If you're interested in working with clay, you'll love working with polymer clay!
Polymer clay is a versatile art medium for creating.
Easy to work with and quick drying, it is perfect for all sorts of projects.
It can be molded and shaped into almost any form, from sculptures to jewelry.
We know you love clay and only want the best, so we've scoured the internet to find the best options available.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the best polymer clay and help you decide which one is right for you.
You'll love working with these clays, and they're perfect for artists of all skill levels, so pick some up today and give them a go!
Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned pro, you can create your next masterpiece with polymer clay.
What are you waiting for?
Get started today!
Read on to find the best polymer clay to add to your art kit today!
How We Choose Our Selections
It can be tricky finding the right polymer clay for your needs.
There are so many polymer clay brands and types available, it's tough to know where to start.
Not all polymer clay is created equal.
In fact, there are a lot of poor-quality clay on the market that can frustrate artists and hobbyists alike.
We've done the hard work for you and read through thousands of Amazon reviews to find the best polymer clays for artists of all skill levels.
Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an experienced artist, we have a clay that will suit your needs.
Why We Love It
Want a fun and eco-friendly way to express your creativity?
Look no further than CiaraQ’s polymer clay starter kit!
This kit includes 24 different, brightly colored clay blocks and 3 modeling tools.
CiaraQ’s polymer clay is nontoxic and ideal for beginners, kids, hobbyists, and artists.
With this polymer clay brand, you can sculpt, mold, and create anything your imagination can dream up.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, CiaraQ’s polymer clay is the perfect way to let your creativity run wild.
What are you waiting for?
Get creative with CiaraQ today!
What You Should Know
One of the most popular brands, CiaraQ offers a polymer clay starter kit that is an Amazon's Choice product.
This polymer-based, modeling clay is a high-quality product that is highly rated by Amazon customers.
There are several ways to bake polymer clay, including boiling it or using a hair dryer.
However, CiaraQ strongly recommends baking it in a dedicated oven for polymer clay at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes.
This will ensure that the clay is properly cured and will allow you to create beautiful projects that will last for years to come.
You won't regret choosing CiaraQ!
Why We Love It
Looking for a versatile, easy-to-use clay that’s perfect for beginners and professional artists alike?
Arteza’s polymer clay kit has you covered!
This polymer clay brand complete set comes with 5 sculpting tools and 42 vibrant clay bars, so you can let your imagination run wild.
The clay is soft and pliable, making it a breeze to shape into whatever you can dream up.
Whether you’re looking to create some new jewelry, add some personality to your home décor, or whip up some unique accessories, this clay is ideal.
Plus, the included sculpting tools make it easy to get started right away.
With so many possibilities, why not give Arteza’s polymer clay kit a try today?
What You Should Know
Arteza polymer clay is an excellent product for both beginning and experienced clay artists.
The clay is soft and easy to work with, yet it bakes quickly and evenly in a standard home oven.
The finished product is strong and durable.
Best of all, the clay doesn't stain hands or clothing, making it a great choice for projects that require a lot of color mixing.
Whether you're looking to create a one-of-a-kind sculpture or simply want to try your hand at polymer clay art, Arteza has the perfect product for you.
Arteza consists of passionate artists that strive to provide inspiring art supplies accessible to everyone.
They’re committed to designing products they’re proud of, and this polymer clay kit is no exception.
Start creating with this incredible polymer clay kit today!
Why We Love It
With DeeCoo’s polymer clay set, you’ll have everything you need to unleash your creativity!
The set comes with 19 clay tools, beads, bells, jewelry supplies, a key ring, a silicon mold, phone straps, and a wide color assortment of polymer clay.
The clay is soft and easy to work with, so it’s perfect for all sorts of art projects.
Since it’s nontoxic and high quality, you can feel good about using it.
Plus, the storage box is sturdy and plastic, so it will keep everything organized and safe.
What You Should Know
DeeCoo's polymer clay is a great option for those looking for an environmentally friendly product that is also nontoxic.
