Air-dry clay is a game-changer for pottery. No longer do you need a spinning wheel and a kiln to practice pottery, air-dry clay offers a low-commitment, high-flexibility alternative to this craft. Is this your first time hearing about air-dry clay? Are you thinking of starting an air-dry clay project? This is the article for you! Here is a compilation of the most frequently asked questions about air-dry clay that can help you get started
1 - The basics
What is air-dry clay?
Air-dry clay, as seen through its name, is clay that hardens naturally when exposed to air, without the need for firing in a kiln or baking in an oven. Air-dry clay is often made from a mix of natural materials like clay, water, and paper or other fibers.
What is the difference between air dry clay and regular clay?
Air-dry clay and regular clay differ primarily in how they harden (cure). Air-dry clay hardens naturally when exposed to air, eliminating the need for firing in a kiln or baking in an oven. This makes it more accessible for home use and beginner-friendly. Regular clay, such as earthenware or stoneware, requires kiln firing at high temperatures to achieve a solid, durable finish. Additionally, air-dry clay often contains fibers or synthetic materials to give it stability during drying, whereas regular clay is purely natural and designed for ceramic processes.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of air-dry clay?
Air-dry clay has several advantages. It’s easy to use, doesn’t require special equipment, and is ideal for beginners, children, and hobbyists. It’s also versatile—suitable for sculpting, shaping, and creating decorative pieces, and can be painted or sealed once dry. However, it has limitations. It is not waterproof unless sealed, and large pieces are prone to cracking during the drying process due to uneven moisture loss.
What is air-dry clay good for?
Air-dry clay is excellent for beginner’s crafting projects, such as making ornaments, jewelry, figurines, and decorative home items like trays or vases (though non-functional unless sealed). For some, this can be an easy entrance to pottery, which can help with concentration and stress-relief.
Does air-dry clay need to be baked?
No, air-dry clay does not need to be baked. It hardens naturally when exposed to air, typically within 24–72 hours, depending on the thickness of the piece and environmental conditions. This makes it convenient for home use, as it doesn’t require a kiln or oven to finish the project.
Is air-dry clay waterproof?
Air-dry clay is not inherently waterproof. Once it has dried, it remains porous and can absorb moisture. To make it waterproof, a sealant such as varnish or a waterproof coating must be applied to the finished piece. Without sealing, exposure to water can cause the clay to soften or degrade over time.
Is air-dry clay durable?
Air-dry clay can be durable for decorative purposes. Proper sealing can improve its resilience to moisture and handling, but it remains prone to chipping or cracking, especially for delicate or thin designs. For functional items or heavy-duty use, kiln-fired clay is a better option.
Where to buy air-dry clay?
If you’re planning on starting a pottery project with air-dry clay, consider purchasing from reputable manufacturers such as Pott’d. Apart from high-quality clay, Pott’d offers pottery kits with instructions and tools to help you get a smooth start. Pott’d kits come in themes as well! You can get kits on:
2 - Working with air-dry clay
How do I use air-dry clay?
Using air-dry clay is straightforward and fun. Start by preparing a clean, flat surface (such as a craft mat) and ensure your hands are free of oils or debris. Knead the clay to make it pliable, which helps to avoid cracks as the clay dries. Shape or sculpt the clay into your desired form using tools like rolling pins, knives, or molds. For attaching pieces, lightly score the surfaces and use a small amount of water as a bonding agent. Allow the finished piece to dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated area. Once dry, you can sand the surface to smooth imperfections and paint or seal it to finish.
Can you use air dry clay on a pottery wheel?
Air-dry clay can technically be used on a pottery wheel, but it is not the ideal choice. If you attempt to use air-dry clay on a wheel, it is best for basic, simple forms. Keep your shapes thick and avoid adding excessive water, as air-dry clay weakens quickly when over-saturated. For intricate pottery, kiln-fired clay is more suitable.
How long does air-dry clay take to dry?
The drying time for air-dry clay depends on the size and thickness of the piece. Thin items, like small ornaments, can dry within 24 hours, while larger, thicker pieces may take up to 72 hours or more. The environment also plays a role. High humidity slows drying, whereas warm, dry conditions speed it up. It’s essential to let air-dry clay cure fully to prevent cracking or breaking during use or decoration.
How to make air-dry clay dry faster?
To speed up the drying process of air-dry clay, place the piece in a warm, well-ventilated room. A fan or dehumidifier can also help reduce drying time by promoting airflow and lowering moisture in the air. Avoid direct heat sources, such as hairdryers or ovens, as uneven drying can cause warping or cracks. For small projects, placing the clay under a desk lamp can gently encourage faster drying.
How to seal air-dry clay?
Sealing air-dry clay is crucial for protecting it from moisture and enhancing its durability. Once the clay is fully dry, apply a sealant like acrylic varnish or a specialized clay sealant. Use a soft brush to apply thin, even coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next. For projects exposed to light handling or display, a single coat may suffice, while items requiring extra durability may need multiple layers.
Can you paint air-dry clay?
Yes, air-dry clay can be painted. Use acrylic paint for best results, as it adheres well to the clay’s surface and dries quickly. Before painting, ensure the clay is completely dry to avoid trapping moisture underneath the paint. For a smooth base, consider applying a base coat before painting. Seal the painted surface with a varnish to protect it.
How to keep air-dry clay from cracking?
Preventing cracks in air-dry clay begins with proper preparation. Always knead the clay thoroughly to remove air bubbles before shaping. Avoid adding too much water, as this weakens the clay’s structure and increases the risk of cracking. Allow pieces to dry slowly and evenly by covering them lightly with plastic wrap for the first 24 hours, which reduces moisture loss.
Can air-dry clay get wet?
Exposure to water can cause it to soften, warp, or lose its form. Finished pieces should be sealed with a waterproof sealant to make the clay water resistant, especially if they are likely to come into contact with water or moisture. However, even sealed air-dry clay is not fully waterproof and should not be submerged or used for functional items like food bowls or cups intended for liquids.
3 - Inspirations
What to make out of air-dry clay?
The possibilities are endless! We’ve covered what you can make from air-dry clay in a previous article, but in a nutshell, people use air-dry clay to make:
- Small home decorations, such as pinch pots or a mug
- Jewelry
- Functional objects, such as coasters or candle holders
- Customized projects, such as picture frames
What are some easy projects to make with air-dry clay?
To get started with air-dry clay, try small projects such as a mini planter or a candle holder. You can also try your shot with making a gingerbread tealight house for the winter season. You can also make some home decor in the Barbie theme. For more inspiration, check out our dedicated blog with many more ideas.
Can I give air-dry clay as a gift?
Is that even a question? Of course! And we’d even say it’s a pretty fun present to give a loved one! Air-dry clay kits are perfect gifts for several reasons:
- They are a fun activity with a low entry barrier, suitable for all ages and experience levels
- They create minimal mess, easy to clean up and don’t take up too much space
- They give you tangible memorabilia
- They’re super affordable!
At Pott’d, you can buy any kit to give someone, or you can get them a subscription for as low as £60.00 a month! Subscriptions are handy for serious pottery heads while single kits are nicer for one-time projects.
