Air dry clay is a fantastic medium to work with for
anyone from young to old and beginner to professional. It is available in a
huge range of consistencies and textures and is great for very detailed fine clay work, through to large clay sculptures. It is usually a water based clay
that will harden when it is exposed to air. Due to the vast variations in this
clay, the strengths, durability and curing processes varies considerably with
each one. Here are a few of the more popular air drying products and which clay craft they
are ideally suited for making.
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Activa Activ-Clay is 100% natural fine grain material
for finer detailed creations. It is lightweight, moist clay that can be carved,
sanded, drilled and painted and is available in white or terracotta. This is
suitable for children and adults and all skill levels. It is ready to use
straight from the packet, is non toxic and accepts multiple finishes.
According to the manufacturer it air cures to a good strength, will not
crumble, and features a low amount of shrinkage and can also be cured in a
kiln.
Ideally suited for: hand building, wheel throwing,
sculpting and kids clay.
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Air Dough™ Newclay is an
extremely lightweight and pliable, air-drying modelling material. Once dry it
retains some pliability but is strong and very light, making it particularly
suitable for creations where normal clay's are likely to be too heavy or
brittle. The dried Air Dough piece can be painted if desired and is also very
clean and easy to use. It is currently available in a number of colours
including; White, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Orange, Brown, Black
but can be blended together to create even more colours.
Ideally suited for: small embellishments, jewellery items,
modelling and kid’s clay.
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Amaco Air Dry Clay is similar to Activa Activ Clay as it
is a moist clay that is ready to use and although it is air drying is can also
be bisque fired in a kiln at Cone 04 (1971°F, 1077°C) to make the piece hard
and permanent. Air drying pieces should be allowed to air dry slowly and evenly
on all sides. Decorate with acrylic paints, or metallic finishes. Air-dried
clay is fragile and should be coated with varnish to give it some strength and
seal it from moisture.
Ideally suited for: sculpture, hand modelling or throwing on
a potter's wheel.
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Apoxie® Clay is permanent, self-hardening,
synthetic clay that combines the features and benefits of sculpting clay with
those of epoxies. Apoxie® Clay is great for modelling, impressions and detail
finishing, with a flat skin-like texture. It is also used for restorations and
repairs for a variety of projects and materials. It can be worked for
approximately 2- 3 hour before it starts drying out and takes approximately 2-
3 hours to air dry. It sticks permanently to many clean surfaces including:
porcelain, ceramic, vinyl kits, polymers, foam, fiber glass, wood, and some
plastics. It can also be painted or stained wet or dry.
Ideally Suited for: sculptures, moulds, detailed
impressions, finger prints, model making and special effects.
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Apoxie® Sculpt is a two part product that has a
putty-like, smooth consistency which combines the features of sculpting clay
with the adhesive power of epoxy. It has a fine grain, firm consistency that is
white in colour. It takes approximately one hour to air cure and dries to a
rock hard, smooth, semi-gloss finish in 24 hours. It adheres to most clean
surfaces including resin, plastic, glass, fiberglass, wood and metals. It can
be stained, painted and will also accept mica powder. It can be sanded, carved,
drilled etc and does not chip, crack or flake, according to the manufacturer.
Ideally Suited for: sculptures, texture stamps, moulds,
props, models, doll making, miniatures, wood working, jewellery, glass art,
home/school projects, hobby models. Also suitable for repairs and restorations
on antiques, toys, pottery, statues, museum exhibits, tools, furniture, home,
school and professional uses.
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Artista
Air-Drying Clay is
available in Hearty, Soft and Superlight.
They
are each light weight and soft and each clay varies in its softness
and consistency. The clay remains a little flexible when dry and is
paper-dry, but as hard as stone. There is enough moisture in this clay to stick
clay pieces to each other, so water is not necessary like some other clay.
Artista Soft’s main ingredients are potato flour and rice flour, so it does not
contain any toxins or resins. It can be mixed with most colorants such as
paints, inks, food colouring etc. The colours will darken once the clay is
dry. If you mix it with water it becomes creamy resembling whipped cream
so ideal for sweet and cake sculptures.
