Types of Modeling Clay
Modeling clay has many uses, from school art projects to elaborate sculptures. There are several different types of modeling clay, both hardening and non-hardening. The type of clay that should be used depends on the project. For example, someone making a claymation movie would use non-hardening clay, while someone making a piggy bank would use hardening clay. Within the hardening and non-hardening categories, there are separate sub-categories, allowing a user to find the clay that works best for his project.
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Hardening - Kiln-Fired
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Kiln-fired clay provides the most professional and durable final object, but it is also the most expensive in terms of finishing a piece, because it requires access to a pottery kiln. It can be used as air-drying clay, but the finished object will be brittle and delicate. Kiln-fired clay is air-dried, then painted with a special glaze before being fired. After firing, the glaze gives the clay a shiny, porcelain appearance, and the object is hardened and strengthened.
Hardening - Oven-Baked
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Oven-baked clay is one step down from kiln-fired clay. It is popular among hobbyists because it is cheaper to use than kiln-fired but has a similar effect. Oven-baked clay is air-dried, then baked in a regular kitchen oven rather than fired in a kiln. As a result, oven-baked clay produces an end product that is more durable than air-dried clay, but less durable than kiln-fired clay. Oven-baked clay is acceptable for most at-home clay projects. Oven-baked clay cannot use the same professional glazes as kiln-fired clay, so the finished project won't have the same porcelain sheen to it.
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Hardening - Air-Dry
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Air-drying clay produces the least-durable end result, but it is the easiest to use because it does not require any special equipment for hardening. Air-dry clay is best used for art projects that won't be handled often, because the product is brittle and more easily broken than baked or fired clay. Projects that will be handled a lot, such as bowls or vases, should not be made of air-drying clay. Air-drying clay produces the least professional-looking objects because the clay is left to dry instead of hardening, so it may be dustier than other clays.
Non-Hardening - Claymation
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Claymation clay is a soft, flexible clay that comes in a wide variety of colors. The flexibility of the clay allows animators to make the minute changes necessary for each frame of a claymation project. Figures can be balled up and completely reshaped once a project is done. Claymation clay does not have to be used only for claymation. It can also be used for things such as artist models or modeling shapes. In addition, it can be used to test a clay design before making it out of a more permanent clay.
Non-Hardening - Mold-Making
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Mold-making clay is a stiff, but non-hardening clay. It is used to make molds for things, like plaster of Paris casts. Mold-making clay can either be used as a reverse mold or the piece a reverse mold is made around. A reverse mold is a mold made from shaping the clay around a solid piece, creating a hollow area inside as the mold. Mold-making clay comes in various levels of stiffness. The stiffer the clay, the more detail the artist will be able to get from her mold.
Non-Hardening - School/Children's Clay
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School or children's clay is a soft, inexpensive clay usually available in bright colors. It is good for school activities or children's play, as it will not dry out if accidentally left out. It is soft and easy for small children to use. It is non-toxic, so it is safe for use by children of all ages.
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