Craft clay can be found in a number of different make-ups, from polymer clays which need to be baked, to continuously flexible clays which can be used again and again. Falling between the two and bridging the gap in ease of use, is air drying clay.
What is Air Drying Clay?
Air drying clay is an air-hardening, sculpting material that can be used to create figurines, jewelry or free standing sculptures. When the material has dried thoroughly, the finished piece can be sanded, drilled, painted, varnished or even sawed. Even thin, delicate creations will be ridge and very hard when dried, resisting breaking, crumbling or cracking.
Children who wish to save their creations and adults who are looking for a soft, easy to use material to begin their crafting practice can both use air drying clay with ease.
Tips for Working with Air Drying Clay
Most air dry clays are extremely flexible straight out of their container. This is beneficial over polymer clays which frequently need to be warmed, and kneaded to a pliable texture. The material begins to dry almost as soon as it comes in contact with air, becoming stiffer over time, until it reaches its final, rigid state. To make the most of the clay, try the following techniques.
- Roll the clay out on a damp surface by wetting down the worktable with a sponge first
- Keep a bowl of water nearby, and frequently dip fingers into it to continually moisten the clay while working
- Cover pieces of clay not currently being used with a wet paper towel
- Score pieces of clay to be joined together with a tooth pick or knife, and wet down the two areas before joining
- Use a damp sponge to smooth the surface of the clay to remove finger prints, or unwanted texture left behind by paper towels or clay tools
- Use a wire armature, or flexible wire mesh, and drape thin pieces of clay over them for free standing pieces
- Keep thin, flat pieces of clay from curling up when drying by laying a heavy object on top after approximately 2 hours of drying time has dried the surface to avoid marks
- Flip the pieces over while drying to expose the underside after approximately 12 hours to help speed the drying process
- Paint finished pieces using acrylic paint, or decorate them with markers
Air drying, sculpting clay can be used to make nearly any decorative object the user can think of. It makes a great beginners clay for those who are unused to jewelry making, or who just want to get a feel for the craft. Try using air drying clay the next time a craft project is started and create beautiful art with ease.
Sarabeth Asaff - Sarabeth Asaff is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for cooking and good food. Growing up in the kitchen of her Lebanese ...
