Air-dry clay is the much friendlier version of polymer clay; it's perfect if you're just starting out and won't require a kiln.
Related: The pottery gear you need if you’re inspired by The Great Pottery Throw Down
Easy to work with, it makes the perfect new lockdown hobby and can give you back that creativity you've been missing. Whether you've been separated from your studio or want to try something completely new, the possibilities are quite endless with air-dry clay. From trinket dishes to whole figurines, whatever your level of experience, you'll have some proper laughs creating your own sculptures.
Related: 13 of best rude craft kits that are for adults only
Having quickly run out of activities to keep me occupied at home, from colouring books to reading every mindfulness book on offer, my new lockdown venture brought me to clay. Inspired very much so by The Great Pottery Throw Down, I found myself beaming with creativity and set out to make anything and everything from clay.
I couldn't recommend it enough. As well as igniting some creativity back into me, it was a great way of unwinding and taking some time out of my day to myself. What's great is that you've actually got something to show for all your work and efforts. From a fruit bowl to a ring holder, my home is now brimming with gloriously colourful objects I can boast I made myself.
Related: The best knitting kits for beginners
I've gone through my fair share of different air-drying clays and it's taken a while to find my favourites. Luckily for you, I've done all the testing, so all that's left to do is get crafting!
We've pulled together a list of our favourite air-dry clays and some great ideas to get you started on your clay sculpting journey.
The best air-drying clays
1 of 5DAS 1kg Modelling Clay - White
One of the best air-dry clays I've used, this DAS modelling clay has the ideal balance of malleability and hold to create the most intricate of objects. Pros: Easy to smooth, can take paints and varnishes, dries solid and strong, can be used with wood, cardboard and terracotta.Cons: Takes a lot of softening and water to be malleable (will require sprays of water constantly throughout sculpting).
2 of 5The Glowhouse Air Drying Modelling Clay Nylon Reinforced 12.5kg (Terracotta)
Amazing value for money, this 12.5kg bag is perfect for bigger projects like bowls and vases. Easy to shape and work with, this clay has a much wetter consistency than others, so is great if you find other air-dry clays too hard to work with.Pros: Wet consistency for easy shaping, can be painted or glazed, non-toxic, easy to clean.Cons: Will crack when drying if too thin.
3 of 5Glorex 6 8073 005 Pottery Clay Unchamoted 5 kg Terracotta
Available in terracotta, white and black, this pottery clay can be both air-dried or kiln-fired depending on preference. Free of any grains and with its fine texture, I would recommend this clay if you're after a super smooth finish. Pros: Super-fine texture for a smooth finish, easy to work and shape, can be painted and varnished.Cons: Contracts when drying.
4 of 5STAEDTLER Fimo Air Basic Air Drying Modelling Clay 1 kg - White
With a china-like-clay consistency, the Fimo Air Drying clay is perfect for achieving pottery-like results without a kiln or turntable wheel. Unlike others, the consistency of this clay allows it to be modified once dry, so you can drill and sand to perfection. Pros: Can be modified once dry, smooth consistency, dimensionally stable, can be painted and varnished. Cons: Dries a lot quicker than other clays (best for quick and easy designs).
5 of 5Pebeo Gedeo Air drying Clay
With a drying time of four to five days, the Pebeo Gedeo Air Clay is great for longer projects that come with a lot of detail as it allows you to work over a couple of days without drying. Really popular amongst sculptors and clay lovers, this clay goes in and out of stock constantly, so make sure you sign up for email updates to get notified on stock. Pros: Very malleable, hardens in four to five days without cracking, very soft, can be waterproof-coated.Cons: With a longer drying time, this clay is recommended for high-detail projects and crafts.
All of these air-dry clays have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching air-dry clay, so you can choose the best one. Plus, we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in. Find out why you should trust us here.
Verdict: the best air-dry clay
With such a great shortlist of air-drying clays, all great for different crafty projects, the best all-round clay must go to the DAS Modelling Clay. Trusted amongst budding clay makers and plenty of raving reviews, both online and from the What's The Best team, this air-dry clay can quite literally do anything. So get your best foot forward with the DAS Modelling Clay and get creating.
Best for big projects: The Glowhouse Air Drying Modelling Clay Nylon Reinforced 12.5kg
Best for detailed projects: Pebeo Gedeo Air drying Clay
FAQs:
How long does air-dry clay take to dry?
Most air-dry clay projects will take between 24-72 hours to dry, depending on factors such as the thickness and size of the creation. Some air-dry clay brands will specify if theirs takes any longer, but the maximum dry time you're looking at is one week.
Can you air-dry clay faster?
Speeding up the drying process is not recommended, but is possible. The natural air-drying process can be sped up with heat in the form of hairdryers or an oven. However, drying it too quickly can result in cracking and may make your creation more fragile.
What can you paint clay with?
Once your clay is completely dry, you have free reign and creativity for painting or varnishing your creation. Almost any paint will work beautifully on the smooth surface of the clay, we recommend acrylic paint for quick-drying and vibrant results.
Is air-dry clay waterproof?
Air-dry clays are all water-based as this is what gives them their malleability, so to make it waterproof, you would require a sealant. Popular sealants for clay would be acrylic paint, epoxy resin or clear varnishes designed specifically for clay. When purchasing a sealant, always make sure it's suitable for use on clay.
What can I make with air-dry clay?
The possibilities are endless with air-dry clay. From plant pots to candle holders, there's a crazy amount of projects to keep you occupied with clay. Below, you'll find a list of some of our favourite clay creations, check them out for some great inspiration.
Is air-dry clay food-safe?
Air-dry clay when it dries is not food-safe. If a food-safe glaze is applied once dry, there's nothing to stop you from making mugs, bowls and plates to use and enjoy.
Why is my air-dry clay cracking?
Cracking in the drying process can often occur due to too much water being used or the clay being too thin. To prevent any cracking, try to limit your water-use when moulding only using enough to be able to mould with ease. Stay away from any quick-drying processes, too, as these can lead to cracking and even more shrinkage.
Clay creations and ideas:
Look how cute these moon phase clay plates are! Plates and trinket dishes are a great place to start, they won't involve too much moulding and are a great way to experiment with thickness and drying time.
These face plant pots are so fun and would look great in any room.
Incense holders don't have to be boring, this clay Ouija board one is fantastic and would make a great and unique gift for a friend.
From cacti to funky shapes, give your candles a fun home to boast about. The centrepiece of any table, candle holders are super quick and fun to make, with limitless creative possibilities.
What to read next:
The best spiritual books to set you on a path of self-healing
We've found the gadget you need to label everything just like Stacey Solomon
Angelica Daujotas is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media where she tests products for What's The Best, Yours and Mother and Baby.
Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from Angelica and the rest of the What’s The Best team.