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Celluclay by
Activa is an Instant Paper Mache (Papier Mache) that is a recycled paper medium,
which mixes easily and moulds quickly. CelluClay is very easy to use by simply
adding water and once the creation is complete will air dry. It is completely
non-toxic and adheres to almost any surface. It is also very versatile as once
it has air dried it can be sanded, sawed and nailed. Also wet pieces of the
Paper Mache can be added to dried pieces and can also be stored for several
days in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerated.
Ideally Suited for: Any
Paper Mache projects and sculptures such as school projects, bowls, figurines
and animal sculptures, masks, boxes etc.
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Claycrete by
Amaco is another instant Paper Mache medium that is pure white and dries white.
It's easy to prepare, easy to model and dries at room temperature with projects
being very lightweight when dry. It is non-toxic, comes in powder form, and
mixes with water to form a paste. Shake the closed bag first to thoroughly
blend the ingredients before using. When in paste form, it should be modelled
or applied over an armature. Claycrete® starts setting in 30 minutes, then
detailed modelling can be done or further additions will stick to the form
without any problem. It will also stick to any clean surface, but will not
stick to the hands. One pound of Claycrete® will make 97.5 cubic inches
Ideally Suited for: Any Paper Mache projects and
sculptures such as school projects, bowls, figurines and animal sculptures, masks,
boxes etc.
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Claydium™ is
reinforced air-drying modelling clay, which is available in White and
Terracotta. It is similar to Newclay™ but smoother in use and is soft enough to
manipulate and shape. It produces a strong and hard finish once dried and can
be sanded, painted and decorated in the same way as objects made from Newclay.
Ceramic and acrylic paints are the best paints to use on Claydium and finished
projects should be glazed with varnish for a long lasting effect.
Ideally Suited for: sculptures,
texture stamps, moulds, miniatures, home/school projects, hobby models.
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Cloud
Clay by Amaco is a soft,
very light, foam like clay which is non-toxic and safe for small children to
use (age 4 and up) but is also great for adult sculpting. It has a stretchy consistency so
fibres won’t break when pulled apart. It is dry to touch which means it won’t
stick to the hands but can stick to itself without glue of water. It air dries
overnight to a solid, durable finish or if it is kept in a sealed air tight
container it can be used again and again like Plasticine.
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Cork
Clay is
an easy to model clay that can be made into any shape and is great for making
coasters, cork boards etc. You can use the clay to cover basic objects such as
wire sculptures or use cookie cutters to cut out shapes. It is fast drying so
it is important to keep any unused clay in the packet. Complete drying process
is approximately 1 - 2 days. When it dries, it is hard but has a soft texture
and it is lightweight. Once dry is leaves a cork effect or it can be sanded to
leave a smooth texture. Jewellery makers often use cork clay to create beads by
covering the cork with the precious metal such as silver and the cork burns off
in the kiln. There appears to be quite a few other brands of cork clay and some
are advertised as Japanese cork clay so it is worth doing further research
before buying.
Ideally Suited for: coasters, cork boards, baskets, and
jewellery making techniques.
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Cosmos Resin Art Clay is Japanese quality air dry clay,
which is great for making Kawaii Miniature Foods, Jewellery and flowers as well
as many other items. This package usually comes in two 125g clay
"sausage" tubes and can make a huge number of miniature creations of jewellery
pieces. It can hold fine details and it can be mixed with acrylic or oil based
paints to make a variety of colours. It usually takes 2 - 3 days to dry and has
minimal shrinkage. It can also be used with flexible moulds to make a wide
range of creations.
Ideally Suited for: Jewellery, Kawaii Miniature
fake foods, flower sculptures and other similar small projects.
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Cold Porcelain is available by a number of manufacturers and is also known as Craft Porcelain. It is great for modelling and usually air dries within 24 hours. Once dry it is a semi-translucent porcelain-like finish that is strong and light weight. It is suitable for making very thin pieces, which dry to a flexible finish. It is available in flesh, white, black and many other colours. It has the name ‘porcelain’ as it looks similar to porcelain and although heat is used in the making process the final product is air-dried and so does not need to be fired in a kiln. Once made it can be used like any other clay, but it is important that once the creation is completely dry it should be coated in a protective varnish to keep out any moisture. There are also hundreds of different recipes available for making Homemade Cold Porcelain and it is worth experimenting with a few different ones until you find the one that works best for you. The main ingredient for cold porcelain is corn flour (corn starch) PVA glue and oil; you will also need an anti fungal ingredient such as lemon juice, lime juice, white vinegar or other similar acidic agents. It is also important to store the clay in an air tight container. Homemade clay usually has a life span of about 3 months if stored properly or it may develop mould and will have to be thrown away.
