Different Clay Types - SINOART 6 Different Clay Products

SINOART is dedicated to supplying high-quality art materials and DIY crafts to countries worldwide. This article will provide a detailed introduction to SINOART's range of handcrafted clay products, helping customers select the most suitable options.
SINOART's clay products can be categorized by their intended use into three types: Pottery Clay, Adult Craft Clay, and Children's Puzzle Clay.
1. Pottery Clay
1.1 Pottery Clay
This type of clay, known as kaolin, is commonly used for making ceramics in China. After shaping on a potter's wheel, the clay must be air-dried before being fired in a kiln.

There are two types of clay products: Low-Temperature Pottery Clay and High-Temperature Pottery Clay:
Low-Temperature Pottery Clay: This type can be fired at a low temperature of around 800-900℃ to create pottery.
High-Temperature Pottery Clay: This requires a high firing temperature of 1100-1400℃ to transform into porcelain.
Note: Even if fired at 1400℃, Low Temperature Pottery Clay cannot become porcelain. Compared to porcelain, pottery has a rougher texture, a simpler shape, strong water absorption, and good air permeability. In contrast, porcelain has a more delicate appearance, a higher material density, and does not absorb water.

Our Pottery Clay is made from raw minerals through multiple processes, it contains no chemical additives. It's non-toxic, odorless, and offers a smooth, delicate texture with high plasticity. Once unpacked, it’s ready for immediate use.

The clay In terms of color selection, there are different shades of white and gray to choose from. It is the most commonly purchased product by pottery enthusiasts or studios. For storage simply keep it in a cool, shaded area. As it is a natural mineral product, mold spots may develop over time if left unused, but these can be wiped off easily without affecting its quality or firing process.

1. 2 Air Drying Modeling Clay (Pottery Clay) 
The primary advantage of air-drying clay is that it doesn’t require firing. Once shaped, it air-dries naturally within 24 to 48 hours without cracking. Its main ingredients include kaolin, clay, quartz, and fibers, making it non-toxic, easy to clean, and non-sticky. The clay offers excellent plasticity and flexibility, and once air-dried, it forms a smooth, even surface that can be painted or decorated with acrylics or markers.

Unlike traditional clay, air-dry clay must be stored in a tightly sealed container and kept away from direct sunlight to maintain its softness and prevent drying out. Its shelf life is approximately one year. After drying, avoid using it to hold water or contact with water, because even after drying, the clay will soften if it comes into contact with water.
But precisely because of this property, if you are not satisfied with the work after it has dried, break it up and soak it in water to completely soak it so that the clay becomes soft again and can be reused.

2. Adult Craft Clay
2.1 Polymer clay (Oven-bake clay)
Oven-bake clay is a modeling clay that can be shaped after low-temperature baking. Composed mainly of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and inorganic fillers. You can often see it in some offline clay studios. Its advantage is that it does not require such high requirements for the firing process and does not require the use of a kiln.

Polymer clay is shipped in sealed packages during export. It needs to be stored in a cool place and avoid direct sunlight. The shelf life is 2 years. In a colder environment, the clay tends to harden, making it more difficult to knead. Before use, you can warm the clay by hand or add a little cooking oil and then roll the clay with a wooden stick to soften it. In warmer temperatures, the clay will become soft and difficult to shape. In this case, refrigerate it until it hardens, then continue kneading.

Once your piece is shaped, please place it in the oven to harden. Set the temperature to between 120-135°C and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your piece and your experience. You can also heat the clay in water or use a hair dryer, but these methods usually require several attempts to achieve the desired hardness and the result will not be as good as baking in the oven. After baking, you can add color or oil to enhance the look of your piece and ensure long-term preservation.

3. Children's Puzzle Clay
3.1 Craft Modelling Clay(oil-based)
SINOART Craft Modeling Clay is a high-quality, oil-based modeling clay designed for children aged 3 and above. Made primarily from clay, it is formulated with cosmetic-grade and food-grade materials. The clay offers excellent shape stability and plasticity, It is very soft after kneading at hand temperature, can be easily shaped, and will never crack.

Craft Modeling Clay is oil-based, allowing it to maintain its quality for up to 2 years if stored below 70°C and kept out of direct sunlight. And it will never dry out, so children can use it over and over again while playing. In case of accidental ingestion, the clay is digestible and won’t cause serious harm.

This clay is ideal for children’s DIY craft projects, helping to develop their hands-on skills. It can be shaped directly by hand or with the help of molding tools. Additionally, it adheres well to paper and cardboard, allowing for the creation of various shapes and text.

3.2 Color Dough Clay
As the name suggests, Dough Clay is primarily made from flour, mixed with water and other food-grade ingredients. It is designed specifically for kids age 3-6, making it completely safe for use. If accidentally ingested, the human body will digest it without any harm.

The clay is very gentle and exceptionally soft, making it easy to knead. (children under 3 should be supervised by an adult). During use, Dough Clay gradually dries out when exposed to air. If you notice it starting to dry, you can add a small amount of water or wrap it in a damp cloth overnight to restore its softness. However, after 3 to 4 rounds of softening, the clay’s texture and softness may no longer return to their original state, at which point it’s best to replace it with new clay.

After each use, ensure that the clay is stored in a sealed bag or container. Generally, if left exposed to air, the clay will fully dry within about a day. Since this clay is water-based, in addition to being stored in an airtight container, it also needs to be kept away from direct sunlight. If stored properly, unused dough clay has a shelf life of about 1 year.

Finally, here is a table to help you understand the differences between SINOART's various clays: