10 Best Polymer Clays in 2022 (Sculpey, Staedtler, and More)
If you're looking for a fun project to explore your creativity, then look no further. Polymer clay is a popular art medium among artists and hobbyists of all ages and experience levels. This fun material can be customized in so many ways and can be used to create a variety of projects, including jewelry, sculpture, and pottery!
Luckily, there are a great variety of sets available to get you started on your polymer clay journey, and we did the research for you. Leading our top 10 list is Sculpey's Classic Collection III Multipack because it's soft, colorful, and great for beginners. Read on for more choices, and check out our buying guide for tips on finding the perfect polymer clay on your own.
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How to Choose Polymer Clays
Here are a few points to keep in mind to help you choose the best polymer clay! Think about what kind of projects you want to make, the clay's quality, and any tools you may need.
Think About the Projects You Want to Use the Clay For
Polymer clay is a versatile medium that's quite popular for creative projects like jewelry-making or sculpting miniatures. However, different projects require different kinds of clay. You want to make sure you get the clay that is best suited for your needs.
It’s important to look for the features that you need for your project. For example, you may want to use lighter clay for earrings so they aren't too heavy to wear. If you are making a sculpture, then you should look for stronger, more durable clay.
If you are searching for a fun art project for the kids, you probably want a clay that is easy to manipulate and available in a variety of fun, vibrant colors!
Consider the Age Group of Those Using the Clay
When selecting a polymer clay, you should consider the age group of those using the clay. If you want clay for children to use for an art project, select softer and more malleable clay. Soft clay is easier for children to mold into shapes, and they can practice blending different colors.
Lighter, softer clays may also be easier on elderly and arthritic hands since less pressure and time are required to soften and shape the clay.
For older children and adults, look into the clays that hold finer details well and last longer. Certain kinds of clay are more durable over time and are specifically made for more professional projects. To see if a clay holds up well, check the reviews!
Check the Clay's Colors, Durability, and Flexibility
Also, think about the strength and permanence you need for your clay projects. Are you just practicing, or are you making a product that you need to last for a long time? Different clays have different strengths, weights, and stability over time. Check the description to see if the clay is described as light and soft or durable and strong.
Many clay brands will separate their clays into the categories they are best suited for. The package often specifies which audiences or projects it's geared toward. It will use phrases like “for kids” or “for doll-making.”
The flexibility and softness of clay are important as well. You can save time and frustration for young ones by selecting a softer, more malleable clay. These softer clays are also great for anyone that wants to practice using clay first! Or, you may want a clay with more stiffness to achieve a sturdier result.
Explore Extra Tools and Supplies
Many polymer clay kits come with a selection of useful basic tools, like rolling pins, cutting blades, and shaping tools. These tools allow you to cut, smooth, and carve the clay to achieve different effects. Advanced clay artists often invest in pasta machines that smoothly roll out the clay in the thickness they desire.
While many people purchase individual blocks of clay in colors they want or blend them, other people buy alcohol inks to color white or translucent clay. You can also look into other supplies you may need after the curing process. After baking your project, you can also sand, glaze, or paint it.
10 Best Polymer Clays Ranking
| Products | Image | Click to purchase | Popularity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Classic Collection III Multipack Sculpey |  | No.1 | |
2 | Premo Art Clay｜White Sculpey |  | No.2 | |
3 | Fimo Soft Polymer Clay Staedtler |  | No.3 | |
4 | Make Clay Charms Craft Kit Klutz |  | No.4 | |
5 | Polymer Clay Kit Arteza |  | No.5 | |
6 | 1-Piece Clay｜Carnation Cernit |  | No.6 | |
7 | Polymer Clay ifergoo |  | No.7 | |
8 | Kato Polyclay Van Aken International |  | No.8 | |
9 | Polymer Clay Kit Shuttle Art |  | No.9 | |
10 | Polymer Starter Kit Magicfly |  | No.10 |
Sculpey is well known among those who use clay. This multipack includes 10 classic colors, and it's a great starter set for beginners. Sculpey III's texture is softer than original Sculpey clay, making it easy to manipulate.
Some reviewers say that it is too soft for certain projects, but note that it's a great set for beginners and kids to experiment with. They also like that it's very easy to use! They say the clay is pliable, which means it will be easy on your hands.
