Air dry clay vs Polymer clay

Hello, in this blog we will introduce you to two materials that are commonly used in clay crafts, air drying clay and polymer clay, which are actually the two main types of clay that we use in our studio for our crafts.

If you are confused as to which clay to choose, then the next section will hopefully help you.

In the first place I will introduce you to their differences:

1. Hardening process: Air dry clay dries and hardens when left to air-dry, while polymer clay must be baked in an oven to harden.
2. Material composition: Air dry clay is made from natural materials such as clay and water, while polymer clay is made from synthetic materials such as PVC particles and plasticizer.
3. Durability: Polymer clay is more durable and less prone to breakage than air dry clay.
4. Color options: Polymer clay offers a wider range of color options than air dry clay.
5. Working time: Air dry clay has a longer working time than polymer clay, as it does not harden until it is left to dry.

If the above description strikes you as too specialized, then next I'll analyze their features and list the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Air dry clay

Advantages

1. Affordable: Air dry clay is generally more affordable than polymer clay.
2. Easy to work with: Air dry clay is forgiving and can be easily reworked if a mistake is made.
3. Natural material: Air dry clay is made from natural materials and is non-toxic.

Disadvantages

1. Brittleness: Air dry clay can be brittle when it dries, making it more prone to breakage.
2. Limited color options: Although air dry clay is available in a variety of colors, the options are more limited than polymer clay.
3. Long drying time: Air dry clay takes longer to dry and harden than polymer clay.

Polymer clay

Advantages

1. Durability: Polymer clay is more durable and less prone to breakage than air dry clay.
2. Wide range of color options: Polymer clay offers a wider range of color options than air dry clay.
3. Versatility: Polymer clay can be used for a wide range of projects, from jewelry making to figurine sculpting.

Disadvantages

1. More expensive: Polymer clay is generally more expensive than air dry clay.
2. Requires baking: Polymer clay must be baked in an oven to harden, which requires special equipment.
3. Challenging to work with: Polymer clay can be more challenging to work with than air dry clay, as it requires careful handling and can be difficult to blend.

In addition, the density characteristics of the clay determine the appearance of the final product. Air dry clay pieces have a more matte surface, making them look more natural and rustic with more muted colors. Polymer clay pieces have a smoother surface, giving them a shinier appearance with brighter colors.

You can choose different materials based on your actual situation, and the different clay materials will also determine the different styles of the clay piece.