The right modeling compound depends on what you want to make, how you want to finish it, and who is using it.
Main types
- Polymer clay: stays soft until baked in a home oven, following the package directions. Good for jewelry, figurines and detailed work.
- Air-dry clay: hardens as it dries, with no oven needed. Good for kids and home decor. It can be more fragile.
- Oil-based clay (plasticine): never hardens, so it is ideal for practice, animation and models for mold-making.
- Epoxy putty: two parts mixed together that cure hard. Used for miniatures and repairs.
- Ceramic clay: earthenware, stoneware and porcelain, fired in a kiln. Best for functional pottery.
- Modeling dough: soft dough for young children’s play.
Choosing
- Fine detail: polymer clay or epoxy putty.
- Kids’ projects: modeling dough or air-dry clay labeled non-toxic.
- Practice and reusing: plasticine.
- Functional pieces: kiln-fired ceramic clay. Air-dry and polymer clays are generally not food-safe.
Tips
- Condition polymer clay by kneading before use.
- Use an armature (wire frame) for larger figures.
- Ventilate when baking polymer clay, and use a dedicated oven thermometer.
- Follow age and safety labels.
