The best modelling pastes in the UK 2023

Play dough helps unleash your child's creativity. Touching, rolling and squishing the dough allows for sensory development and improves fine motor skills. That said, not all varieties of play dough are safe for children. Read our guide to safely choosing the right play dough for your child's needs.

CROSOFMI No-Bake Clay Modeler 1
8/10

Best value for money

CROSOFMI No-Bake Clay Modeler

The best modeling clay

Soft and easy to shape, this magic clay dries quickly in the air. It is composed of 24 colors kit, including accessories and tools. The kit is stored separately in a box for easy storage.

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The main ingredients of this play dough are baking powder, water and food coloring, which are totally non-toxic and environmentally friendly, and do not irritate children's skin. They are non-edible so not compatible with children under 36 months.

Super light and colorful, this clay comes with air-dry clay making tools and fun accessories, as well as instructions for making unicorns, burgers and clay paintings. This allows your child to do crafts, creative arts and more. In addition, the kit also contains extra small pieces to make charms for phones or even keychains.

Play-Doh - Pate A Modeler - La Pizzeria 2
6/10

Best value for money

Play-Doh - Pate A Modeler - La Pizzeria

The best entry-level modeling clay

It's a wonderful discovery that you and your child will make with this Play-Doh pizzeria. It comes complete with accessories and five clay pots to let your imagination run wild.

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This play dough kit is full of ingenious accessories. You will find the dough roller, the moulds in the shape of pepperoni, carrots, shrimps, the spaghetti press, the pizza cutter and peel, the turntables, etc. A real treat for the kids. The oven is the icing on the cake of this educational and interactive toy for children. When your child positions the pizza in the oven and lifts the handle, the pizza will spring out and spin around. This well thought out and funny feature will be very appreciated by children.

The dough is easy to use with the provided molds and allows to have a dozen of funny toppings. Finally, this product will be a great buy for the youngest and the oldest. Very well finished and fun, it will be a great gift that will spark imagination, fun and joy in your children. The set is very intuitive and is a good set for creating around food.

Staedtler FIMO-Pack of 26 Modelling Clay Loaves 3
7/10

Best premium value for money

Staedtler FIMO-Pack of 26 Modelling Clay Loaves

The best high-end modeling clay

It is a box composed of 26 loaves of modeling dough. It requires the use of an oven at 110 ° c for 30 minutes to obtain a really hard dough. The modeling clay loaves weigh 57 g each.

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This play dough can be stored in its airtight plastic box at room temperature for up to 24 months. It has been tested by independent toxicologists, is odorless and meets CE standards. The dough is non-toxic to children and users, however, it is not recommended for children under 3 years old.

This modeling clay can be used for different purposes such as making jewelry, accessories, toys, figurines, decorative objects for the home, etc. Each loaf comes with cutting tools and laces. This polymer clay is available in 11 assorted colors. To keep the dough soft and light, it should not be exposed to the sun. The more the dough is exposed to temperature, the more it will harden. This is why it is perfect for making jewelry with your child.

Play-Doh - 36 pots of Modelling Clay 4
8/10

The best alternative choice

Play-Doh - 36 pots of Modelling Clay

The best alternative modeling clay

This is a kit composed of 36 jars of modeling clay combined in this box. You have a multitude of colors with this product and you can combine the colors as you wish.

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These pastes hold up pretty well over time, the jars are medium sized. You will have a few extra duplicates that you can use as replacements in case some pieces harden faster than expected. You'll have a very colorful assortment for unlimited creativity. As with other modeling pastes, this product will allow you to create different objects with your child, to develop his imagination and his motor skills.

All the dough is delivered in a simple and recyclable packaging, easy to open. The pots and lids are recyclable and contribute to a sustainable world. The toy is perfect for children from 3 years old, it is safe and complies with the European safety standard for toys for young children.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best play dough

Any specific needs?

