FAQ

Whats the difference between Air dry and Kiln Fired Clay?

Air dry clay

Is a fine clay that dries hard without baking. It is simple to use making it ideal for kids as well as adults, as there is no baking or firing needed. Once your clay creation is finished, simply leave it out to harden. When its dry you can paint or decorate it then apply acrylic sealant.

Air dry clay is not waterproof or food safe. The acrylic sealant will seal pieces to make water resistant but anything made with air dry clay should be used for decorative purposes only.

Kiln fired clay

Also known as stoneware, earthware and porcelain these clays are fired in an electric kiln. Before clay can be fired it needs to be bone dry. Once dry it can then be fired for the first time in what's know as a bisque firing, this process hardens the ceramic bodies when heated to the correct temperature and becomes hard enough to form durable vessels. Once the vessel has cooled it can be glazed before its second firing.

Glazes fired over the clay then become permanent decoration and waterproofing for the vessel.

How do you harden air dry clay?

Air dry clay hardens as it dries when exposed to air, hence its name. However, to ensure it hardens properly and uniformly, you should follow these general guidelines:

  1. Shaping: Ensure that your clay piece isn't excessively thick. Thicker pieces take longer to dry and might remain soft in the center even when the outside feels hard. Aim for thicknesses of less than an cm for uniform drying.
  2. Drying Time: Allow the clay to dry at room temperature for 24-48 hours depending on the thickness and size of the piece.
  3. Moisture: Avoid placing your clay projects in humid or damp areas, as this can prolong the drying time and may even prevent the clay from hardening properly.
  4. Avoid Direct Sunlight: While it's tempting to speed up the drying process using direct sunlight, this can cause the clay to crack due to the rapid evaporation of moisture.
  5. Checking for Dryness: Once the surface is no longer tacky to the touch and has lightened in color, it's likely that the clay has dried. However, always double-check by touching your piece with a wet finger. If it drys away then it is ready to decorate.
  6. Sealing: After the clay is completely dry, you can seal it with a clear sealer to protect it from moisture and make it more durable.

    Remember, patience is key when working with air dry clay. Allow it the time it needs to dry and harden properly to ensure the best results.

    Can you put air dry clay in the microwave?

    Air dry clay is designed to harden and cure at room temperature without the need for heating.

    However, if you are in a hurry to speed up the drying process, you might be tempted to use a microwave.

    While you can technically put air dry clay in the microwave, it's not recommended as rapid heating can cause the clay to crack and microwaves heat unevenly and here might be parts of your clay piece that get more heat than others, which will cause warping or distortion.

    How do you colour air dry clay?

    Depending on when you want to add colour (before or after molding), there are various methods you can use:

    Colour before sculpting:

    1. Acrylic Paint: Mix acrylic paint into the clay to achieve the desired color. Start with a small amount and add more as needed. The clay will often appear lighter once dried, so you may need to adjust the amount of paint accordingly.
    2. Coloured Pigments: You can use powdered pigments like makeup ie eye shadow, natural dyes such as coffee to tint your clay. Ensure pigments are mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of colour.

    Paint or stain after clay is dry:

    1. Acrylic Paint: Once your clay piece is dry, you can paint it using acrylic paints. They adhere well to the clay surface and come in a wide variety of colors.
    2. Watercolours: For a softer, more translucent effect, you can use watercolours. Just be aware that they might not be as permanent or vibrant as acrylics.
    3. Pastels or Chalk: You can use the edge of a pastel stick or chalk to rub onto the surface of the dry clay, giving it a soft tint.
    4. Markers: Permanent markers or coloured pens can be used for detailed work or drawing on the dried clay surface.
    5. Inks: Alcohol inks can be used to give a watercolour-like effect on the surface of the clay.
    6. Natural Stains: The likes of brewed coffee give a soft earth colour to the clay.

    Sealing:

    After colouring your air dry clay, especially if you used watercolours or other non-permanent mediums, you'll want to seal it to protect the colour. Use a clear sealer like a spray-on acrylic sealer or varnish. This will also add a protective layer against moisture, which can soften air dry clay.

    Remember to always test your colouring method on a small piece of clay first, especially if you're unfamiliar with how the clay will react. This will ensure you get the desired result before committing to a larger project.