If you’re into pottery, you’ve probably come across Sculpd Kits in your social media feeds. Their eye-catching branding and engaging tutorials finally lured me in, so I decided to try out their air dry ceramic clay. Air dry clay often gets mixed reviews, so I’m diving in with a hands-on approach to give you the full scoop. Let’s find out: Is Sculpd’s air dry ceramic clay REALLY worth the hype?
How We Review
Texture & workability: We’re looking for a clay that’s smooth to touch, easy to mold, and doesn’t stick to your hands excessively.
Drying time: Ideal drying time without hastening the process is key. We’re checking if it dries evenly.
Cracking & strength: We’re testing its resistance to cracking during drying and its overall durability once completely dry.
Overall Impressions
We have to say, we’re genuinely impressed. This clay comes close to the feel of traditional ceramic clay – albeit with a slightly rubbery air dry clay texture. Its workability makes it a reliable choice when you don’t have a kiln.
In terms of the “final product”, we found that it dries without cracks, and really easily takes acrylic paint—we only needed one coat of white for the surface to be covered! So, overall Sculpd gets a solid 5 stars from us. (Plus, the instruction booklet that came with our kit says that this clay can be kiln-fired! Talk about a clay that does it all!)
Texture & Workability
This is a really smooth texture, similar to a smooth stone white. Sculpt clay is really easily malleable—great for pinch pots or anything sculptural.The clayalso has a good amount of moisture in it, it’s easy to smooth with tools, and easy to work with in your hands. (In full transparency, we bought this kit YEARS ago, and the clay was still a dream to work with!)
Drying Time
We were cautious in our drying time—the instruction booklet says to allow for 24-48 hours, but we gave it an extra day for good measure. We suggest a gradual drying method for optimal results, and to lightly cover your piece with plastic for the first day. If time is of the essence, a day might suffice, but proceed with caution!
Cracking & Strength
Our slow drying approach paid off – no cracks in sight, and the final piece was surprisingly sturdy. Though this is our first rodeo with this clay, it’s made a lasting impression.
The Pros
- Really easy to work with: the smooth texture and malleability are a HUGE plus for us. This stuff is a far cry from the foam-y crayola molding clay. If you’ve been playing with ceramic clay for a while, we think you’d also be impressed by how Sculpd nailed the texture.
- Multi-use: We’re excited that there’s the potential to fire our pieces. We wonder how this stuff would do on the wheel!
The Cons
- A bit expensive: For a 1kg bag, $17 is a bit expensive. For reference, I just purchased a 25 lb bag of ceramic clay for $25!
- No size options: At the time of this article, the 1 kg size is all Sculpd offers. It would be awesome if there were bulk options (that were cheaper too!)
Conclusion
All in all, Sculpd’s air dry ceramic clay is a delightful surprise, challenging the stereotypes of air dry clays. It strikes a fine balance between workability and durability, making it an excellent choice for both hobbyists and even seasoned potters. While the price might be a bit steep and size options limited, the quality you get is worth considering. It’s a versatile, user-friendly clay that’s sure to bring a touch of joy to your pottery projects.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Dry Ceramic Clay
What is air dry ceramic clay?
Air dry ceramic clay is like the convenient cousin in the clay family. You don’t need a kiln for this one—It’s a special type of clay that dries and hardens all on its own, making it a great choice for crafters and pottery enthusiasts who might not have access to a kiln. Check out our article, “Air Dry vs. Ceramic Clay: Which One is Better?” for more.
What are the pros and cons of using air dry ceramic clay?
Pros:
- No Kiln Necessary: Its biggest advantage is you don’t need a kiln. This is a game-changer for DIYers and classroom settings.
- Beginner-Friendly: It’s easy to handle, which is great for those just dipping their toes into the pottery world.
- Speedy Results: You’ll see your creation take shape and harden without much waiting.
- Affordability: Generally, it’s less pricey compared to traditional kiln-fired clay.
Cons:
- Durability Issues: It’s not as tough as kiln-fired clay, so think twice before crafting items that need to be super sturdy.
- Shrinkage and Cracking Hazards: As it dries, this clay can shrink and crack, which might require some finesse to avoid.
- Not Water-Friendly: Once dry, it’s not waterproof, so vases might have to remain on your ‘someday’ list.
What’s the difference between regular clay and air dry ceramic clay?
The main difference between regular and air dry ceramic clay? The need for heat. Regular clay needs a trip to the kiln to become hard and durable, making it a go-to for functional items. Air dry clay, in contrast, hardens without any external heating, making it more suitable for decorative art and craft projects.
What other brands of air dry ceramic clay are out there?
There are lots of different brands of air dry clay—here’s a few that we recommend trying out.
Old Potters Premium Air Dry Clay
If you’re looking for an air dry clay similar to Sculpd you should check out Old Potters Premium Air Dry Clay. We like that this clay has a texture and consistency similar to ceramic clay, AND you can buy it in bulk (they offer 5lb, 10lb, and 25 lb options!) It does require a long drying time—it’s a natural clay that doesn’t have any artificial agents, so you’ll need to dry it slowly to avoid cracks!
Popular brand name, and this is an affordable modeling clay. This clay dries well, and is good for any small sculptural pieces, as the biggest size we can find is 16 oz.
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