The best modeling clay

The best entry-level modeling clay

The best high-end modeling clay

The best alternative modeling clay

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best modelling pastes

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE ALTERNATIVE
CROSOFMI No-Bake Clay Modeler 5
8/10
Play-Doh - Pate A Modeler - La Pizzeria 6
6/10
Staedtler FIMO-Pack of 26 Modelling Clay Loaves 7
7/10
Play-Doh - 36 pots of Modelling Clay 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
CROSOFMI No-Bake Clay Modeler
Play-Doh - Pate A Modeler - La Pizzeria
Staedtler FIMO-Pack of 26 Modelling Clay Loaves
Play-Doh - 36 pots of Modelling Clay
Soft and easy to shape, this magic clay dries quickly in the air. It is composed of 24 colors kit, including accessories and tools. The kit is stored separately in a box for easy storage.
It's a wonderful discovery that you and your child will make with this Play-Doh pizzeria. It comes complete with accessories and five clay pots to let your imagination run wild.
It is a box composed of 26 loaves of modeling dough. It requires the use of an oven at 110 ° c for 30 minutes to obtain a really hard dough. The modeling clay loaves weigh 57 g each.
This is a kit composed of 36 jars of modeling clay combined in this box. You have a multitude of colors with this product and you can combine the colors as you wish.
24-color kit
Creative set around food
26 loaves of play dough
36 jars of modeling clay
Non-toxic to children
Complete pizzeria kit
Keeps at room temperature and comes with an airtight plastic box
Colors can be combined
Super light and colorful
Dough and accessories are easy to use
Each loaf weighs 57g
Some duplicate colors for replacement

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Buying guide - play dough

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How to choose your play dough

#1 - Design and age range

For children, there are different types of modeling clay depending on the age group. For the very young (less than 2 years), the modelling doughs which are appropriate for them are those which can be eaten. In fact, this already exists. At this age, children love to put in their mouths various objects to take into account its shape. Thus, it would be very dangerous for the baby if it was in contact with modeling clay compatible for adults.

For children from 2 to 3 years old, consider buying extra soft dough to improve their sense of touch and sight. Beyond the age of 3, your children will need to be creative and use their imagination. For this, consider giving them a more durable modeling clay that is compatible for shaping and modeling.

#2 - The use

In

fact, before you buy any, you need to know for whom and for what purpose to use it. The different types of modeling clay exist even for children, they are not the same, because they evolve according to the evolution of the age group of children. Thus, the use must be determined beforehand to facilitate your task with your purchases. Also, if the modeling clay is only used for kneading, the texture will be different from those used for shaping, rolling, or even molding.

#3 - Kit components

The

first kit is without context the modeling clay pots. There are packs of 4 or 5 or even depending on the model. In addition, also check the mass ranging from 50g to 200g or so. Other essential accessories for your children are special scissors, knives and rollers that will be used to work and cut the dough properly according to your child's imagination. There are also modeling doughs that come with cutters to cut and remove doughs of a certain shape in one go. In addition, there are also pastes that come with figures and molds of different shapes. The molds are used to create different geometric shapes, animal shapes and many more.

#4 - Colour variety

As this is

an item to spark the curiosities of the very little ones and to accentuate the creativity and imagination of the older ones, then the varieties of colors are something to consider. Indeed, children are much more attracted to colorful objects. Colors give them more joy and help them maintain emotional stability. Colors also allow them to be more creative and express their feelings more.

Why should your child play with play dough?

Play dough provides great entertainment for children. It allows them to let their imagination run wild and create all kinds of characters. It is one of the most popular toys for toddlers and undoubtedly also for parents who are looking for an entertaining and educational hobby for their children.

Play dough is ideal for parents who are looking for creative ideas to entertain their children. Playing with this material also helps develop a child's fine motor skills. The creative possibilities with play dough are endless. This allows children to spend many hours playing with it without getting bored. This promotes the application of creativity and imagination.

The different types of modelling pastes

Oil-based modelling pastes

They are made from various combinations of oils, waxes and clay minerals. Because oils do not evaporate like water does. Oil-based clays remain malleable even when left for long periods in dry environments. Items made from oil-based clays cannot be fired and are therefore not ceramics.

Because the viscosity of oils decreases as temperature increases, malleability is affected by heating or cooling the clay. Oil-based clays can be heated, melted and then poured. Oil-based clay is not water soluble. It can be reused and is therefore a popular material for animation artists who need to bend and move their models. It is available in a multitude of colors and is non-toxic. However, some oil-based clays contain sulfur, which prevents some silicone mold rubbers from hardening.

Polymer modelling pastes

Polymer-based clay is a type of curable modeling clay made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer. It usually does not contain clay minerals, but a liquid is added to the dry particles until it reaches gel-like working properties, the piece is placed in an oven to harden. This clay is typically used to make arts and crafts, and is also used in commercial applications to make decorative pieces.

Modelling clay or finger paint for children

Modelling clay

Modelling clay is a modelling material used for children's games. Some are water-based and will dry out if not covered. Others are intended to be baked into a permanent shape. Easy to use and reusable, play doughs help to stimulate your child's imagination and feed it. They are also easy to clean and do not mess.

