Which Polymer Clay is Best for Sculpting

Have you ever wondered which polymer clay is best for sculpting? There are so many clay options available, it is hard to know which one to choose. And, many different clays have different properties which make them great for different purposes. We’ve put together a number of different things to help you decide which polymer clay is best for sculpting. And, keep in mind that Papa’s Clay excels in all of the categories that we’ve listed below. You can find our collection of Papa’s Clay here.

 

Best Polymer Clay for Sculpting

Feel

We think that the most important factor in deciding which polymer clay is best for sculpting is how it feels in your hand. Artists use their hands for sculpting, crafting, and creating. Your hands connect you to your art and the world. So, it is only natural that you want to work with polymer clay that feels good in your hands. Additionally, the stickier the clay is, the more it will stick to your hands, collect dirt and dust, and feel unpleasant while working with it.


Ability to Hold Detail

A very close second factor to consider for determining which polymer clay is best for sculpting is the clay’s ability to hold detail. Sculpting is all about details. Small details and large details help to capture the subject you are sculpting. If your clay does not hold detail very well, then it will not be ideal for sculpting. Some properties that prevent polymer clay from holding detail are if it is too soft or too sticky. If you are working on one part of the clay and accidentally destroy a separate part of the clay, it will not hold detail very well.

Detailed Polymer Clay

Durability after baking

Hopefully after you bake your sculpture it will be kept in a safe place. But, sometimes accidents happen and sculptures get bumped or fall. When that happens you don’t want a polymer that breaks easily. Instead, a polymer clay that is best for sculpting will have a bit of durability and flexibility after baking. The flexibility will help preserve the details and small pieces of your sculpture.


Toxins, Allergens, Additives

If you are going to be using your polymer clay extensively while sculpting, you certainly want to ensure that it does not contain any toxins, allergens, or additives. Everyone is particularly health conscientious lately, and so you certainly do not want to introduce harmful chemicals through your polymer clay sculpting.


Color Variety

Color variety is very important when choosing which polymer clay is best for sculpting. Mixing polymer clay colors can be very fun and rewarding. However, it can also be very time consuming. Often, when sculpting with polymer clay artists want to focus on sculpting, not mixing colors. Having a variety of colors will help make a polymer clay great for sculpting.


Baking time

Complicated polymer clay sculptures can frequently take multiple separate bakings to “lock-in” details and shape. Each time you bake your sculpture you are adding more and more down-time and time to complete. The shorter the bake time is on your polymer clay, the quicker you’ll be able to finish the sculpture off.

 

Polymer Clay Sculpture

Conclusion

There are many different factors to consider which polymer clay is the best for sculpting. Papa’s Clay is one of the best polymer clays for sculpting because:

  • It has a velvety-smooth texture
  • Holds detail very well and does not get too soft
  • Is free of any toxins, harmful chemicals, and allergens
  • Currently has 37 unique colors
  • Only takes 15 minutes to bake

If you have not tried Papa’s Clay for sculpting, please give it a shot and discover for yourself why sculptors and artists love Papa’s Clay.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published