Sio-2 PLUS White Clay
3,03 € Tax incl.
Sio-2 PLUS White Clay is a natural air-drying clay that reaches a hardness comparable to fired ceramics, with no kiln required. Its formula with natural cellulose fibres ensures even, crack-free drying even in large-volume pieces, and its fine texture allows very precise detail work both by hand and on a potter's wheel.
Technical specifications
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material type | Natural clay with cellulose fibres |
| Colour | White |
| Drying | Air-dry, no firing required |
| Result after drying | High hardness, similar to fired ceramics |
| Finishing options | Paintable, varnishable, sandable, carvable, drillable |
| Working techniques | Hand modelling, potter's wheel |
| Cleanup | With water on hands, clothing and surfaces |
| Odour | Odourless |
| Safety | Compliant with EN-71 (Europe) and AP non-toxic seal (USA). Suitable from age 3 |
| Shelf life in original packaging | Minimum 2 years |
| Available formats | 500 g, 1 kg, 1.5 kg, 5 kg and 10 kg |
What it is used for
Sio-2 PLUS White Clay is a versatile clay that covers everything from educational use to professional artistic production. Its white colour makes it an ideal base for painted finishes, as it does not alter the tone of paints applied afterwards. It is particularly well suited in contexts where colour reproducibility and a clean finish are required.
- Sculptural modelling and creation of decorative pieces
- Work on the potter's wheel
- Making figures, masks and scale models
- Plastic arts in schools, workshops and creative centres
- Prototypes and study models
- Crafts and creative art projects for all ages
- Base for pieces that will be painted or varnished in light or vivid finishes
- Fine detail work: clay jewellery, miniatures, elaborate textures
How to use it
- Open the container and take out the amount of clay you need. Seal the container tightly to preserve the rest.
- Knead the clay with your hands until it reaches a uniform, plastic consistency. If it feels slightly dry, add a few drops of water and work it in until fully incorporated.
- Model the piece by hand or on a potter's wheel. The clay accepts slips, joins with slip (clay diluted in water) and additions while still wet.
- To join two pieces, moisten the contact surfaces and press firmly together. On large pieces, reinforce the join with a coil of clay along the seam.
- Leave the piece to air-dry in a place free from strong draughts. Drying time varies with thickness: thin pieces dry in a few hours; large pieces may take several days.
- Once completely dry, the piece will have reached maximum hardness. You can sand, drill, carve or polish as required for the desired finish.
- Apply the paint or varnish of your choice. The white surface accepts acrylics, tempera, watercolours, oil paints and water- or solvent-based varnishes with no primer needed.
Usage tips
Storing unused material
The clay should be kept in its original container, tightly sealed. If some time will pass between uses, wrap the block in plastic film before closing the container. If the clay has partially dried out, cut it into small pieces, moisten with water, wrap in plastic and leave to rest for 24 hours: it will regain plasticity without any loss of quality.
Controlled drying for large pieces
For large-volume pieces or those with very uneven wall thickness, cover the piece with a thin sheet of plastic for the first 24–48 hours to slow surface drying. This allows the interior and exterior to dry more evenly, reducing the risk of cracks. Hollow out interiors whenever possible before the final drying stage.
Finishes and painting
The white colour of Sio-2 PLUS White Clay is a direct advantage when it comes to painting: colours come out pure and saturated with no need for a primer coat. If you want a bright, durable finish, apply a water-based varnish after painting. For a matt, porous finish, leave the piece unvarnished or use a diluted satin varnish. If you want an aged or stone-like effect, apply a very diluted acrylic paint wash over the unpainted piece and remove the excess with a cloth.
Frequently asked questions
Does the piece need to be fired in a kiln to harden?
No. Sio-2 PLUS White Clay hardens completely in air with no firing of any kind required. Once dry, it reaches a hardness comparable to fired ceramics. This makes it especially convenient for use at home, in the classroom or in the workshop without the need for any special equipment.
Can cracks that appear during drying be repaired?
Yes. If cracks appear during drying (usually caused by drying too quickly or unevenly), you can fill them with fresh clay mixed with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste into the crack, smooth with damp fingers and leave to dry again more slowly. To prevent cracking in the first place, follow the controlled-drying tip using plastic on large pieces.
What paints can be used on dry clay?
Sio-2 PLUS White Clay accepts virtually any type of paint once dry: acrylics, tempera, watercolours, oil paints and enamels. The natural white colour of the clay means colours come out true without the need for a primer. To protect the applied paint, a final coat of water- or solvent-based varnish is recommended, depending on the desired finish.
Is it safe for children to use?
Yes. Sio-2 PLUS White Clay complies with European toy safety standard EN-71 and carries the AP non-toxic seal under US regulations. It is suitable for use from age 3. It contains no harmful substances, is odourless and cleans up easily with water, making it highly suitable for educational and family settings.
How long does a piece take to dry?
Drying time depends primarily on the thickness of the piece and environmental conditions (temperature and humidity). Thin, small pieces can dry in a few hours. Larger pieces or those with thick walls may require between 24 hours and several days. Gradual drying is recommended, away from direct heat sources and without strong air currents, for the best results.
Can it be used on a potter's wheel?
Yes. Sio-2 PLUS White Clay has the plasticity needed for throwing on a potter's wheel, as well as being suitable for hand modelling. Its fine, even texture makes it easy to work on the wheel and to create precision details by hand.
Which format is most cost-effective for workshops or intensive use?
The 5 kg and 10 kg formats offer the lowest cost per kilo and are designed specifically for schools, workshops and intensive-use sessions. The smaller 500 g and 1 kg formats are ideal for experimenting, working on individual projects or testing finishes and colours before scaling up to larger productions.
Can it be combined with other clays in the same range?
Yes. The clays in the Sio-2 range are compatible with each other when worked wet. You can mix the white version with the Sio-2 PLUS Terracotta Clay to obtain intermediate tones, or combine textures with the Sio-2 ARGILA range. The key is that all pieces being joined are at the same moisture level to ensure good adhesion.