5 Best Paints for Polymer Clay in 2023: Creating with Colors

Unleashing Creativity with Vibrant Colors

Polymer clay is a versatile and a popular art medium used for crafting intricate sculptures, jewelry, and other artistic creations. There are relatively few additional costs, other than the raw clay and the paint. Polymer clay is not air dry clay and does require baking in a home oven before painting.  Polymer clay contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a base and may contain other polymers, resins, and fillers. The clay can come in white, which is what we use, or as a colored clay.  There are several different brands of polymer clay, most of which can be picked up at your local art or craft supply store. 

 At Inspiration Haven Art Studio we often do polymer clay projects and have found it to be one of the kid's favorite activates. Painting clay is rewarding and brings your project to life.  At our studio we bake the clay in a home oven for our young artists in between classes allowing them to create their sculpture in one class and paint the surface of the clay the next. This has lead to a question we are often asked. What is the best polymer clay paint? It is important to note that in order to elevate the visual appeal of polymer clay projects, selecting the right type of paint is crucial. There are many different types of paint available, and it can be challenging to determine which paints work best on polymer clay. In this blog post, we explore some of the best choices when it comes to types of paint.  We will highlight their unique qualities and providing guidance to unleash your creativity with vibrant colors.

        1.      Acrylic Paints:
Acrylic paints are a popular choice for painting polymer clay due to their versatility and accessibility.  At Inspiration Haven we feel like acrylic paints are the best choice when finishing up a clay project. Acrylic paint is a water-based paint which means they will dry quicker than other types of paint, such as oil paint. Acrylics come in a wide range of colors, including metallics and specialty finishes, offering endless possibilities for customization. Because acrylic paints are a water-based paint, they bond well to the surface of the clay, and they dry relatively quickly.  This will allow for layering and adding intricate details. Applying a thin layer of the paint often yields the fastest results.  Many people assume that because water-based paints tend to be the industry standard, that water color paints can be used.  We recommend you do not use water color paints, as the added heat from baking the raw clay can lead to mishaps. Here at Inspiration Haven Art Studio we have found that acrylic paint is the best  type of paint and we use recommend it when asked. We have found that acrylics are the easiest to use and provide for good results. A good acrylic sealer will ensure that the paint remains vibrant for a long time to come. Well what is the best type of acrylic paint?  That is a discussion for another day.
        2.      Alcohol Inks:
Alcohol inks provide an alternative approach to painting polymer clay, yielding stunning and good results. These highly pigmented liquid dyes are known for their vibrant colors and transparent nature. When applied to the surface of the clay, alcohol inks create striking patterns, gradients, and vibrant effects. The inks can be blended, layered, and manipulated using alcohol or blending solutions to achieve desired effects. It’s important to note that alcohol inks should be sealed with a varnish or sealer to protect the surface and provide best results.
   3.      Powdered Pigments:
Powdered pigments, such as mica powder or powdered metallics, offer a wide range of dazzling effects for polymer clay projects. These finely ground pigments can be mixed with various mediums, such as clear varnish, alcohol, or water, to create custom paints. Powdered pigments provide a shimmering, metallic, or iridescent finish, adding depth and dimension to polymer clay creations. They can be applied directly or brushed onto the surface of the clay, and they are often sealed with a varnish or sealer for durability and best results.
        4.      Oil Paints:
Oil paints can be used to achieve a distinct look on polymer clay. They offer rich, vibrant colors and have a longer drying time, allowing for blending and creating subtle gradients. If you are looking for a glossy look then oil paints may be your best option. Oil paints do take a long time to dry or "cure".  This can be anywhere from a few days to a month. Oil paints can be applied directly onto polymer clay surface or mixed with a compatible medium, such as oil-based varnishes or thinners. Keep in mind that oil paints require thorough drying and curing time and may benefit from a final varnish or sealer to protect the painted surface.  As with acrylic paints be sure to always apply a thin layer on the clay surface to achieve the best results and quickest drying time.
        5.      Paint Pens:
Paint pens, such as acrylic paint pens or oil-based markers, provide precision and convenience when painting on polymer clay. If you are looking for ease of use than these are the types of paint you want. These pens offer control and ease of application, making them suitable for adding fine details, patterns, or outlining the surface of the clay. They come in a variety of colors and tip sizes, allowing for versatility in design and bond well with the clay. Paint pens may require sealing with a varnish or sealer to get the best results. This type of paint is best if you want to keep the mess at a minimum and keep the polymer clay project simple,


Selecting the best type of paint for your polymer clay project is crucial to enhance the visual impact and bring your artistic vision to life. Whether you opt for acrylic paints, alcohol inks, powdered pigments, oil paints, or paint pens, each option offers unique properties and effects. Experimentation and personal preference play a vital role in finding the best paint for your creative endeavors. We encourage you to explore all the options and figure out which type of paint is best for you.  Remember to seal your painted polymer clay projects with a varnish or sealer to protect the painted surface of the clay to achieve  long-lasting beauty. With the right type of paint in hand, you can unleash your creativity and transform polymer clay into an inspirational work of art.