Finger paint for children

Finger painting is a great way for little ones to learn and play. They will enjoy the process of creating art with their hands and use their imagination to come up with ideas that they can paint on paper. It also teaches self-expression and can help toddlers develop gross motor skills. Although finger paint can be quite messy, it is water soluble and washes off skin and most fabrics easily.

Verdict

Both products are very popular with children, whether it's play dough or finger paint. So the choice is entirely yours. They cost about the same too. But if you're looking for something that doesn't get too messy and doesn't require a lot of washing, look into modeling clay. If not, finger paints will also do the trick.

Tips

Remember to warm your hands before handling the clay

The more the clay is in contact with the air, the harder it becomes. So, to keep it as soft as possible, take a few minutes to squish and knead a small piece of clay between your hands at the beginning of a project. It will warm your hands and soften the clay. Teach this to your children as well.

Remember to mix colors

Modeling clay comes in many colors, but you can make even more by mixing colors. For example: a small amount of red and yellow play dough kneaded together will slowly turn orange. Adding white makes the colors lighter, black makes them darker. Brown, red, white and yellow can be combined in different amounts to give flesh tones. Partially mixed colors have a marbled look that can also be used for interesting effects.

Choose pasta that does not crumble

The

reason a modeling clay doesn't crumble or break into small pieces when children handle it is that it is oil-based. Modelling doughs from another base tend to stick to any surface they are put on. Also, they harden quickly and you have to vacuum them off. That's why, before you make your purchase consider reading the small instructions on the box or package and look for the word "oil".

Remember to choose non-toxic modeling clay for your children

There

are adult modeling pastes that can be used for relief art and the like. These products may contain ingredients that are toxic to children. So when shopping, be sure to choose only those intended for children. Next, make sure to detect that the product has been certified as child safe and that it has been manufactured according to the safety standard for children's toys. This is very important, as your child's hands will be in direct contact with the play dough.

Choose the right level of hardness for your child's project

The playdoughs are available in 4 levels of hardness: soft, medium, medium-firm, and hard. Modeling pastes with a "soft" level of hardness are best for projects with your children. They are generally intended to make larger or smaller items and will be easier for little hands to handle. You'll be able to make larger projects with firmer textured doughs as your child grows.

FAQ

What is the best modeling clay?

The best modeling clay depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.

How do you keep your play dough?

It is clear that modelling clay can easily harden. Flexibility and elasticity are quickly lost when the dough is handled too much. The trick to restoring this elasticity and suppleness is to keep the dough cold for several months by protecting it with an airtight package. This is to prevent any external factor from affecting it.

Once hardened, how do you soften the dough?

Several techniques are used to soften the dough. The most commonly used technique is to cover the dough with a baby wipe, squeezing it tightly to prevent air from entering. The moisture from the wipe will absorb into the dough and bring it to life. You can also use the technique of putting the clay on your heater and leaving it on for about two minutes. The dough will immediately take on its original shape, even smoother. There are many more techniques, but the two mentioned above are the most common.

How do I get modeling clay off my clothes?

When the clay comes into contact with another object, it tends to stick. To do this, first use a sharp or smooth-tipped object to loosen as much of the clay as possible. Then look for isopropanol and pour some of it on the affected surface. Then wait for the alcohol to soak in. And still using the knife and the alcohol, remove the encrusted paste. As soon as it is done, wash and dry the garment to make it look like new. However, some pastes cannot be removed when the level of incrustation is important.

Is it possible to make modelling clay yourself?

Yes, homemade play dough is possible. Mix cornstarch, salt, baking powder and flour in a pan. When the mixture is well done, add little by little water and oil so that the mixture is quite uniform. Then put the mixture on a low heat and mix regularly to obtain a thicker dough. As soon as the thickness is reached, wait for the dough to cool before kneading it. Then mash a piece by hand until the dough is smoother and less rough. To colour the dough, use gel or liquid colouring and make sure that the colouring is well integrated into the dough on both sides.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  20. , fr.wikihow.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
CROSOFMI No-Bake Clay Modeler 9
CROSOFMI No-Bake Clay Modeler
Play-Doh - Pate A Modeler - La Pizzeria 10
Play-Doh - Pate A Modeler - La Pizzeria
Staedtler FIMO-Pack of 26 Modelling Clay Loaves 11
Staedtler FIMO-Pack of 26 Modelling Clay Loaves
Play-Doh - 36 pots of Modelling Clay 12
Play-Doh - 36 pots of Modelling Clay

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