Are There Safe to Touch White Clays for Permanent Play without Drying?

When considering white clays that can be used for permanent play without drying, the options can be limited but promising. Depending on your definition of 'drying,' some clays won't harden through traditional methods, making them ideal for your needs.

Understanding the Types of Safe Clays

When talking about clays that don't harden, we have a few options: polymer clay, plasticine clay, and air-dry clay. However, the definition of 'drying' specifically refers to hardening. Out of these, the only clays that ‘won’t harden’ are air-dry clays and epoxy clays, but epoxy clays typically require mixing and curing.

Air-Dry Clay

Air-dry clays do not require heat or a chemical reaction to harden; they merely dry out over time. However, if you're looking for a clay that stays pliable and doesn't harden, you might want to look into other options. Some versions of air-dry clay can be eaten, but they will still begin to harden when exposed to air.

Plasticine Clay

Plasticine-type clay is another option, but it can never be hardened through traditional methods. It's ideal for stop-motion animation or creating temporary models. High-quality brands like Van Aken’s Plastalina or Claytoons are available in neutral colors, but it’s unclear whether they come in white. Cheaper options, intended for children, might not be as high-quality.

Polymer Clay

_polymer clay is a popular choice and comes in many brands and lines. It can be used for a variety of projects, and the 'white' version is widely available. Raw polymer clay doesn't harden until it's been heated or exposed to UV light long-term. Technically, it cures rather than dries. The cheapest line of polymer clay, called original Sculpey or Polyform, comes in white and can be purchased in various sizes, up to 25 lbs.

Choosing the Right Clay

Polymer clay is the most versatile and widely used type of clay for creative projects. It needs to be conditioned before use to ensure smoothness and pliability. Conditioning involves mixing any settled ingredients and making the clay somewhat softer. This becomes particularly important when you’re opting for a ‘soft’ clay like original Sculpey.

Key Brands of Polymer Clay

Other brands/lines of polymer clay also offer white, but the consistency can vary. For instance, Sculpey III, Bakeshop Craftsmart Souffle, and Cernit are all known for their capabilities, especially in terms of detail work. It's important to read product details to see which brand might best suit your needs.

Storage and Safety Considerations

Both polymer clay and plasticine-type clay are oil-based. This means they should not be left on absorbent surfaces, as they can leave oily spots. Clear hard plastics can interact with oil-based clays, so care should be taken to ensure proper storage. However, all of these clays are definitely 'safe' to touch. You should avoid using your fingers after handling the clay or sucking on them, as they are not meant to be ingested.

Further Information

For those interested in learning more about polymer clay, there are several resources available. My polymer clay 'encyclopedia' site, for instance, has a comprehensive table-of-contents page with detailed information on various types of clay, their benefits, and usage.

Keywords: polymer clay, air-dry clay, plasticine clay

Note: Always handle these materials with care and follow safety guidelines provided by manufacturers.