Clay

Modelling clay is an umbrella term that covers a lot of different products that people use for sculpting and other types of craftwork. This is popular among students, kids, hobbyists and even professionals who want to create 3D models affordably.

There are other things apart from modelling clays that will let you create three-dimensional models. However, what defines a terracotta is that you can mould it using conventional tools that artisans use for sculpting and modelling. Also, some of these earth can get hardened and retain their shape for a really long time. There is the toy earth that does not harden at all and allows kids to mould it and remould it as many times as they want. So, if you are planning to try your hands at sculpting, get some good quality terracotta and start working. But read this article before you start shopping for them as it will allow you to make better choices when you buy.

Types of modelling clays for you or children

One of the many factors that make clays so versatile is that it is possible to find a terracotta that fits all your needs. Even if you are a beginner or a real expert, you can sculpt with earth. With the right type of pottery and a little practice, you can be the artist that you want to be. However, to decide which earth is the right fit for you, you need to know the features and physical properties of each of them. Despite the fact that there are dozens of different types of clay, here is a list of the four most popular types of them.

Oil-based clay

This type of clay is also called plasticine or plastilina. It has a slew of benefits over traditional potter clay that make it one of the favourite clays among sculptors. You can find this earth in a whole array of colours and shades. Furthermore, by mixing each colour in different proportions, you can come up with a shade of your taste. This allows a great deal of flexibility while creating shapes. And after you are done working with the oil-based mud, it is really easy to wash it off from your hands. It is not sticky like regular earth.

Polymer modelling clay

If you have ever seen kids playing with modelling pottery, the chances are that it is polymer mud. By altering the chemical structure and size of the polymer, manufacturers can finely control the physical properties of the clay. That way, it is possible to make polymer earth of wildly different properties. For that reason, you will find the polymer clays with varying degrees of softness, hardening temperatures, texture and colour. Also, when you bake this earth at a temperature above 130 degrees Celsius, about a quarter of an inch of this terracotta hardens.

Dough moulding clay

This is the mud that you will find in the play doughs that are intended for young kids. One benefit of this clay is that there are edible versions of it. So, even if kids happen to put it in their mouth, there is no harm. If you don’t want to buy dough clay, you can make it at your home with a little bit of work. And among dough earth, there are two different types: cooked mud and uncooked mud. Both of these are inexpensive and non-toxic. The major ingredient in it is cornstarch, oil, and water. All of which are things that you will find in your kitchen.

Pottery clay

Now, this mud is for people with a lot of experience in making clay mouldings. A most popular way of moulding using pottery earth is using a potter’s wheel. One requires both skill and knack to work with pottery clay. But that is only half the work. In order to make it into a solid, you should first air-dry it and then put it inside a furnace. The pottery earth itself looks brown. However, it is possible to add texture to the material using other additives. It is easier said than done, though. Creating textures requires thorough knowledge of different elements and the right combination to mix them with the mud.