To seal pottery at home, use acrylic sealers/varnishes, epoxy resin, or food-safe sealers like Mod Podge for decorative pieces, applying thin, even coats to thoroughly dry pottery and letting each layer dry completely for durability and water resistance, while traditional methods like milk or oils can also seal earthenware. Always ensure your pottery is fully dry and dust-free before starting, and choose a sealant appropriate for its intended use (food vs. decorative).
First, be sure your piece is completely dry before sealing. Your best bet -to avoid yellowing in the future- is an artist-grade sealant or water-based varnish. You can also use watered-down PVA glue or Mod Podge (which is basically the same thing).
Some people use a charcoal grill as their 'pit'. Once the pit fire has reached the desired temperatures, the pottery must be placed in the heat and kept there for between 12 and 24 hours, depending on the desired finish. This will largely depend on whether you are looking to achieve a natural or glazed finish.
Choose the Best Sealer for Air-Dry Clay
Acrylic Spray Sealers – Great for decorative protection. Polyurethane Varnish – Best for outdoor exposure. Epoxy Resin – Provides full waterproofing. Mod Podge – Offers light protection but is not fully waterproof.
Firing ceramics in a kiln is the most practical way to make pottery food-safe and waterproof.
Enhance and protect your painted and customized terra cotta creations with Mod Podge Clay Pot Sealer, a quick-drying, clear finish that seals your pots, saucers, and planters before and after your artistic touch. For over 50 years, Mod Podge has been the go-to choice for crafters, and this sealer is no exception.
The acidity of the vinegar breaks down the clay a bit, and makes it sticky. Some artists use vinegar straight from the bottle, or add vinegar to clay instead of water to make a joining slip. All these methods work to create a join that is stronger than water or slip alone.
Here's how to turn your air dry clay into a water-resistant wonder:
One way to seal air dry clay is by using a craft glue like Mod Podge or PVA Glue. This method is simple and easy, and all you need to do is brush a coat of the glue over the surface of your pieces. Plus it's non-toxic and once it dries, it will be sealed and give your creations a water resistant layer.
For new driveways, it's recommended to apply 2 coats. Depending on the sealant, you may not be able to use the driveway for at least a few hours to a day. Wait until it's fully cured.
The "3 Pull Rule" in pottery is a guideline to limit upward wall-raising motions to about three times per piece, helping potters avoid overworking the clay, build stronger cylinders, and work more efficiently by focusing on compression rather than just pulling, with each pull building on the last to achieve height and shape. It's a method to develop control, ensuring the clay moves upward evenly and doesn't become soggy or weakened, though it's a flexible guideline, not a strict law.
If you don't have a kiln to bisque fire your pots, don't worry. You can buy bisque ware that is ready for decoration. For example, you can buy earthenware bisque pottery at Blick Art Materials. This is has been bisque fired already and can be decorated either with glaze or a glaze alternative.
Once your pieces are dry-leatherhard and they seem even in color, you can uncover and let them dry in the open air.
Place a whole bottle of clear nail varnish in a small container with two tablespoons of clear glue and three tablespoons of water. Mix thoroughly then apply to your chosen air dry clay object. A small amount of acrylic paint can be added to this varnish which will create a coloured glaze effect on the air dry clay.
The areas covered with ModPodge® will remain raised clay and where there is none, the clay will wipe away, becoming recessed. Rotate your sponge consistently while wiping—you don't want clay caught in the sponge or it will abrade the ModPodge® away before your desired depth is achieved. Rinse your sponge out often.
Some people use a charcoal grill as their 'pit'. Use wood chips, coal, or paper to construct a fire in the pit. Ensure that the fire reaches temperatures ranging from 980 to 1100 degrees Celsius. Once the pit fire achieves the desired temperatures, carefully position the pottery within the heat source.
The main Mod Podge products that are relevant to polymer clayers are (Affiliate Links – learn more here): Mod Podge decoupage medium and craft glue. Mod Podge Dimensional Magic. Mod Podge Acrylic Sealer.
Paper Mod Podge is the perfect all-in-one glue, sealer and finish. It works great on paper-to-paper projects, scrapbooks and altered art. Fast-drying, water-based and non-toxic. It's easy to apply;...
MP, Elmers or any white school glue are equal except for the special formulas that Mod Podge makes. I always begin with a watered down version. Full strength is often too much.
So, for example, if you want to waterproof a flowerpot, put tung oil, Thompson's water seal, or acrylic floor polish on the inside of the pot. Paint and seal the outside. Browse our selection of sealers.
Ceramics Creation Without a Kiln: Alternative Techniques
24 hours. 1,440 minutes. 86,400 seconds. That's how long it typically takes for air-dry clay to set.
Salt vaporizes and dissociates into sodium and chlorine gases. Sodium reacts with the silica present in clay and glaze, forming a glassy coating. The chlorine gas produces tiny bubbles that result in a cratered, pebbled texture. Iron in the clay leads to the distinctive orange peel coloring.
Vinegar is your best assistant when it comes to adding texture to bone dry ceramics. When applied to dry clay, vinegar causes a chemical reaction that weakens the clay's surface, creating natural texture and a roughened effect. You can intensify the texture by applying more vinegar or repeating the process in layers.
Magic water — a solution of sodium silicate and soda ash, is a helpful tool for binding attachments. Additionally the sodium in both chemicals is a flux that helps the pieces stay bonded during the firing process.