Coat it with primer. Even when dry, the air-dry clay remains prone to dents and scratches. To strengthen its surface, coat it with a few layers of primer. It works wonders forming a smooth and sturdy exterior.
Use a polymer clay sealer: This is a quick and easy way to harden modeling clay. Just brush on a thin layer of sealer and allow it to dry. Your clay will be harder and more durable, but it will still be somewhat flexible. Dip in resin: This method is best for jewelry or other small pieces that must be water-resistant.
It is virtually unbreakable and waterproof after drying. The clay color is white like ceramic, and is like porcelain when finished with a sealer or super gloss varnish.
Can you make air dry clay waterproof? No, but you can make it water-resistant using a glaze, waterproof sealant or varnish. This doesn't mean you can leave your clay to soak in a bowl of water but it does mean you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
Air Dry Clay is primarily a water based product. The longer it is out of the packaging and in the open air, the more moisture will evaporate from it. Most often times too much moisture evaporating from the clay is the reason for cracks.
Both Model Magic and Air-Dry Clay can be sealed once your piece is completely dry. Both products generally take 24 hours to dry to the touch; 72 hours to dry completely. Once dry, an acrylic varnish can be used. We recommend testing its compatibility before applying it to a finished piece.
You can seal your painted air-dry clay using a spray-on acrylic sealer. Resin is also an option but you can also find acrylic paints that carry their own sealant properties.
After your creations are completely dry, it's time to seal them! Clay is porous, the air dry clay will become pliable again if exposed to water or moisture. Sealing the clay will prevent this from occurring.
The best option to provide a water-resistant, durable seal on air dry clay objects is to use a polyurethane or acrylic sealer. These provide a durable, water-resistant finish to protect the air dry clay and prevent it from yellowing.
Air-dry clays were developed for artists who desire the integrity of clay but do not have easy access to a kiln. Most air-dry clays are mineral based and have properties comparable to those of traditional clays. They harden within a few days and do not need to be fired to create a permanent form.
With sculpting materials like bronze and ceramic often the medium of choice, an air dry clay that is archival (or museum-quality) can reassure collectors, and also give you piece of mind that in 20 years the sculpture will not disintegrate.
Air dry clay is a simple sculpting medium with multiple benefits. Though it can't be kiln-fired, you can still create a radiant, high-gloss surface using sealants, including epoxy resin, clear spray paint, Mod Podge, or a clay varnish.
There are many ways to seal your Air-Dry clay, the most popular one is properly sealing it with Mod Podge or another white crafts glue.
Simply apply 3 layers of acrylic paint to your dried clay piece, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. SEALING TIP: Use a Flat Taklon bristle brush to evenly coat your clay piece with Paint or Sealer.
Can You Paint Air-Dry Clay Before it Dries? No, you need to wait for the clay to fully dry before you begin painting. By painting the clay while it is still wet, you run the risk of altering the clay item and causing cracks. However, you can color or dye the clay with paint before it dries by kneading in the paint.
Creating air dry clay sculptures involves a unique blend of experimentation and time-tested artistic techniques. If you plan to paint your masterpiece, it's essential to prepare your surface with priming.
This is ideal as you don't need to worry about having to work fast – you can take your time sculpting the clay before setting it aside to dry. Air-dry clay takes between 24-48 hours to dry, depending on the brand or size of the project. Smaller air dry clay projects will dry much quicker than larger projects.
You can make anything you want with air-dry clay but any bowls, plates or mugs made with air dry clay are for decorative purposes only and are not food-safe, as it is a type of clay designed to be left unsealed and is not watertight or food safe.
Also air dry clay should never be exposed to high heat. This can cause the clay to become flammable and will cause cracks to appear on the final product because it was dried too quickly. You could bake it on a very low heat but it is not advisable.