The clay is made of PVC and complies with ASTM/ASTI requirements.
It is safe to bake in an oven at 275℉ but should not be microwaved.
The clay is also scent-free and won't leave your hands feeling sticky.
This clay is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of applications, including sculpting, model-making, and jewelry-making.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, DeeCoo's polymer clay is a great choice for your next project.
What are you waiting for?
Get creative with DeeCoo’s polymer clay set!
Why We Love It
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, you’ll love creating with Staedtler FIMO soft polymer clay.
This pliable clay can be shaped into anything you can imagine, then baked at 230 degrees for 30 minutes to set.
Once baked, your piece can be carved for added detail.
With no special equipment needed, FIMO soft polymer clay is the perfect medium for creative expression and creating professional level projects.
If you can envision it, you can create it.
What You Should Know
This polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that hardens when heated.
It can be polished, sanded, painted, and fired multiple times.
FIMO polymer clay is also water-resistant and durable, making it a great material for creating jewelry, figurines, and other decorative items.
However, this polymer clay should only be washed by hand, as dishwasher detergent can damage the finished product.
If you're interested in exploring polymer clay art, Staedtler recommends getting a dedicated countertop oven.
This Amazon's Choice product is a great addition to your art kit!
Let your imagination run wild with FIMO clay and see what you can create!
Why We Love It
Sculpey polymer clay is a great way to get into the world of sculpting and clay for artists of all skill levels and ages.
It's super easy to work with, so you can focus on your project and not worry about the clay.
Once you're done creating, just pop it in the oven to bake, and it's ready to go!
You can sand it, drill it, carve it, or paint it with acrylic paint once it's baked.
Sculpey is an excellent all-purpose clay that will help you hone your skills before moving onto more professional clay.
What You Should Know
Sculpey polymer clay has been used in children's, parents', and classroom projects for generations and is made in the USA.
It is nontoxic and conforms to ASTM/ASTI safety standards.
The clay is soft and easy to work with, and it can be shaped into just about anything imaginable.
Once it is baked in the oven, the clay becomes hard and durable, making it perfect for creating jewelry, figurines, and other keepsakes.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Sculpey polymer clay is a great choice for all your crafting needs.
Try out Sculpey polymer clay today and see how easy and fun sculpting can be!
Polymer Clay FAQs
Beginning a new hobby, exploring a new art medium, or picking a new art supply can be a little intimidating at first.
Even if you're curious, you might not have any clue where to start.
The process is even trickier since there are so many different supplies, brands, and options to choose from.
With so many different choices, how do you find the best polymer clay?
We've created a guide of some of the most frequently asked questions about polymer clay, so you can make an informed decision before purchasing your new clay.
Whether you're looking to add to your art kit or for the perfect gift, after reading this guide, you'll leave feeling confident in your decision.
What is polymer clay?
Polymer clay is a type of craft clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticizer.
It is usually available in solid colors, but some brands also contain metallic powders that allow for the production of metallic finishes.
Polymer clay can be molded by hand or machine, and it can be baked in a conventional oven to set its shape and create a permanent finish.
Polymer clay is a versatile medium that can be used to create jewelry, figurines, sculptures, and a variety of other objects.
There are many clay brands to choose from, such as FIMO professional, Kato clay, Sculpey III, FIMO kids, Sculpey Premo, and Mica clay.
Some are better as a jewelry clay or fine detail and detailed sculptures.
Others can be stiffer polymer clays.
You can find many options in craft stores.
Some brands of polymer clay glow in the dark, some are translucent clay, some have metallic colors, and others have a long shelf life.
Other brands are better for fine details, sculpting figures, or jewelry making.
Some brands of polymer clay offer a softer clay, a strong clay, or even a hard clay, so finding the right clay is key.
What's the difference between traditional clay and polymer clay?
Polymer clays are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other polymers.
They are a mix of plasticizers and colorants, which give the material its properties.
