To mix clay colors, start with clean hands, choose your base color and add small amounts of another color (or black/white) incrementally, kneading thoroughly until blended, using equal thickness for each color if using multiple for consistency, and record your recipes for future use. You can achieve new shades by mixing primaries (red+yellow=orange, etc.), or dull colors by adding their opposite on the color wheel or a touch of black for richer tones, adjusting ratios for desired intensity.
Take two primary color pieces and mix them in a 1:1 ratio. This step is a great visual to show how clay formulas can produce different hues of the “same” color. The result of mixing two primary colors often looks different from the brand's available-for-purchase secondary color.
How to Mix Brown – The Short Answer. The three primary colors (red, yellow, blue), when mixed, make brown.
Clay Stains
The acidity of the vinegar breaks down the clay a bit, and makes it sticky.
It is highly recommended to wait until the air dry clay is completely dry before painting. Applying paint on wet clay can result in smudging, uneven textures, and warping as the clay dries.
With this 3 basic colors you can create myriad of colors. For example, if you mix yellow and blue, you'll have green clay color. You'll have purple color by mixing red and blue and orange color by mixing red and yellow. You can also mix purple with yellow or green with yellow, and so on.
Mix baking soda into paints
After you have your paint colors mixed, sprinkle some baking soda into each color and mix thoroughly. The baking soda will make the paint look “fluffy,” but when it dries, you'll achieve a texture that resembles clay.
Here's what to do:
If you use all the primary colors: Red, blue and yellow in different proportions you will get a brown. It can be orange (yellow + red) and blue = brown. Or you can use green (yellow + blue) and red = brown. If you want the brown to be cooler, add more blue.
Both pigments and dyes can be used to color either white or translucent polymer clay. However, pigments are better for use with unbaked polymer clay because alcohol-based polymer clay dyes can negatively impact the clay's curing process.
Tempera Paint
You really can't go wrong by simply using the most affordable paint around to get that touch of color on clay. Give it a gloss by putting a coat of Mod Podge on top.
1. Choose the Best Sealer for Air-Dry Clay
Why I don't recommend this polymer clay: The colors aren't very appealing straight from the package, and they don't improve much when they're mixed. I have heard many stories about its pungent smell, and I would have to agree.
I frequently get asked the question if it's possible to reuse the clay. Yes, this is definitely possible! Make sure to store it in an airthight container or box to prevent it from drying out or becoming moldy #plastercasting #botanicalart.
If you want a deep, vivid color, try artists' quality acrylic or oil paint. Food coloring or icing coloring will give similar results as acrylic and tempera. If you want a pastel or very light color, try pastel chalk. You can also buy readymade clay colorants, but they come in limited colors and can be expensive.
Unused Crayola® Air-Dry Clay can be stored in an airtight container for 3-12 months. Avoid storing clay with added water. If you have additional questions, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to call or text us at 1-800-CRAYOLA weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time.