Choosing a modelling material usually comes down to what you want to make and how you want it to set. The range below covers air dry clay, polymer clay, plasticine, pottery clay, plaster, mould making supplies, tools and finishes. If this is your first project, the table after the product grid is a useful place to start. 

Which clay suits what you want to make

These materials may sit beside each other on the shelf, but they behave quite differently. The main question is whether you want the piece to stay workable, dry naturally, bake in an oven or be fired in a kiln. 

Air dry clay, and what it can and cannot do

Air dry clay hardens at room temperature without firing, which makes it an approachable choice for beginners, children and home projects. Once the piece has cured, you can decorate it with acrylic paint and add a suitable sealer if it will be handled regularly.

It does have limits. The material can shrink as moisture leaves it, and its porous surface is less suited to extremely fine detail or prolonged contact with water. Allow roughly 24 to 48 hours for drying, with thicker pieces taking longer in cool or humid conditions.

The Jovi air dry clay page has more information about this type of material, although it currently shows no products. Check the main grid for available alternatives.

Polymer clay and oven baking

Polymer clay is PVC-based and remains workable until it is baked. That gives you time to refine jewellery, beads, miniatures and small figures without the surface drying while you work.

The correct temperature and baking time depend on the product. Follow the instructions on the packet, since too little heat can leave a piece weak and too much can cause scorching or discolouration. Sculpey products appear throughout the current range. The FIMO polymer clay range also contains FIMO Air products, so check whether the individual pack is oven-hardening or air-drying before use.

Plasticine for practice and for kids

Plasticine never dries. It stays soft, warms with handling and can be reused endlessly. That makes it great for kids, for sketching ideas in three dimensions before committing to a keepable clay, and for stop-motion animation where you need to reshape between frames.

Just remember, because it never sets, it's not the right pick if you want to keep the finished piece. For that, see the non-hardening clays range.

Pottery clay and what firing needs

Pottery clay is the real thing, and it needs firing in a kiln to become permanent. It suits established potters or anyone with studio access. If you don't have a kiln at home or through a shared studio, pottery clay isn't the same thing as air dry, and it will not harden by sitting on the bench. Browse The Clay Studio pottery clay if you already have firing sorted.

Plaster and plaster bandages

Plaster of paris sets quickly to a chalky, paintable finish and is a staple for casting into moulds and simple sculptural work. Plaster bandages are pre-coated strips you dip in water, useful for armatures, masks and wrapping over forms. Both take acrylic paint well after drying. See the plaster and plaster bandages range for what's currently in stock.

Mould making and casting, in plain English

A mould is the negative shape. A cast is the positive object you pull from it. One-part moulds suit flat-backed shapes like a tile or a badge. Two-part moulds handle objects you want to view from all sides, like a small figure. Multi-part moulds cover complex shapes with undercuts.

Silicone, mould putty and mould rubber are the common materials. Match your casting material to the mould, so plaster, resin or candle wax into a flexible mould that will release cleanly. Start in the mould making supplies collection.

Tools you actually need to start

You don't need a full studio. A basic kit covers most beginner work. A wire cutter for slicing blocks, a couple of ribbon tools for carving, and smoothing tools for finishing surfaces. A small starter set is plenty. Add pieces as you find what your hands reach for. Browse modelling tools and accessories when you're ready.

Sealing and painting a finished piece

Air dry clay and plaster both take acrylic paint once fully cured. Because they're porous, a coat of varnish helps the piece last, especially if it will be handled or displayed anywhere near moisture. Polymer clay can be sanded smooth after baking and then painted or varnished. See modelling paints and varnishes for suitable finishes.

FAQs

What is air dry clay?

Air dry clay is a modelling clay that hardens on its own at room temperature, with no oven or kiln required. It's soft, easy to shape and popular with beginners and kids. Once dry it can be painted with acrylics and sealed for durability.

How long does air dry clay take to dry?

Most air dry clay takes 24 to 48 hours to cure fully, depending on the thickness of the piece, the room temperature and the humidity. Thicker sculptures take longer. Wait an extra day before painting or sealing to make sure the inside is dry.

Is air dry clay waterproof?

No, air dry clay is porous and not waterproof on its own. It can soften if left in water. Sealing the finished piece with a varnish helps it resist moisture and everyday handling, but it's still best kept away from prolonged wet conditions.

What is the difference between polymer clay and air dry clay?

Polymer clay is PVC-based and stays workable until you bake it in an oven. Air dry clay is water-based and hardens on its own in the air. Polymer holds finer detail and doesn't shrink. Air dry needs no equipment and suits larger, simpler pieces.

Do you need an oven for polymer clay?

Yes, polymer clay must be baked in a home oven to cure. Times and temperatures vary between brands, so always follow the instructions printed on the pack. Under-baking leaves the piece brittle. Over-baking can scorch or discolour it.

What clay is best for kids?

Plasticine is great for open-ended play because it never sets and can be reshaped forever. For a keepable piece, air dry clay is the easier choice. Both are covered in the kids modelling and sculpting collection, sized for smaller hands.

Can you paint air dry clay?

Yes. Air dry clay takes acrylic paint well once it's fully cured. Wait the full drying time before painting so moisture isn't trapped inside. Finish with a varnish or sealer if the piece will be handled often or displayed somewhere it might catch damp.

What is plaster of paris used for?

Plaster of paris is used for casting into moulds, making simple sculptural forms and setting shapes quickly. It sets to a hard, chalky, paintable finish and works well with acrylics. Plaster bandages are a related product used for armatures, masks and wrapped forms.