Designed with artists in mind, this clay line is popular among both hobbyists and professionals alike! It's a little firmer than Sculpey's other clays, so it holds details better. Plus, you can create your own colors by dyeing this white clay.
Reviewers love the strength of the clay and its ability to hold fine details. They like that it comes in a one-pound block, saying it's a great option for stocking up on this essential color. Plus, they like the firm yet flexible texture.
This brand's clay is known for being soft, smooth, and pliable. This pack includes 12 colors, giving you plenty of creative freedom. Its smooth texture makes it ideal for artists of all skill levels.
Many reviewers say this is a great starter set, and they enjoy the variety of colors. They like using it for a variety of projects.
This jewelry-making kit provides supplies to make a charm bracelet using oven-baked clay creations you create yourself. It comes with an instructional booklet with ideas for charms and plenty of tools, including a drying stand.
Some reviewers note that the quality of clay isn’t as satisfactory as they would like, but it's suitable for this type of kid's craft. However, many parents say this kit is an enjoyable project to do together as a family! They also report that it makes an excellent gift, and the instructions are very easy to follow.
This kit comes with 42 different colors of clay, including unique options like olive green and lavender. It also includes a few sculpting tools and materials to make your own jewelry.
Some reviewers warn that the clay may stain your hands, so using gloves might be helpful. However, many people love the variety of vibrant colors and that it's easy to work with. Overall, many agree that this is a fun introductory kit, especially for children.
Cernit is the go-to selection for doll-makers of all skill levels. This clay is sought after because of its porcelain-like finish after baking. It has a soft pink color and comes in a one-pound block.
Several reviewers note that this clay is quite difficult to condition and requires effort to make it soft enough to work with. However, they love that this clay holds fine details well and has a beautiful finish after baking.
This polymer clay kit comes with an assortment of colors, several tools, many jewelry accessories, and plenty of other items to customize your creative projects. It also comes with a two-layer storage box to keep your items organized.
Some reviewers say the clay is difficult to shape. Many reviewers, however, like the variety of colors and how easy the clay is to use. Many recommend this kit for beginners and children.
Kato Polyclay is known for being a tough, durable clay that is great for detailed techniques like caning. It is not as soft and sticky as other clay brands; instead, it is more firm and very strong.
Many people point out that this clay has a strong odor that may be off-putting to those with a sensitive nose. Some suggested using the clay in a well-ventilated area or airing it out before use. Overall, reviewers like how sturdy and firm this clay is. They say it's ideal for detailed sculpting work and caning.
This kit from Shuttle Art comes with the largest amount of clay blocks on our list. Fortunately, it also comes with a four-layer storage box to keep the clay organized. It also includes an instruction booklet with project ideas.
Many reviewers love the variety of colors and large number of fun accessories. They also note that it makes a great gift for beginners!
This variety set comes with an assortment of colored clay, tools, and accessories. There are plenty of items to start making clay projects, like materials to make jewelry and keychains.
Several reviewers dislike the stickiness of the clay. However, many say this kit works well for quick, small projects or craft projects for children. Reviewers also like the variety and amount of pieces that come with this set.
Tips for Using Polymer Clay
How is polymer clay used? Here are the main steps: protect your work surface, condition your clay and shape it to your heart’s content, bake it in the oven, and add any finishing touches.
Use a protective material, like wax paper or parchment paper, to prevent a mess on your work surface. For tools, all you need are your hands, a work surface, and an oven! However, you can use tools to add details to your pieces. Polymer clay will not dry out when exposed to air, but it's still important to properly store the leftover clay to keep it fresh!
You can use a toaster oven or a conventional oven for baking. The suggested time and temperature should be on the clay's packaging. You can also bake the clay more than once if needed. Although polymer clay is certified as non-toxic, you should protect the baking surface. So if you are using a cookie sheet, cover it with wax or parchment paper.
After baking and cooling, the clay pieces are done. Or, you can add more details if you would like. Once the pieces are cured, you can sand, buff, paint, and seal them. However, the clay should be durable and waterproof, so you don’t have to add a seal unless you want to. Now, your creations are ready!
Looking for More Creative Projects?
There is a whole world of creative projects out there to explore! Here are a few more fun ones for you to check out.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