Ideally Suited for: flowers,
figurines, models, cake decoration and other sculptures.
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Creative Paperclay is a popular air-dry modelling clay that is
clean, odourless and easy to use. It can be sculpted, moulded or shaped while
it's moist and is good at retaining fine details. It adheres easily to wood,
canvas, and most porous surfaces and once dry it has an appearance similar to a
soft wood. It is very lightweight and durable and can be carved or sanded after
it has cured. It accepts most paints and colorants once dry and can also be
mixed with water based paints to colour the clay. The manufacturers of Creative
Paperclay also manufacture Delight Clay,
which is pure white and extremely soft and easy to shape or mould. It is a clean,
lightweight clay to work with and has a durable finish.
Ideally Suited for: flowers, jewellery,
models, cake decoration and covering other items such as Styrofoam balls,
cardboard shapes, boxes, tins etc.
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Crystal Clay by DeCoRe
is a “2 part epoxy clay" that is easily mixed and formed into any shape.
Working time is approximately 2 - 3 hours after the clay is mixed and clay is
fully hardened in 24 hours. Simply mix and knead both parts of the epoxy clay
together for several minutes. It is available in a wide range of individual
colours or a mixed colour kits. DeCoRe also manufactures Jewellery
clay and Metal Colour
Clay.
Ideally Suited for: jewellery
pieces and box decorations.
Darwi Porcelaine is a cold-porcelain
air drying modelling clay. It is available in a wide range of colours including
the primary colours such as white, red, yellow though to other colours such as
flesh, rose, fuchsia etc. It is important to knead the clay slightly before
modelling and coating your hands with moisturising cream beforehand will help
with the kneading. It dries quickly so only take the amount needed from the
package and seal the remaining clay. To attach various clay parts together use white
PVA glue. It has little shrinkage and is usually air dried in approximately 24
hours depending on the size of the creation.
Remember to varnish the creations once it has dried and decorated.
Ideally Suited for: flowers,
figurines, models, cake decoration and other sculptures.
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Darwi Colour is
a very soft coloured air drying modelling clay and is available in a number of bright
colours. It is important to moisten your hand and knead the clay before
modelling. It adheres to a wide variety of other mediums such as wood,
polystyrene, ceramic, glass and plastics. It has no shrinkage during
curing and will dry within a minimum of 24 hours per centimeter. It dries best
if placed flat on paper or kitchen towel. It can also be glazed with a varnish
to intensify the colours. Darwi also offers a number of other clay’s including Classic Modelling Compound, Kids and Extra
Light clay.
Ideally Suited for: flowers, jewellery,
models, cake decoration and covering other items such as Styrofoam balls,
cardboard shapes, boxes, tins etc.
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Das Clay is originally from Italy and is a very popular air drying clay, which can be
used for hundreds of different clay and craft projects. It is a soft, but heavy clay
that has a texture and look of stone clay. The clay should be knead slightly before
sculpting and keep slightly moist with a water spray bottle while working,
although it has a slow drying process. Once dry it can be sanded as it is not lightweight
clay so is suitable for free form sculpting. It is available in Terracotta and
White. It is important to cover the surface of your work station as it will
leave residue, although it can be easily cleaned with warm water.
Ideally Suited for: sculptures,
models, wall art, miniatures and small decorations.
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Deco ClayCraft is a lightweight
air-drying modelling clay that is quite versatile and easy to work with.
It is soft clay that is ideal for flower sculptures and basic figurines,
although not suitable for creations with a lot of fine detail. It will usually air
dry to a firm consistency in 24 hours and can produce very thin and delicate
pieces. It is available in white and a number of vibrant colours that can be
mixed to make other colours. Deco also manufactures Decomagic
Garden Clay which is ideal
for forming miniature garden and floral features.
Ideally Suited for: makingflowers, simple models, life-like
trees, floral branches and stems, as well as uses for figurines.