Traditional clays, on the other hand, are made from natural materials such as chalk, kaolin, or feldspar.
These materials have been used for pottery and sculpture for centuries.
The two types of clay also differ in how they harden.
Traditional clay will air dry before firing in a kiln.
Polymer clay, on the other hand, is cured by baking in an oven.
This curing process polymerizes the clay, which gives it a stronger, more durable finish.
Polymer clay are more prone to damage if they are not properly sealed.
Is modeling clay the same as polymer clay?
Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other synthetic materials.
It is a durable material that can be baked to create a hard, shiny surface.
Modeling clay, on the other hand, is made from clay that typically doesn't harden when baked.
Modeling clay is a type of clay that is used for modeling, typically by children.
It is soft and easy to mold.
Polymer clay, on the other hand, is a type of synthetic Plasticine that can be hardened by baking it in an oven.
Polymer clay is also available in many colors and can be mixed to create new colors.
One of the top clay brands is the FIMO clay line.
This line includes clays, such as FIMO professional, FIMO kids, FIMO soft, and FIMO classic.
Other brands of polymer clay include Kato polymer clay and Premo accents.
The polymer and modeling clay have similarities, but they have differences, too, meaning they are not the same thing.
What is the difference between polymer clay and Sculpey?
Polymer clay is a type of oven-bake clay that is made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plasticizer.
It is a durable material that can be molded into any shape and then baked in the oven to harden.
Polymer clay is a general medium that comes in different brands and varieties.
Sculpey is a polymer clay brand that is made from PVC and resin.
It comes in a variety of colors and can be molded into just about any shape.
Once it has been baked, it becomes very hard and durable.
Sculpey clay is available in different hardness levels, which give the user more control over their project.
Sculpey's clay line includes clays such as Sculpey Premo, Original Sculpey, Sculpey III, Super Sculpey, Sculpey Bake Shop, and Sculpey Souffle.
Is polymer clay hard to work with?
Polymer clay is a great clay to create with, but how easy polymer clay is to work with depends in part on the brand.
Generally speaking, people can find it tricky to work with because unbaked clay is a soft material that can distort or bend.
You can make it easier to work with by using a pasta machine to roll it out thin, and then keeping your hands wet while you're working with it.
Color mixing can sometimes prove tricky if you want to find that perfect color.
When you mix colors together using different ratios, you can come up with completely different hues.
Nailing that perfect color combination is quite helpful in jewelry making.
You can also use an oven to bake the clay after you've finished working with it, which will harden it and make it less likely to distort or alter.
Baked clay is much more likely to withstand the test of time than unbaked clay.
How should beginners choose a polymer clay?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best polymer clay brands for beginners.
Polymer clay comes in a variety of brands, each with their own unique formulations and qualities.
Some clays are softer and more pliable, while others are firmer and less forgiving.
Ultimately, the best clay for beginners is one that strikes a balance between these two extremes.
One popular option is FIMO soft by Staedtler.
This clay is soft enough to be easy to manipulate, but firm enough to hold its shape well.
It's also non-toxic and available in a wide range of colors.
Another excellent choice for beginners is Cernit New Formula by Eugadaschkovsky SRL.
This clay is also non-toxic and available in a wide range of colors.
It's slightly firmer than FIMO, so it's a good choice for people who want a bit more control over their projects.
Keeping these in mind when searching for the best polymer clay brand is extremely helpful.
What kind of polymer clay is best for sculpting?
There is no single "best" polymer clay brand for sculpting.
However, some clays are better than others for certain applications.
For example, Sculpey III is a soft clay that is easy to work with and therefore good for beginners.
FIMO Classic is a harder clay that can be used for more detailed work.
Cernit clay is good for both beginners and experienced sculptors because it can be rolled out thinly and has a high degree of elasticity.
Ultimately, the best polymer clay for sculpting is the one that you are most comfortable working with.
Experiment with different types and brands to find the best fit for you.
