Heat-hardening modelling clay: Heat resistance

Factual Questions
1

I’m modelling objects out of a modelling “clay”, similar in texture to plasticine, that becomes hard when heated in an oven at 130 degrees C. I’m using Fimo Soft by Eberhard Faber. However, the packaging says nothing about how the stuff behaves once hardened. Specifically, can I model candle holders that won’t be adversely affected by the ambient heat of a flame?

I suppose the stuff doesn’t constitute a fire hazard since it goes through the hardening process in the oven. However, the instructions do say that the fumes produced during hardening are poisonous, and it might be reasonable to assume a candle might produce the same kinds of fumes, even if they’re negligible.

I have no idea what the material is made of, and I’m sure it varies by brand, but opinions would be appreciated. Determining the level of heat produced by a candle flame would probably be a good starting point.

2

Um… no.

Fimo will burn, actually, if you overheat it, or if you apply a candle flame to it. You should be okay as long as the flame is several inches away, but applying great heat to Fimo, hardened or not, will scorch the hell out of it.

I have no idea if it can catch fire or not, but I’ve damaged Fimo and Sculpey items, hardened and unhardened, by careless use of a heat gun… so even it if won’t explode, burst into flames, or emit toxic fumes, it will scorch black and look unpleasant, and possibly crack, given time, if left in close proximity to flame or excessive heat.

3

Thanks.