Clay Types Overview

Clay Type Firing Needed Hardness When Dry Best Use Notes
Air-Dry Clay No Brittle Crafts, decor, prototypes Sealing needed for water resistance
Polymer Clay Oven bake Durable Figurines, jewelry Bakes at low oven temps (130°C)
Ceramic Clay Kiln required Very strong Functional pottery, sculpture Includes earthenware, stoneware
Oil-Based Clay No Never dries Maquettes, modeling Reusable, not for final pieces
Paper Clay Optional Lightweight Repairs, mixed media Mix of clay and cellulose fiber

Sculpting Tools & Supplies

Tool Use Notes
Loop Tools Hollowing, shaping Various sizes and shapes
Wire Cutter Slicing clay blocks Especially for ceramic clay
Needle Tool Detailing, scoring Sharp—use for precision
Modeling Tools Smoothing, shaping Plastic or wooden sets
Rubber Shapers Blending fine details Ideal for facial features
Sponge Moisture control, smoothing Essential for ceramics
Banding Wheel Rotating platform Enables all-angle sculpting
Armature Wire Support for figures Prevents sagging in polymer/clay

Sculpting Techniques

Technique Description Best For Notes
Pinching Using fingers to shape Small bowls, vessels Great beginner technique
Coiling Stacked rolled clay Pots, large pieces Reinforce with slip
Slab Building Flat rolled pieces joined Boxes, structures Score + slip edges to attach
Hand Modeling Freehand sculpting Figurines, busts Good with air-dry or polymer
Carving Subtracting from a block Texture, reliefs Use loop tools
Sculpting Over Armature Clay on wire frame Large figures, dolls Reduces cracking, provides support
Mold Casting Using silicone or plaster molds Reproductions Requires mold-making materials

Armature Materials

Material Flexibility Best For Notes
Aluminum Wire Flexible Figurines, dolls Lightweight, easy to bend
Steel Wire Stiff Large sculptures Strong but harder to bend
Foil Core Compressible Polymer bases, busts Reduces clay usage
Wooden Dowels Rigid Structural elements Great for limbs, core stability
PVC Pipes Very rigid Armature stands Used for tall sculptures

Drying & Firing Comparison

Clay Type Drying Time Firing Temp Curing Notes
Air-Dry Clay 24–72 hours None Keep flat, slow dry to prevent cracks
Polymer Clay 15–45 mins 110–135°C (oven) Bake on foil or tile surface
Ceramic (Earthenware) 7–14 days 1000–1100°C Bisque fire then glaze fire
Ceramic (Stoneware) 10–14 days 1200–1300°C Very durable post-glazing
Oil-Based Clay No drying No firing Reusable for concept work

Surface Treatments

Finish Type Clay Types Purpose Notes
Acrylic Paint Air-dry, polymer Colour, detail Use sealer after painting
Glazing Ceramic only Colour + shine + waterproofing Needs second kiln firing
Wax Polish All types Matte protective coat Can be buffed
Resin Coating Air-dry, polymer High-gloss, waterproof finish Use for jewelry or display
Sealers (Spray/Brush) All types Protects surface from moisture Choose matte or gloss finish

Beginner Project Ideas

Project Name Clay Type Techniques Used Time Estimate
Miniature Animals Polymer Clay Hand modeling 1–2 hours
Pinch Pots Air-Dry or Ceramic Pinching 30–60 min
Name Plaque Air-Dry Clay Slab building, carving 1–2 hours
Face Relief Tile Ceramic or Air-Dry Carving, slab 2–3 hours
Figurine Over Wire Polymer Clay Armature, modeling 3–5 hours
Simple Mask Air-Dry Clay Slab, carving 2–4 hours

Common Problems & Solutions

Problem Cause Solution
Cracking Uneven drying, too thick Slow dry, hollow thick parts
Breaking After Dry Weak joins, no scoring Always score + slip joints
Sticky Clay Overworking, too much water Let rest, use less water
Flaking Surface Dry brushing, unsealed paint Use primer or seal first
Clay Won’t Stick to Armature Wrong surface Wrap with foil or mesh first

Selling Clay Art

Product Type Clay Type Market Price Range
Mini Sculptures Polymer, air-dry Online shops, markets $15–$100
Wall Plaques/Reliefs Air-dry, ceramic Galleries, Etsy $30–$200
Functional Ceramics Kiln-fired ceramic Local art fairs, shops $25–$500+
Figurines/Decor Polymer Collector sites, gifts $20–$250
DIY Kits (Unpainted) Air-dry Craft shops, schools $10–$50

Storage Tips

Item Storage Method Notes
Unfinished Sculptures Plastic wrap + airtight container Keep moist for air-dry/ceramic
Polymer Clay Blocks Ziploc or cling film Avoid dust and lint
Air-Dry Clay Airtight sealed bag Rehydrate if needed
Oil-Based Clay Box in cool area Doesn’t dry, just collect dust