Top Clay Brands for Creative Masterpieces

As the world of arts and crafts continues to captivate creative minds, choosing the right clay brand has become essential for both beginners and seasoned artists. With varying textures, colors, and compositions, the market offers a myriad of options that cater to different artistic needs and preferences. Whether you're working on delicate pottery pieces or vibrant sculptural artworks, the quality of clay you choose can significantly impact the final outcome of your creation. Join us as we explore some of the best brands of clay that stand out for their performance, reliability, and innovation in the sections below.

Illustration of clay

Best brands of clay in 2025

Sculpey

Sculpey, a brand by Polyform Products, is a leading producer of polymer clay, known for its versatility and durability. Introduced in the early 1960s, Sculpey has become a staple in the craft industry, particularly popular for jewelry making, home decor, and sculpting. It offers six variations, including Sculpey Souffle, Sculpey Premo, and Super Sculpey, each with unique properties suitable for different skill levels and projects. Sculpey clay can be baked in a home oven at temperatures ranging from 250°F to 285°F, depending on the product, and is notable for its resistance to cracking and shattering after baking. The polymer clay market, which includes Sculpey, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2031. For more information, visit the Sculpey website.

Fimo

Fimo, a brand by Staedtler, is one of the leading producers of polymer clay, having been the first to introduce this product in 1954. Fimo polymer clay is renowned for its high quality and versatility, available in various forms such as Fimo Professional, Fimo Soft, and Fimo Leather, each catering to different needs and applications. Fimo Professional, in particular, is praised for its ease of use and extensive color mixing system. Despite being more difficult to find in the US, Fimo remains a popular choice among European artists and hobbyists. Its wide range of colors and textures has made it a staple in the polymer clay market.

Kato Polyclay

Kato Polyclay is renowned as one of the best polymer clay brands, particularly valued for its stiffness and durability, making it ideal for detailed sculpting and caning. Developed by polymer clay artist Donna Kato, this clay is known for its vibrant, well-defined colors and a waxy, plastic-like texture. It is favored by artists who need a strong, non-sticky clay that retains its shape well after baking. Although it can be challenging to condition due to its stiffness, Kato Polyclay is highly regarded for its quality and is often used in fine detail work, such as the sculptures of Forest Rogers. The clay is available in 2-ounce blocks and larger 12.5-ounce bricks, catering to various artistic needs. For more insights on the best polymer clay brand, you can visit the Blue Bottle Tree website.

Cernit

Cernit is a highly regarded brand of polymer clay produced in Belgium, known for its versatility and strength. It is popular among European and Russian artists and stands out for its firm yet pliable texture, making it ideal for various techniques like caning, mokume gane, and die forming. Cernit clay is odourless when baked, does not crack, and retains its flexibility after baking, with a baking temperature range of 110°C to 130°C for up to 30 minutes. The Cernit Number One line is particularly praised for its opaque finish, minimal shrinkage, and resistance to bubbles and color variation. The brand also offers a range of products, including the Cernit Pearl line introduced in 2021, known for its intense sparkle.

DAS

The United States is a significant producer of various types of clays, with approximately 120 companies operating clay and shale mines across 38 states. In 2023, the total production of clays was estimated at 26 million tons, valued at $1.7 billion. The leading 20 companies produced about 68% of the U.S. tonnage and 84% of the value for all types of clay. Bentonite, for example, saw a significant use in pet waste absorbents (48%) and drilling mud (23%). The industry also employs around 1,100 mine workers and 4,300 mill workers. For more detailed statistics, you can find the comprehensive report in the USGS report on clays.

Chavant

Chavant is a renowned brand in the modeling clay industry, celebrated for its high-quality, oil-based clays used in fine arts, industrial design, and special effects. Introduced in 1993, Chavant's NSP clay is a sulfur-free, professional-grade sculpting clay that offers exceptional surface detail and is available in soft, medium, and hard consistencies. This clay is 35% lighter than traditional industrial clays and is highly versatile, suitable for applications ranging from transportation design to ballistic testing. Chavant's products, such as AutoStyle, are also noted for their low-odor, non-toxic formula and excellent cohesion and adhesion properties. With a history dating back to 1892, Chavant continues to set standards in the industry.

Laguna Clay

Laguna Clay Company is a leading manufacturer in the pottery clay market, known for its high-quality clay and glaze products. The company serves a broad range of customers, including industrial, commercial, educational, and individual users, offering a wide selection of materials and supplies. Laguna Clay is highlighted as one of the top companies in the pottery clay market, alongside American Art Clay Co., Inc. The company's products are carefully selected and tested to meet high standards, making it a trusted name in the ceramic industry. With a strong presence in the market, Laguna Clay continues to be a significant player in the sector.

AMACO

AMACO is renowned as one of the best producers of clay, offering a wide range of ceramic clays that cater to both beginners and seasoned potters. Their mid-high fire clays are particularly versatile, allowing for the creation of functional pottery and intricate sculptures with exceptional workability and strength. AMACO's premium mid-range clays fire between cone 5 to cone 7, ensuring durability and consistency. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in their consistent glaze melts, as seen in their Potter's Choice line. With a long history of providing reliable and high-quality materials, AMACO remains a trusted name in the ceramics industry.

Blick Art Materials

Blick Art Materials is renowned for its high-quality clay products, including the Blick Talc-Free White Clay and Blick Stoneware Clay, both of which are AP non-toxic and ideal for artists of all levels. These clays are highly pliable, easy to manipulate, and suitable for various creative projects. Founded in 1911, Blick Art Materials has established itself as the largest and oldest provider of art supplies in the United States, with over 65 retail stores nationwide. Their products are certified by the Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI), ensuring they meet stringent non-toxicity standards. With competitive prices and superior customer service, Blick continues to be a favorite among art educators, students, and professional artists.

Staedtler

STAEDTLER, a renowned brand and the leading manufacturer of industrial styling clay with a history dating back to 1835, introduced Marsclay in 1985, a synthetic material that is easy to model, tear-resistant, and stable at room temperature. In 2000, STAEDTLER developed Marsclay Light, which is 40% lighter than the original. This innovation has made STAEDTLER a preferred choice for automobile manufacturers worldwide, including those in Germany, Europe, and other global markets. STAEDTLER's clay products are also used by schools and artists, highlighting their versatility and quality.