Top Picks for Quality Polymer Clay Brands

Polymer clay is a versatile and vibrant medium favored by artists and hobbyists for its ease of use and adaptability. For those looking to explore this creative avenue, selecting the right brand of clay is crucial to achieve desired results. Some of the top brands renowned for their quality and range of colors include Sculpey, Fimo, and Cernit, each offering unique properties that cater to different project requirements. To find out which brand might suit your artistic needs best, let's explore the characteristics and offerings of these popular choices below.

Illustration of polymer clay

Best brands of polymer clay in 2025

Sculpey

Sculpey, a brand by Polyform Products Company, is a leading producer of polymer clay, known for its diverse range of products suitable for various applications, including arts and sculpture, which is expected to hold 39.8% of the market share in 2024. Sculpey offers several types of clay, such as Original Sculpey, Sculpey III, and Premo, each with unique characteristics like softness, strength, and flexibility. These clays are popular among beginners and experienced crafters alike, contributing to North America's dominance in the polymer clay market, where it is projected to capture over 33% of the market share by 2024. The brand's products are widely available in arts and crafts stores and online, making it a household name within the crafting community. With a market valued at USD 33.9 million in 2024 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.1% to USD 41.9 million by 2031, Sculpey remains a significant player in the polymer clay industry.

Fimo

Fimo, produced by Staedtler, is one of the best and most historic brands of polymer clay, having been the first polymer clay brand created in 1954. It is highly popular in Europe, where it is often referred to as the standard for polymer clay. Fimo comes in various forms, including Fimo Professional, Fimo Soft, and Fimo Kids, each catering to different needs and skill levels. The Fimo Professional line, for instance, features a 3-ounce block format and a comprehensive color mixing system. Despite some reports of shelf life issues, Fimo remains a high-quality choice for polymer clay enthusiasts. For more details on the best polymer clay brand, you can explore additional insights online.

Cernit

Cernit, a Belgian brand, is highly regarded among polymer clay artists for its exceptional strength and versatility. It is known for its firm yet manageable texture, minimal shrinkage, and a satin finish that avoids a plastic-like appearance. Cernit's Opaline line offers partial translucency, and the Cernit Pearl line, introduced in 2021, features intense, sparkly mica particles. In strength tests, Cernit often outperforms other brands like Premo, Kato, and Fimo Professional. Its popularity is evident in its widespread use among European and Russian artists. For an in-depth review, explore Cernit Polymer Clay.

Premo

Premo is highly regarded as one of the best polymer clay brands, known for its versatility and wide availability worldwide. It is an excellent all-purpose clay that holds its shape and details well, is easy to condition, and remains strong and flexible after baking. Premo offers a full range of bright and clean colors, including metallic, pearl, and translucent varieties. Despite some reports of inconsistent shelf life, buying fresh clay from reputable suppliers ensures optimal results. Premo is particularly favored for its performance in cold climates and is a top choice for both beginners and experienced artists.

Kato Polyclay

Kato Polyclay is a highly regarded brand in the polymer clay market, known for its firm, all-purpose, and professional quality clay. It is ideal for techniques like caning, faux stones, and fine detail work, and it can be cured at temperatures up to 300°F (150°C) without color change. Developed in collaboration with polymer clay artist Donna Kato and Van Aken International, Kato Polyclay is available in 18 colors, including neon, metallics, and translucent. Its strength after curing and resistance to color blending make it a favorite among artists. The polymer clay market, which includes Kato Polyclay, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2024 to 2031, driven by the increasing DIY and crafting culture. For a detailed comparison with other popular brands like Sculpey and Fimo, read the polymer clay review.

Staedtler

Staedtler Mars GmbH & Co. KG is a leading producer of polymer clay, known for its high-quality products such as the FIMO line, which has seen significant market traction. In 2019, Staedtler Mars introduced three new liquid colors to its FIMO line, enhancing its product offerings. The company's products are widely used in arts and crafts, jewelry making, and other decorative art objects. Staedtler Mars contributes to the global polymer clay market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% from 2024 to 2034, with the market valued at US$ 33.9 million in 2024. The brand's presence is particularly strong in regions like Europe and East Asia, where there is a high demand for polymer clay products.

Craft Smart

Craft Smart is a highly regarded brand in the polymer clay market, known for its pliable and easily conditionable clay that bakes to a flexible, durable finish. It offers a great variety of colors, including special effect clays, although the vibrant pigmentation can be messy. Despite this, the quality and affordability of Craft Smart clay make it a popular choice among crafters. The brand is particularly appreciated for its budget-friendly options, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Craft Smart clay is often compared favorably to other brands like Fimo and Sculpey in terms of performance and value. For more information on Craft Smart polymer clay, you can explore their products on Etsy.

Cosclay

Cosclay is a leading brand in the polymer clay market, known for its hybrid plastic/rubber polymer clay that retains flexibility and durability after curing, making it ideal for applications such as stop-motion characters, posable figures, and sculptures. Unlike other polymer clays, Cosclay's unique flexibility ensures it remains strong and resilient, suitable for heavy handling and shipping without breakage. Cosclay is 100% nontoxic, phthalate-free, and vegan-friendly, with no animal testing involved. It is available in 14 core colors and can be conditioned easily for optimal workability. Cosclay's innovative properties have redefined the approach to polymer clay art, offering endless creative possibilities.

Soufflé by Sculpey

Sculpey Souffle is an innovative, lightweight polymer clay by Polyform, known for its suede-like finish, exceptional strength, and flexibility. It is ideal for jewelry making, advanced techniques like mokume gane and caning, and suits various crafting projects. Available in 25 trendy colors, Souffle clay is remarkably opaque and does not exhibit color shift when baked. It is 15% lighter than other Sculpey clays and remains soft until baked at 275°F. This clay is also highly stretchy and suitable for all skill levels. For more detailed information about Sculpey Souffle, visit the Sculpey website.

Van Aken

Van Aken International is a leading producer in the polymer clay market, known for its high-quality products that cater to the growing demand for DIY and craft projects. The company, along with other key players like Staedtler Mars and Polyform Products, contributes to the market's projected growth, with the global polymer clay market expected to reach USD 37.1 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2023 to 2031. Van Aken International's products are popular among crafters and DIY enthusiasts due to their flexibility, ease of use, and vibrant color options. The company's presence in the market is significant, especially in regions like North America, which holds a substantial market share. The increasing demand for handcrafted goods and the large community of crafters further support the growth of Van Aken International's polymer clay products. For more detailed insights, explore the polymer clay market report.