Bake It! The fastest and most effective way to dry Creative Paperclay (and it can be applied to similar clays, such as La Doll), is actually to bake it in a standard oven. Game changer. Creative Paperclay is non-toxic, and unlike polymer clay, it does not generate fumes as it's baked.
Mix in some PVA glue
You can incorporate some PVA glue directly into the small chunk of clay and knead it. Or mix the glue with water and use this mixture instead of clear water while sculpting. This trick makes the clay very firm and durable. It'll be harder to sand, but it works great for most areas.
In a bowl, mix a ratio of 80% PVA glue to 20% water to create a creamy consistency, and then coat your fully dried clay piece, and allow the sealer mixture to dry. Once you have applied your PVA glue mixture or acrylic medium, you can then apply 3 coats of acrylic paint to seal your work.
They harden within a few days and do not need to be fired to create a permanent form. Air-dry clay vessels and sculptures are more fragile than traditional kiln-fired ceramics, but they can be sealed and strengthened with shellac and paint.
What is the best sealant for air dry clay? 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.
The Horror, The Horror: Air Dry Clay Cracks
Your air dry clay sculpture is most likely going to crack. Accept it. Cracking is normal in air dry clays: it's caused by shrinkage because of the loss of the water inside the clay body.
Paper Fiber in Clay
You can also add paper fibers to your clay body or use paper clay. This Porcelain Paper Clay helps to prevent the clay from cracking when drying.
Water can be added to Air-Dry Clay to soften or join pieces. If too much water is added and clay is very soft, allow excess to evaporate before molding pieces; otherwise, cracking may result. Check frequently to determine when the clay achieves the desired workability.
Depending on environmental conditions, it can take 24-48 hours to dry. If part of your project is against your work surface the entire time, moisture is trapped underneath and it will take even longer to dry. Be sure to flip your project over to ensure all parts get exposure to air and dry thoroughly.
Can Air-Dry Clay Be Frozen? The answer is yes; This is because air-dry clay has a similar makeup to other types of clay. While it is true that freezing leftover air dry clay may cause it to become brittle, it will not significantly affect the overall structure or quality of the clay.
You can make air dry clay shiny with epoxy resin, clear spray paint, Mod Podge, or a high-gloss clay varnish. Each of these finishes adds an extra layer of durability and produces a lustrous, glossy sheen.
Mod Podge on Air Dry Clay
It's really easy to use Mod Podge and clay together (including polymer and air dry). Mod Podge is a great sealer for clay, which is what makes it so perfect for these charms/gift tags.
There are many options for pre-coloring air dry clay, so feel free to experiment! Acrylic, tempera, or poster paints will give you a solid bright color. Oil paints will also work for basic coloring, but they're harder to clean. If you want a deep, vivid color, try artists' quality acrylic or oil paint.
Vinegar is also used in clay bodies to increase acidity to improve plasticity. The acid works to neutralize sodium ions (from water, leaching feldspars) that tend to deflocculate the clay. Excessive acid may tend to dissolve more feldspar or nepheline syenite negating the effect.
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.
Varnish or acrylic sealers.
If you want to make your clay water-resistant I always recommend using either a clear polyurethane varnish or an acrylic sealer. Both of these create a non-porous transparent layer that seals your clay project.
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.
You don't need an oven to harden or bake air-dry clay. Depending on the size of the project, air-dry clay will fully set in one or two days. After it dries, the clay has an almost porous, spongy feel.
If stored properly, unused air dry clay should last indefinitely. We recommend wrapping the unused clay in plastic wrap or in a Ziploc bag, and then in another airtight container.
Air dry clay can get moldy, either when it is part of an open pack or as part of a sculpture that is exposed to water when it hasn't been fully dried and sealed. Where mold is clearly visible, skin contact should be avoided and the mold either cut out or treated with a water/bleach mixture.
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.