Zart Oz Clay

• Colour: White
• Air-dries naturally – no kiln required
• Minimal shrinkage, making it ideal for armature-based sculptures
• Suitable for coiling, slab work, and hand-building techniques
• Can be used over newspaper balls, wire, and foil to construct larger forms
• Add water if the clay becomes too firm or starts cracking
• Once dry, paint with acrylics or apply softened pastels for a matte finish
• Weatherproof with UniLac varnish for outdoor display
• Store wrapped in plastic in a cool place when not in use
• Suitable for all ages, from primary to adult
• Australian-made

In the art room, Zart Oz Clay is ideal for sculpture, hand-building, and mixed-media projects. Students can explore coil, slab, and pinch techniques, or use it for mask-making, figurines, and decorative relief work. Its ability to layer over armatures makes it an excellent choice for large-scale projects, helping students build lightweight yet durable forms. Teachers can incorporate this clay into STEAM activities, encouraging experimentation with texture, structure, and surface finishes. Whether used for individual creations or collaborative artworks, this easy-to-use, air-drying clay supports creative learning across all year levels.

Working with Oz Clay
Oz Clay is the most ‘clay like’ material available when a kiln is not accessible. It is an Australian made air drying clay that has all the properties of normal clay and requires the same skills for modelling with clay yet it air dries.

Important features: Similar to real clay. Air dries with very little shrinkage so it can go over armatures such as newspaper balls, wire and foil to construct larger forms without using a large quantity of clay.

Small amounts of water will improve the clay’s plasticity if it is too hard or cracks while modelling. Untouched clay should be stored in a cool place in an airtight container. Left over clay should be stored in an airtight container separate from untouched clay to prevent contamination.

Allow models to dry slowly by partially covering with a plastic bag and slowly removing the bag more and more over a few days. This will help prevent cracking. Paint with acrylic paint or Langridge Decorative Finishes. Step-by-Step: Modelling over an Armature

Step 1: Scrunch up newspaper and bind with Masking Tape onto a Wooden Block Base.

Step 2: Flatten Oz Clay with hands.

Step 3: Drape flattened clay over the armature. Smooth out and add more clay as needed to cover broken areas.

Step 4: Build up facial features by adding coils and balls of clay to the face.

Step 5: Use clay tools, Satay Sticks or Popsticks to add details to the face.

Step 6: Clay can be smoothed when all details are finalised.

Tip: If your hands get dry while working, dip two fingers in water and rub around your hands to ensure you don’t over wet the clay. A damp sponge is also a great way to achieve a smooth even surface.

Step-by-Step: Building on a Pinch Pot

Step 1: Create a pinch pot from a mandarin size ball of Oz Clay.

Step 2: Scrunch up newspaper and place inside the pot to add stability when turned over. Modify the shape of the pot to suit your sculpture.

Step 3: Use the upside down pot as a starting point for a sculpture.

Step 4: Add and join pieces of clay. Use tools to create textures. Leave to dry then finish with paint, spray paint or varnish to achieve your desired effect.

Clay Joining Techniques

Option 1: Score each surface of the pieces to be joined together. Press firmly together.

Option 2: Smooth together surfaces that are to be joined, this can also be done by adding a coil.