What techniques can you use with polymer clay?
There are many different ways that you can work with polymer clay.
Some of the most popular techniques include shaping it by hand, using molds or stencils, and adding surface embellishments.
One of the great things about polymer clay is that it is very forgiving, so you can always start again if you make a mistake.
Just gently warm the clay and it will become pliable again.
When shaping by hand, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling the clay, as moisture can cause it to degrade over time.
Second, use smooth even motions when rolling and shaping the clay to avoid trapping air bubbles which can weaken the overall structure.
If you're using molds or stencils, make sure to dust them with cornstarch or another release agent to prevent the clay from sticking.
Finally, when adding surface embellishments, use tools that are specifically designed for polymer clay to avoid damaging the clay.
There are a few basic techniques that you can use when shaping polymer clay.
You can roll, coil, pinch, or use slab construction.
Experiment with each of these to see which ones work best for you.
There are many different ways to work with polymer clay, so experiment and find the techniques that work best for you.
Polymer clay is a versatile material that can be used to create a wide variety of projects.
When you're creating with polymer clay, the most important thing to remember is to have fun!
Don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes because that's all part of the learning process.
What tools do you use with polymer clay?
Polymer clay is a fun and versatile medium to work with, and there are lots of clever ways to use common household tools to create interesting effects.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-Use an old toothbrush to add texture to rolled-out sheets of clay or sculpted surfaces.
-Create tinfoil embossing templates and press them into soft clay for interesting patterns.
-Use a sewing needle or other sharp implement to make dots, lines, or other small details on your creations.
-A cutting blade can be used to score lines on the surface of polymer clay before joining two pieces together (this gives the joins a little extra "tooth" so they hold together better).
-A polymer clay blade can be used to create clean cuts and edges on your polymer clay projects.
-A pasta machine is a great way to roll out polymer clay evenly and to the desired thickness.
-A polymer clay roller can be used to roll out polymer clay evenly and to the desired thickness.
-A clay gun can be used to extrude polymer clay through a variety of different shaped dies to create all sorts of shapes and details.
-A toaster oven or an oven can be used to cure polymer clay projects.
You can use any ceramic tools to work with polymer clay, or other household items, too.
When working with polymer clay, be mindful of how you use your tools and which you use because it could damage the clay or tool if used improperly.
Bake polymer clay projects according to manufacturer's instructions for the best results.
Can you mix polymer clay with air dry clay?
You can mix polymer clay with air dry clay.
In fact, polymer clay is often mixed with other types of clay to create different textures or colors.
Air dry clay is a great choice for projects that need a lot of fine detail, because it's much easier to work with than polymer clay.
Since both types of clay are relatively inexpensive, it's a great way to experiment with new techniques and color combinations.
Simply mix the two clays together in a ratio that works for you, and then roll out the resulting dough like you would any other clay.
You can then use it to create sculptures, jewelry, or whatever else you desire.
Enjoy your new clay masterpiece!
The Best Polymer Clay for You
So, what is the best polymer clay for your next project?
After hours of research reading thousands of Amazon customer reviews, we’ve found the top picks for all levels of creators, whether newbies, hobbyists, students, or professionals.
No matter who you are or how much experience you have, there is a perfect polymer clay for you and your next art project!
We hope our findings have provided everything you need to know, so you can make and informed decision and walk away happy with your new purchase!
Whichever clay you choose, we hope you have a blast exploring the world of clay!
Don't forget to tap the button to check Amazon for the best prices on polymer clay.
Thanks for reading and here's to your incredible, new clay creations!
Want to learn tips for getting started with polymer clay? Check out Rokolee DIY's video!
If you'd like to see artwork I've made, you can find some at Redbubble, TeePublic, and TeeSpring.
And if you'd like to have a great soundtrack while working on art projects, like I do, you can get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime Music or Two Free Audiobooks from Audible Plus!
I love listening to a good book or awesome music while immersing myself in the creative process!
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