glory. CASACOR São Paulo 2023 project. In the photo, kitchen with earthy backsplash and ceramic pieces.

Flávia Burin e Bruna Moretti - Pó e Glória. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2023. (Renato Navarro/CASACOR)

Features of cold ceramic

Cold ceramic has several characteristics that make it ideal for craft and decoration work. Among its main features are:

Does not require an oven: Cold ceramic does not need to be fired in an oven, as the drying process occurs naturally in the air.
Easy to mold: The cold ceramic mass is malleable and can be easily shaped into various forms, facilitating the creation of detailed and customized pieces.
Quick drying: After being molded, the cold ceramic dries quickly, allowing pieces to be finished in a short period of time.
Lightweight: Cold ceramic pieces tend to be lighter compared to hot ceramics, making them suitable for decorative and craft items that do not require impact resistance.
Smooth and detailed finish: The cold ceramic mass allows for a smooth and detailed finish, which is highly appreciated in decorative and handcrafted pieces.
Versatility: It can be applied in a wide range of craft projects, such as jewelry, souvenirs, Christmas decorations, artificial flowers, among others.
Painting and finishing: After drying, cold ceramic can be painted, decorated, or even coated with varnishes, providing a final finish according to the artisan's taste.
Limited durability: Although it is more resistant than other modeling masses, cold ceramic does not have the same durability and resistance as hot ceramics, being more susceptible to breaks and damage if exposed to extreme conditions.

These characteristics make cold ceramic very popular in manual and artisanal work, but it's important to note that it is more suitable for decorative objects or those that do not require great structural resistance.

How to make cold ceramic at home: simple step-by-step

If you want to keep up with this trend and make your own pieces by hand, it's important to follow a few simple steps and acquire the right materials for the process to be effective:

White glue (school glue)
Cornstarch (maizena)
Liquid petroleum jelly or baby oil
Water
Moisturizing cream (optional)
Acrylic paint (for painting, optional)
Dye (optional)
Wheat flour (optional, depending on the recipe)
Essence or fragrance (optional, to give scent)

Next, check the step-by-step:

1. Gather the necessary materials

First, organize all the necessary materials to make cold ceramic. You should have on hand white glue, cornstarch, liquid petroleum jelly or baby oil, white vinegar, and hand moisturizing cream. Having everything separated beforehand makes the process more efficient and comfortable.

2. Mix the ingredients correctly

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In a suitable container, add two cups of cornstarch and two cups of white glue in the same proportions. Add a rounded tablespoon of liquid petroleum jelly and a tablespoon of white vinegar to grant elasticity and prevent mold formation. Mix everything carefully until you obtain a homogeneous and viscous mass.

3. Shape the dough until it reaches the ideal point

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Place this mixture on a smooth surface dusted with cornstarch and work the dough using well-moisturized hands with cream. Knead everything until the cold ceramic is no longer sticky, acquiring a soft, elastic, and easy-to-mold texture.

4. Let the dough rest

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After reaching the desired point, place your cold ceramic in a well-closed plastic bag or wrap it with plastic film. Let it rest for about 24 hours at room temperature. Avoid contact with air to preserve its malleability and quality.

5. Develop your pieces and personalize the decoration

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After the resting period, your cold ceramic is ready to come to life! Shape vases, sculptures, photo frames, or small ornaments according to your creativity. Remember to let the pieces dry completely in the open air before painting them with acrylic paints or varnish for a shiny and durable finish.

What is the difference between traditional and cold ceramics?

The main difference between cold ceramic and hot ceramic lies in the manufacturing process and the type of use they are intended for.

Cold ceramic does not require an oven for curing, being molded and dried in the air, with a composition that involves polymers, resins, and additives that solidify without intense heat. It is more practical and quicker to work with, being used for crafts, decoration, souvenirs, jewelry and items that do not require high resistance.

[caption id="attachment_186470" align="alignnone" width="3264"] Ceramics made by Cris Souza

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On the other hand, hot ceramics, in turn, need to be fired in a furnace at high temperatures, a process that makes them more resistant and durable. Made from clays and minerals, they are used to manufacture household utensils, artistic ceramics, bricks, tiles, and other items that need to withstand wear and high temperatures.

In summary, cold ceramic is intended for decoration and art work, while hot ceramic is more suitable for utilitarian and structural objects that require greater resistance.

Necessary Care

Cold ceramic requires some specific care to ensure that the pieces last longer and maintain their quality. Here are some important care tips:

Avoid excessive humidity: Cold ceramic is sensitive to humidity, which can cause deformation or softening. Therefore, it should be stored in dry places, away from humid environments.
Proper storage: To avoid drying out, cold ceramic should be stored in well-sealed plastic bags or airtight containers when not in use.
Avoid impact: Although cold ceramic is relatively light, it can be easily broken. Therefore, it is important to handle it carefully and avoid falls or strong impacts.
Keep away from excessive heat: Cold ceramic can lose its shape or deform if exposed to high temperatures, so avoid placing it near heat sources, such as very hot lamps or ovens.
Painting and finishing: After drying, cold ceramic can be painted. When doing so, use acrylic paints and finish with a layer of varnish or sealant for greater protection and durability of the piece.
Handling after drying: Once dry, cold ceramic can be more fragile, so handle pieces with more caution to avoid breaking.
Delicate cleaning: For cleaning, use a damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the surface of the piece.
Crack repairs: If the cold ceramic cracks, you can use a specific glue for repairs, but always with caution not to damage the piece further.

What is cold ceramics? Step by step to make at home

Features of cold ceramic

How to make cold ceramic at home: simple step-by-step

1. Gather the necessary materials

2. Mix the ingredients correctly

3. Shape the dough until it reaches the ideal point

4. Let the dough rest

5. Develop your pieces and personalize the decoration

What is the difference between traditional and cold ceramics?

Necessary Care

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