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Dry Hard by Laguna
is a lightweight, pliable modelling material that can be used to make almost anything.
It is available in white and terracotta and when stored in air-tight
containers, this clay usually lasts for a long time. If desired, your creations
can also air dry leather hard within 24 hours and rock hard within several days
(actual drying time varies with temperature, humidity and thickness of clay).
It can be decorated with acrylic paints but must be sealed with a commercial
water sealant to waterproof the creation. It is important to allow for some
shrinkage with this clay.
Ideally Suited for: modelling, throwing, sculpting and lots of other
crafting and hobby projects.
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FIMOair basic is a ready-to-use, clay which is
air drying and made from 97% natural substances making it ideal for children’s
use. After drying, modelled objects can be drilled, carved, painted and sanded
using a file or sandpaper. Available in white, terracotta or flesh. Once
hardened, FIMOair is very hard and extremely break-resistant, making it ideal
for the crafting of dolls and sculptures. FIMOair light is also available and is
extremely lightweight and can also be easily modified by drilling, gluing,
painting and varnishing. The hardened material is particularly light, which
makes it perfect for objects where weight is an issue, e.g. mobiles, or for
model-making. Fimo is
better known for its polymer oven baked clays but offers a range of air drying
products.
Ideally Suited for: model making, mobiles, basic sculptures, kid’s clay
and lots of other crafting and hobby projects.
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Foam Clay is a self-hardening modelling material with
small beads which is ideal for coating and modelling around various objects. It
has a foam-like paste with 3D properties and unique texture and appeals to
children because it is pleasant to touch, although it is also suitable for
adults. It requires kneading thoroughly before use and the drying time varies
between 1 - 3 days depending on the thickness of the creation. It has little or
no shrinkage and retains its bright colours after during. If it dries out it
can also be re-hydrated by sprinkling it with water and kneading well for a
couple of minutes to regain elasticity. Silk Clay is similar
to foam clay although it has a flat smooth
texture which dries to look very similar to a rubber foam. It can stick
easily to many surfaces without glue and many colours can be created by mixing
the colours together. Silk Clay can be refreshed by spraying it with water and kneading
again, if it dries up in the packaging.
Ideally Suited for: model making, lightweight projects, covering other
shapes such as polystyrene and boxes as well as a great clay for kids.
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Jumping Clay is a
type of polymer clay, which is air drying and is composed of non-toxic harmless
water-dissolving filler. This clay can be used for hobbies and/or interior
decorations for adults. It is safe for ages three and up, and is suitable for a
wide variety of creations. It is very lightweight, non sticky and
available in several colours. It has a high-compliancy raw material, which
means it bounces when thrown that’s why it is known as Jumping Clay.
Ideally Suited for: model making, lightweight projects, cute animal sculptures, cake toppers, covering other shapes such as polystyrene and boxes
as well as a great clay for kids.
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Ladoll Air Dry Clay is
ideal for all sculpturing as it has a smooth consistency that enables the clay
to be stretched out thinly. It is water-based clay so it can be stuck together
with water. It is also extremely pliant and will adhere to many materials such
as wire, mesh, paper, glass, plastic, wood, polystyrene etc. It can hold
details when stamped, carved, or sculpted and can be painted with acrylics,
oils or water based paints, as well as finishing powders. It dries with little
shrinkage and has a smooth texture. It is often the doll sculptor’s choice of
clay. Ladoll Premier is also
available and is a stiffer version of LaDoll and works well for delicate areas
such as fingers. LaDoll Premix is a combination
of Premier and original LaDoll clays that has the pliability of La Doll and
ultra-lightweight of Premier, it is easily carved and polished smooth.
Ideally Suited for: model making, doll and animal sculpting.
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Makin's
Clay® is an air dry modelling clay that requires no
baking, dries with normal exposure to air after approximately 24 hours. (Drying
time may vary depending on thickness of clay). It is water based and comes in 9
basic Colours (Natural, White, Yellow, Red, Blue, Green, Brown, Black,
Terracotta), 4 neon Colours (Yellow, Orange, Pink, Green), and 1 glow in the
dark. For additional colours you can mix the clay colours together or mix the
clay with acrylic paints. It is safe to use for both adults and children above
the age of 3. It can be shaped, rolled, stretched, or sculpted and after the
clay has dried it can be sanded and painted.
