Tips for air clay!
And a little bit of our experience.
Working with air-dry clay is a creative, hands-on way to craft beautiful pieces. It’s versatile and beginner-friendly, but there are definitely some tricks to ensure you get the best results.
Here’s a playful guide to help you master air-dry clay like a pro:
1. Keep it moist:
Air-dry clay tends to dry out quickly, so it's essential to keep it moist while working. A little spray bottle of water is your BFF here. In our case we use a brush with water.
2. Don’t rush the drying process
Air-dry clay dries through evaporation, so rushing the process can cause cracks. Patience is key—let it dry naturally, usually 24-72 hours depending on thickness.
3. Sand for a smooth finish
Once fully dry, you can sand air-dry clay to get that perfect, smooth finish. Use fine-grit sandpaper to polish out any imperfections.
4. Seal it to protect
Air-dry clay is porous when dried, so if you're using it for a project that might encounter moisture, sealing is a must. Acrylic paint, varnish, or mod podge works perfectly. This also adds a nice finish and enhances the durability.
5. Combine with other materials
Don't be afraid to mix in other elements like wood, wire, or beads. Air-dry clay pairs well with different materials. Just make sure everything adheres well—using glue on fully dried clay works great for adding final touches.
6. Plan ahead for holes (jewelry alert!)
If you’re making jewelry or hanging pieces, plan ahead and poke holes in the clay while it’s still wet. You can use straws, toothpicks, or any slim tool to create clean, even holes.
7. Coloring your clay
You can mix acrylic paints or dry pigments directly into the wet clay to give it a consistent color. Alternatively, once your piece is dry, you can paint it with acrylics for a vibrant finish. I usually wait until it dries, but if you are just going to use one color you can do it when it's wet!
8. Don’t forget the storage
When you're not working with the clay, seal it tightly in an airtight bag or container to prevent it from drying out prematurely. Add a damp paper towel inside the bag to keep the moisture level just right.
In our experience, working with clay can be challenging at times and surprisingly easy on other occasions! Through trial and error, we’ve learned to improve our techniques and now work with clay more confidently. The key is preparation—having everything ready before starting, like cleaning the workspace and organizing tools. Allowing the clay ample time to dry properly is also essential to avoid issues.
Colors play a crucial role in our projects, and we always make sure everything is perfectly set for production. Initially, we faced problems with clay cracking or twisting, but over time, our results improved as we refined our process and invested in the right tools.
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Website: hiddenspot.nl
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hidden-spot/