When I think of clay and sculpting, I am transported back to my adventurous childhood. We would spend the entire day digging clay from the riverbanks and sculpting all manner of things we would need to play with. From kitchen paraphernalia to bedroom furniture that only existed in our dreams. But the sculpting depended entirely on the game of the day as we would sometime sculpt our entire family members.
There are various types of clay available in the market today. People no longer need to spend hours and hours digging out dirt at the riverbanks and quarries. Which is a good thing as it gives a sculptor a wide range of clay to choose from. Here is a list of the best modeling clay you can dig up from the market and never regret ever spending your money on.
1. Amaco Artone Venus Modeling Clay
This smooth superior clay is stronger than plastiline itself. It is even firmer than any water-based clay available in the market. There is nothing that a good sculptor will enjoy working with than a firmer nonhardening clay like this one.
This non-toxic clay is ideal for making “master” pieces. It is compatible with other mediums of sculpting. The masters can be cast into mediums like bronze and silver without ever-shrinking. However, the sulfur in the clay makes it not compatible with RTV rubber molds. Other than that, it is excellent for fine details art.
Pros
- The quality of its density is outstanding.
- It is a non-hardening clay.
- It is of superior quality.
- It is firm yet smooth.
- It can easily be shaped.
- It does not shrink when cast on other mediums.
- Perfect to make masters before casting plaster molds.
- It is a recommended medium for professionals.
Cons
- It does not mix with RTV rubber molds.
- It is extremely expensive.
2. Sargent Art Professional Sculpture Clay
Sargent Art Professional Sculpture Clay is a non-hardening professional artist quality clay. It is a versatile oil-based compound that is extremely workable and sturdy. One of its great capabilities is that it retains the shape while it’s being worked so that details can be worked into their pieces.
This clay is ideal for high detail sculpting and comes in a large 2 LB size. And to add further on that, it is oil-based and it reacts well with silicone and plaster. It is both non-toxic and non-drying and it can be reworked and reshaped over and over.
Pros
- It can be reworked and reshaped over and over.
- It is versatile.
- It is oil-based.
- It is ideal for high detail sculpting.
- It is non-hardening.
- It is compatible with both plaster and silicone.
- It is non-toxic.
- It retains its shape while carving out details.
- It comes in large sizes.
Cons
- It can’t be fired. It is oil-based.
- Not recommended for durable models.
3. Van Aken Claytoon Modeling Clay
This award-winning clay is especially “Designed for an artist by an artist”. Van Aken Claytoon is ideal for sculptors, model makers, and even animators among others. The good thing about this clay is, it is pliable and can never harden even if left for long periods.
There are various colors to choose from. Each in separate packages, the colors range from neutral tones to terra cotta among other outstanding colors. In total there are eight sets for versatility and depth.
This type of classic clay is non-toxic, gluten-free and we can conclusively say it is absolutely safe for use. It is also ideal and safe to be used by younger children as it does not contain any harmful chemicals.
Pros
- It is the best available in the market as it is award-winning.
- It is safe for use by both children and pets.
- It does not contain harmful chemicals.
- It comes with a variety of colors.
- It is versatile.
- It is pliable and cannot harden even if left for a long period of time.
Cons
- Not ideal for fired clay projects.
- It is not oil-free.
4. DAS Idea Mix
This is a type of clay many artists will enjoy using as it allows to create a distinctive effect of marble when mixed with other DAS Idea Mix clay assortment. The clay is great for creating monochromatic or polychromatic veining. The outstanding effect of this resembles stone finishes found in nature.
DAS Idea Mix is inspiring and a delight to use as it airdries. Interestingly, it is also a hardening mineral-based clay. This clay has been dermatologically tested, gluten-free, and completely washable from hands and fabric.
Additionally, this clay is soft to handle and requires no baking to dry. The clay’s body is smooth and once dried, it conforms well with other DAS assortments and produces no cracks. It is available for purchase in various packages complete with instructions and an airtight container.
When using metals or plastic molds, the body of this clay allows for easier finishing techniques. It is available in six mixable colors, easy to work with, and is light resistant when dry.
Pros
- It creates beautiful marble effects.
- It air dries.
- It is gluten-free.
- It has been dermatologically tested.
- It is available in mixable colors.
- It is washable from hands and fabric.
- It requires no baking.
- It conforms perfectly with DAS clay without cracks.
- It allows for easier finishing techniques.
Cons
- It takes days to dry.
- It can only be intermixed with DAS clay.
5. Aves Apoxie Sculpt
This strong adhesive clay is great for making cosplay props and accessories. It is also ideal for outdoor displays, 3-D graphics among others. It has a unique consistency that is easy to mix and work with.
Additionally, the body of this clay is smooth with a waterproof semi-gloss finish ability within 24 hours. It is also a special blend of other great attributes that are sanded, drilled or carved without chipping or cracking.
Aves Apoxie Sculpts accepts paints, stains, and mica powders. And there is another interesting feature to it, unlike traditional clay, it requires no baking and cures hard in 24 hours. This clay is carefully packaged by hand and is available in multiple colors.
Pros
- It has a strong adhesive power that adheres to any surface.
- It is carefully packaged by hand.
- It is available in 12 vibrant colors.
- It cures hard in 24 hours and requires no baking.
- It is great for outdoor displays and 3-D graphics.
- It has no shrinkage.
- It accepts an endless range of finished look.
- It can be sanded, drilled, or carved.
- It gives a waterproof semi-gloss finish.
Cons
- It cannot be remolded or reshaped.
- It dries faster if exposed to air.
- It is hard to paint when dried.
- Shipping takes time.
6. The Monster Makers Monster Clay
The Monster Makers Monster Clay is a Sulphur free clay ideal for maquette and tabletop figure work. It can be reused and re-melted indefinitely after each character is created. This model clay has a low melt temperature and a low tack feel that won’t stick.
There are four amazing attributes to this molding clay. It is comprised of both non-toxic and food-grade components. When at room temperature, this clay captures every detail. It is great for making changeable character copies.
Its malleability is great for larger craftsmanship and is ideal for melting. It can be melted and blended and can easily mix with platinum silicone molding compounds. Its packaging is convenient and reusable. Compared to other average oil-based clays, Monster Clay has a lower density. It has an ultra-smooth formulation and generally, it can be classified as premium based.
Pros
- It has an ultra-smooth formulation.
- It can be re-melted and re-used.
- It is composed of non-toxic food-grade components.
- It is sulfur-free.
- Compatible with platinum silicone molding compounds.
- The three grades can be inter-melted and blended.
- It is malleable.
- It is ideal for larger arts.
- It has high plasticity and elasticity quality.
- It is firm at room temperature.
- It can melt to a pourable consistency.
- The low tacky feel makes it non-sticky.
Cons
- It cannot be fired.
- It has a lower density than average oil-based clay.
- It cannot be used to mold long-lasting sculptures.
Conclusion
Clay modeling is magical among other beautiful things. If you are a talented passionate sculptor, there is nothing you cannot turn a piece of good clay into. Yet getting that good clay is both a rigorous and confusing task.
If you have no idea of the available brands in the market, you will have to go through the trial and error process. We have handpicked the best clays available in the market to help you cut to the chase already and get the best that can serve your purpose.
To recap on what you should look for when purchasing a good piece of clay to work with, here are some few pointers. A good molding clay should be pliable, slow to dry, multipurpose, ideal to use with both hands and tools, and it should have an assortment of sizes. Once you find a piece of clay that has all these attributes, look no further.