Ideally Suited for: sculptures,
models, wall art, miniatures and small decorations.
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Marblex
is a grey, self-hardening clay that can be used for modelling,
including wheel throwing and sculpting. When completely dry, finished
pieces are durable but not waterproof. The clay should be kneaded before use to
increase plasticity. Allow for shrinkage and it is best to hollow out bulky
sculptures or wrap a slab of clay around paper armature before
modelling. Allow the finished piece to dry slowly and evenly on all sides
at room temperature and away from heat until hard. When piece is completely dry
it can be decorated with paints, temperas and acrylics and it is a good idea to
glaze it with varnish to seal it and make it water resistant. Mexican Pottery Clay is also
available from Padico and is a red, self-hardening modelling clay.
Ideally Suited for: modelling, sculpting and wheel
throwing.
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Martha Stewart Crafts Crafter's Clay is
a pre-coloured soft clay which can be moulded using silicone moulds or free
form to create embellishments, flowers etc. It air-dries in 24 hours to a lightweight,
firm consistency that can be painted, glittered, sealed or left natural. It is
available in a number of colours and the mixed colour kits also include a colour-mixing
chart.
Ideally Suited for: silicone moulds,
embellishments, flowers, models and sculpting.
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Model Magic is by
Crayola and is a soft, easy-to-use modelling material and air-dries, usually
within 24 hours. It is often found in children’s departments but is great for
adult crafts as well. This spongy, pliable modelling clay is lightweight and
great for sculpting, pottery, and clay animation. It will stick to itself very
easily so be sure to keep colours separate when working on projects until you
are ready to build your project or blending to make other colours. It is
available in a variety of colours or can be easily painted once completely dry.
Crayola also manufactures Crayola Air-Dry Clay which is
a fine, natural white earth clay that softens easily with water and
quickly cleans from hands and surfaces. Once cured, it can be coloured with
tempera, acrylic, watercolour paint or markers.
Ideally Suited for: model making, cute animal sculptures, coiling, hand
prints, embellishments as a great clay for kids.
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Modena is by Padico and is soft and
flexible to work with and dries translucent and waterproof. Available in a
variety of colours or it can also be coloured by mixing in acrylic and oil
paints. You can use glue or water to join the cured Modena pieces but it cannot
be mixed with stone clay's, oil clay's, or wood. Modena Soft is also available and soft, flexible and 50% lighter than Modena.
Ideally Suited for: flower sculptures, Japanese sweets called "Wagashi"
sweets and other lightweight.
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Nylon
Reinforced Clay is an air drying modelling clay that is
usually available in two colours: off-white and terracotta. It can be messy to
work with so it is best worked on a covered surface. It is very similar to kiln
fired clay in its look and texture. Although it can go brittle if it is not cured
evenly, hardeners can be applied to improve durability. Although it is air
curing it can also be fired in a kiln. If it begins to dry out it can be
softened again by adding water and kneading until soft again. It can be paintedwith a number of colorants and it is recommended that it is glazed with varnish for more durability if it is air dried.
Ideally Suited for: professional potters, modellers, artists and for
use by children and in the school environment.
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Stonex by Amaco is a white,
self-hardening modelling clay ready to use for all methods of modelling,
including wheel throwing and sculpting. When completely dry, finished
pieces are durable but not waterproof. To increase plasticity knead the clay
before use and allow for some shrinkage during drying process. If creating a
sculpture then hollow out large pieces or use a paper armature to sculpt
around. Allow the finished piece to dry slowly and evenly on all sides at
room temperature and away from heat until hard. When piece is completely dry,
decorate with paints or acrylics. After decorating, it is a good idea to glaze
several times with varnish to seal it and make it water resistant and more
durable.
Ideally Suited for: modelling, sculpting and wheel
throwing.
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These are just a few of the more popular air dry clay's and mediums, to give you an idea of the
possibilities and creations that can be made from this type of product. The recommendations are only as a guide and it is always a good idea to experiment with any clay to see what else it can do and to get to know the material you are working with.
You can also find a more comprehensive list
of clay’s and other sculpting materials at Maddiclay Designs All About Clay
page.
