Typically, to create clay art projects, you need a kiln to fire them. Also, a kiln is essential to enhance the durability of your sculptures and pottery. Luckily, while using air-dry clay, you don’t need to have a kiln at all. So, the best air dry clay resolves the problem of those who can’t use a kiln. It naturally dries out & toughens at room temperature within twenty-four hours.
Furthermore, since you don’t need to fire the air dry clay into a kiln, it is easier to use in different art projects. The sculptures made by air dry clay are extra delicate than customary pots fired in a kiln.
While many air dry clay products are available in the market, you can’t decide which one is better for you. Therefore, in this article, we listed the top four of the best air dry clay preferences for you. So, without wasting time, let’s have a look at their properties to find out which suits you well.
Table of Contents
Our Top Four Best Air Dry Clays for Sculpting
1. Genova Art Air Dry Clay for Sculpting
Genova Art Crafty-Clay Air Dry Modeling Clay is the best self-hardening clay among all in the market. Moreover, this clay’s material is soft and easy to mold into any shape you want. This clay is good for both kids and adults.
Useful for Multi-Tasking
This clay plays an integral part in art projects. You can use this clay for your modeling art projects. Furthermore, adults can use this good air dry clay for small sculptures. Similarly, Crafty Clay’s excellent product is best for making miniature human sculptures, flowers, leaves, or many other beautiful natural products. This clay is also best for making gorgeous jewelry.
Addition of Colors
This Genova Air Dry Clay is mainly white, and you can add different colors to it. And to add the colors, you can use acrylic paints or paintable with oil. Moreover, this clay has excellent consistency with a very soft material that quickly absorbs color.
Durable Self Hardening
This Crafty Clay’s shelf life is about 24 months. But to keep it durable and long-lasting, you should take care of it and keep the remaining clay away from the air. Henceforth, while using the clay, take it out in small portions and keep the lid closed.
Soft and Non-sticky Material
Its material is so soft and easy to mold into different miniature shapes. Moreover, you can easily set the clay with lay hands, without any irritation of sticking to the hands. Henceforth, you and your kids will enjoy doing different art projects with it with these features.
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2. ESSENSON Non-Toxic Air Dry Clay
ESSENSON Non-Toxic Air Dry Clay is a package of 24 different vibrant clay colors. It also consists of three sculpting tools, a project booklet, 34 animal accessories, and 24 containers.
Bright Coloured
There are almost 24 bright-colored clay blocks available in this package. Moreover, the children are primarily attracted to these bright-colored clay blocks. And they tend to play with them eagerly. Also, adults are attracted to bright colors, and this clay package comes with all those bright colors. And there is no need for other paint to add to the clay.
Non-Toxic Material
This clay consists of non-toxic material. But still, it is non-edible. You should tell the children not to eat or even chew it. Henceforth, children over three years of age can easily play with this because its material is non-toxic and mild.
Best for Children
It is best for children over three years of age. Firstly, for the preschool children, by this package, they will learn about different colors and can make various shapes they want. Secondly, for school-going children, this clay package is best. They can use it for their various school art projects.
Good Shelf Life
This clay package comes with a good shelf life of 12 months. But you should be careful and avoid setting the remaining clay free in the air. Because it is air-dry clay, it will start drying if you let it free in the air. So, please keep it in given plastic bags, to keep them fresh and ready to use all the time till their shelf life.
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3. DAS Self Hardening Clay for Art Projects
DAS Self Hardening Clay is the best for sculpting different clay models. It is best for all age groups, children, or sculpture-making artists. Moreover, you will find it best-selling and famous clay in the market.
Colour Addition
It comes in white colour. Further, you need to add different colours to make your sculptures more exciting. But some professional sculpture-making artists use it colourless to give their sculptures a decent look. But if the children use it, they will need some acrylic paints to provide their end product with an exciting look.
No Oven Baking
As it is self-hardening clay, there is no need to bake it in the oven. Moreover, if you set it open in the air, it will self-dry quickly. So like other polymer clay, this clay doesn’t need any oven baking or anything else to dry it.
Super Pliability
This clay is super pliable. Furthermore, its material is too soft, and you can easily handle it with a lay hand. Anyone can easily mold it and make any beautiful shape out of it. Similarly, you can make miniature jewelry easily. Further, it is the best option for your children’s art project.
Incredible Shelf Life
It has a long shelf life of 24 months. And you have to take care of the clay and make all the ways possible to keep the rest of the clay away from the open air. Henceforth, take the clay in small portions and keep the rest in the plastic bag.
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4. VANKERTER Air Dry Clay for Sculpting
VANKERTER Air Dry Clay is a package of 24 different colored air dry clay blocks. It comes with 24 resealable pouches to keep the clay safe and away from the open air. Furthermore, its quality is also best and easy to handle.
24 Bright Colors
This air-dry clay package consists of 24 bright-colored clay blocks. You will be almost 24 exciting colored clay blocks packed in resealable packages. Moreover, it is for children to learn various colors. And teach them how to make different exciting shapes.
Soft and Lightweight
It comes with a very soft texture. Additionally, the clay’s weight is light and easy to carry. It is non-toxic and easy to handle, making it accessible for children. Furthermore, the children will find it attractive and valuable for their art projects.
Self-Hardening
As mentioned in the name of the clay, it is air-dry clay. There is no need for baking or any other drying method. In addition, if you set it free in the open air, it will become dried automatically. So it would be best to be careful in using this clay seal the rest of the clay in the resealable packages.
Multifunctional
This clay package is an incredible multi-purpose combination of colorful clays and other accessories. In addition, your children can use it to make different beautiful shapes or toys. And you can make your miniature jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet, etc. Also, kids can use it for their school art projects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, air dry clay is an excellent product to use in your crafting. You can’t easily break small clay pieces in half. Once it dries out, you can apply epoxy resin or varnish on it to make it stronger. Moreover, if air dry clay piece breaks, you can glue it easily.
One of the best air dry clay is Amaco Marblex grey clay. Indeed, it doesn’t crack as compared to other clay brands. Ensure not to apply too much water on the clay during the operation to escape cracks. Apart from the air dry clay, it would also help if you used this tip for other clays
Particular doll makers and sculptors consistently use air-dry clay for their art projects. They recommend specific clay brands for many reasons, particularly for their durability.
Yes, air dry clay is long-lasting & durable. However, make sure to use it correctly and not roll it very thin. If you use air dry clay in making delicate, thin & expanded figures, it’ll crack easily. But, you can apply varnish on them to make them stronger.
Conclusion
Air-dry clay is ideal for those who don’t have a kiln to fire their pottery. This article listed the top four of the best air dry clay products. You can choose the one which suits you better. Not every product fits everyone, so do your research and select a product to fulfil your requirements and budget.
If you want to ask anything or have any suggestions, leave a note in the comment section below. We will love to respond to you as soon as possible.
Hi, my name is Stefanie and I am a potter from USA. Clay has given me the opportunity to be creative and personalize everyday objects like cups, bowls, plates, and more.
I love working with clay because it’s so malleable. You can make anything you want out of it; there are no limits!