Types of Clay

Types of clay

There are many varieties of clay. Choosing the right clay will depend on the project, budget, your skill level. If you are planning on doing ceramics, the type of kiln to fire the clay that is available must also be considered as kiln's have different temperature limits.

There are different types of clay that are suitable for children. These are most common:

1. Coloured soft air-dry clay - Brands include Jumping Clay, Paulinda Super Dough, available at Art Friend. You can also buy this type of clay from Daiso. The clay is lightweight, soft and easy to mould and create your artwork.

2. Modelling clay - Comes in a variety of colours. The clay doesn't dry completely and is a little sticky. This is a good clay to use if you are creating clay figurines for a stop-motion animation that requires some small movements.

3. Air-dry clay - Popular brands include DAS and JOVI, available at most art stores and Popular. This is closest to ceramic clay as it is heavier and you can make tiles or sculptures that can be used as containers and larger decorative displays. Once the clay is dry, you can paint the sculptures with acrylic paint and spray on a gloss varnish coat.

Clay for Ceramics is...

• made up of the finest particles of rock eroded by wind and rain which are carried off by running water. These particles gather at the bottom of rivers or streams where they are firmly pressed together.

• squishy and elastic when it is wet, and you can make any shape you like.

• feels like chocolate when it dries slightly so you can carve or scrape designs on it.

• it can be made soft again by wetting it with water

The shape of clay is not permanent until it is heated to high temperature unless it is air-dry clay. Air-dry clay hardens with air.