Specialist Crafts Air Drying Clay is a soft, easy-to-work modelling clay suitable for sculpture, hand-building and relief work. Similar to Newclay, it contains a small amount of nylon fibres to provide additional strength when air dried, while also offering the option of kiln firing for more permanent ceramic pieces.

Softer than some leading clay brands, it is particularly useful for shaping, building and experimenting with three-dimensional forms. Its softer consistency can result in slightly greater shrinkage than firmer clays, so this should be considered when planning and drying projects.

Available in Stone and Terracotta, with a choice of 2.5kg or 12.5kg bags, this clay supports both air-dried art projects and traditional kiln-fired ceramics. Each clay type has its own firing range and requires the appropriate glaze.

For air-dried projects, allow the clay to dry thoroughly before decorating with acrylic or gouache paints. A varnish can then be applied to create a harder protective coating. For kiln-fired projects, wedge the clay thoroughly to remove trapped air and allow it to dry slowly and completely before firing.

Key Features

Fibre-reinforced modelling clay containing a small amount of nylon

Suitable for air drying or kiln firing

Soft consistency for shaping and modelling

Similar to Newclay

Suitable for sculpture, hand-building and relief work

Can be decorated with acrylic or gouache once air dried

Two clay colours and two bag sizes available

Slightly higher shrinkage than some firmer clays

Available Colours

Stone

Terracotta

Available Pack Sizes

2.5kg Bag

12.5kg Bag

Firing Temperatures

Stone – Bisque firing range: 1120–1280°C

Stone – Glaze firing range: 1120–1280°C, stoneware glazes only

Terracotta – Bisque firing range: 1080–1120°C

Terracotta – Glaze firing range: 1080–1120°C, earthenware glazes only

Best For

Sculpture and three-dimensional modelling

Hand-building and clay construction

Relief work and textured surfaces

Air-dried clay projects

Kiln-fired ceramic work

Exploring form, texture and surface decoration

GCSE, A Level, FE and HE art and ceramics

School and college pottery workshops

Important Information

Drying and firing: Clay intended for kiln firing must be thoroughly wedged to remove trapped air, then dried slowly and completely before firing.

Glaze compatibility: Use stoneware glazes with the Stone clay and earthenware glazes with the Terracotta clay, following the specified firing ranges.

Air-dried clay: Air-dried pieces remain vulnerable to moisture, even when painted or varnished, and are not suitable for holding liquids.

Water resistance: Kiln-fired clay is not automatically waterproof. For vessels intended to hold water, apply a suitable glaze to help reduce absorption, ensuring the finished glaze is free from pinholes and crazing. Even glazed ceramics may absorb some moisture, so place water-holding vessels on a protective mat.

Weight: Bag weights are approximate and may vary.