Guides & JournalTypes of Clay for Art: Air Dry, Polymer and More
There are three main types of clay for art: clay that dries in the air (air dry, super light and foam clay), clay you bake in a home oven (polymer clay), and clay that needs a kiln (pottery clay). Modelling clay or plasticine is a fourth kind that never hardens at all. For most beginners, air dry clay is the easiest start; polymer clay is best for small, strong pieces like earrings; super light clay is best for kids and cute figures. Here's what each type of clay is for and how to choose.
Types of clay at a glance
Brands and recipes differ, so always follow the drying or baking instructions on the packet you buy.
| Clay | How it hardens | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air dry clay | Dries in the air over 1–3 days | Decor, mirrors, dishes, wall art | Can crack if thick; not waterproof unless sealed |
| Polymer clay | Baked in a home oven | Earrings, charms, magnets, small detailed pieces | Needs exact bake time and temperature from the packet |
| Super light / foam clay | Air dries, very light and soft | Kids, cute figures, large light shapes | Less detail; dents easily |
| Modelling clay / plasticine | Never hardens | Practice, play, stop-motion | Can't be kept as finished art |
| Pottery clay | Fired in a kiln | Mugs, plates, real ceramics | Needs a kiln and a studio |
Air dry clay
Air dry clay hardens on its own as the water evaporates — no oven needed. It's cheap, easy to find and takes paint well, which makes it the most popular choice for decor projects like clay mirrors, trinket dishes and canvas art. Keep pieces fairly thin and dry them slowly away from direct heat to avoid cracks. Once painted, seal it with varnish, because untreated air dry clay softens if it gets wet.
Polymer clay
Polymer clay is a plastic-based clay that stays soft until you bake it in a normal home oven, at the time and temperature on the packet. Baked pieces are strong and hold fine detail, so it's the go-to for earrings, charms, beads and fridge magnets. Many makers keep a separate tray and tools for clay rather than using their food ones, and bake with the room ventilated.
Air dry clay vs polymer clay: which is better?
For a mirror frame or wall piece, air dry clay is usually the better choice. For earrings or magnets that get handled every day, polymer clay lasts longer.
| Question | Air dry clay | Polymer clay |
|---|---|---|
| Need an oven? | No | Yes, a home oven |
| Strength | Fair — can chip | Strong once baked |
| Detail | Good | Very fine |
| Colours | Usually white or terracotta, painted after | Comes in many colours |
| Best for beginners | Big, simple decor | Small, detailed pieces |
Super light clay, foam clay and soft clay
Super light clay (also sold as foam or soft clay) is a very light, squishy clay that air-dries and usually comes pre-coloured. It's the clay behind most "cute clay art" — little animals, food models and chibi characters — and it's the easiest for children to shape. It holds less detail than polymer clay and dents if pressed hard, so it suits playful, rounded designs. For project ideas, see Easy Clay Art Ideas for Kids, Step by Step.
Modelling clay, pottery clay and china clay
If you want to try pottery, a local class is the easiest way in — you get a kiln and a teacher.
- Modelling clay / plasticine — oil-based, never dries. Great for practice and play, but it can't become a finished piece.
- Pottery clay (earthenware, stoneware) — the clay real mugs and plates are made from. It must be fired in a kiln, so it's a studio craft rather than a kitchen-table one.
- China clay (kaolin) — a fine white clay used in porcelain, also sold as a craft powder. Follow the recipe or packet it comes with.
Which clay should a beginner buy?
Start with one small pack, make two or three small pieces, and buy more once you know what you enjoy.
- Making decor, a clay mirror or canvas art? Air dry clay.
- Making earrings, charms or magnets? Polymer clay.
- Crafting with children or making cute figures? Super light clay.
- Just practising shapes? Modelling clay.
- Making mugs and bowls to use with food? Pottery clay and a kiln.
From clay to a small business
Many makers turn clay into income with mirrors, magnets, earrings and dishes. For ideas, see Clay Mirror Art: Ideas, Clay Types and Selling and Lippan Art: How to Make Clay and Mirror Wall Art. On dapxop you can open a free shop and dapxop arranges delivery to buyers across Pakistan.
Make clay art? Open a free shop on dapxop and sell across Pakistan.
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Shop from small sellers across Pakistan.
Frequently asked
What are the main types of clay for art?
Air dry clay, polymer clay, super light or foam clay, modelling clay (plasticine) and pottery clay. They differ mainly in how they harden — in the air, in a home oven, never, or in a kiln.
What is the difference between air dry clay and polymer clay?
Air dry clay hardens in the air and is painted afterwards; polymer clay is baked in a home oven, comes in colours and is stronger once baked.
Which clay is best for beginners?
Air dry clay for decor projects, polymer clay for small detailed pieces like earrings, and super light clay for children and cute figures.
Which clay is used for clay art?
Most home clay art uses air dry clay or polymer clay. Super light clay is popular for cute figures and kids' crafts.
Is air dry clay waterproof?
No. It softens when wet, so paint it and seal it with varnish, and keep it out of water.
What is super clay?
Super light clay is a very light, soft clay that air-dries and usually comes in bright colours. It's easy for children to use and popular for cute clay figures.