Kato Polyclay is a brand of oven-hardening polymer clay. The concept of Kato Polyclay is created by the collaboration of Donna Kato, a polymer clay artist, and Van Aken International, a manufacturer of modeling compounds. The material is intended for decorative use such as jewelry, dolls, boxes or vases.
Kato Polyclay is manufactured through vacuum processing, a process that removes internal air pockets. Unlike other brands that are generally baked at 275 F (135 C), Kato Polyclay can be cured up to 300 F (150 C) for 30 minutes per 1/4" (5 mm) of thickness. It is available in 17 colors including metallics and translucent.
Most polymer clays require strict adherence to recommended times or else the colors may darken. Kato Polyclay may be cured for extended times without color change. However, recommended Kato Polyclay curing temperature is ranged from 275 F (135 C) to 300 F (150 C) for 30 minutes per 1/4" (5 mm) of thickness.
However Kato clay has an odor that other polymer clays do not have and for some people the odor is too strong for them to use it. It smells similar to a brand new plastic tablecloth and some of the odor remains after the clay has been cured.
Other brands of polymer clay include Fimo, Sculpey, Premo, Cernit, Friendly Clay, Formello and Modello.