How to Use Air Dry Clay: 10 Tips & Tricks for Beginners
/New to air dry clay? In this guide, I’m sharing simple tips and tricks to help you get started, from shaping and smoothing your clay to drying, painting and sealing your finished projects.
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Tricks and Techniques for Working with Air Dry Clay.
Air dry clay is one of my favourite craft materials. It's affordable, easy to work with and you don't need a kiln or any fancy equipment to get started. You can use it to make all sorts of lovely things, from little trinket dishes and decorative bowls to ornaments, jewellery and home decor.
But, like any craft material, there are a few tricks that can make working with air dry clay much easier. How do you stop it cracking? What's the best way to smooth rough edges? And how do you get a nice finish once your project has dried?
I've put together 10 of my favourite air dry clay tips and tricks to help you get better results and avoid some of the common mistakes beginners make. Whether you're trying air dry clay for the first time or looking for ways to improve your finished projects, I hope these tips help!
What Is Air Dry Clay?
Air dry clay is a modelling material that hardens naturally when exposed to air. Unlike traditional pottery clay, it doesn't need to be fired in a kiln, which makes it a brilliant option for simple home crafting projects.
Types Of Air Dry Clay.
There are a few different types of air dry clay out there but there are a couple that I have used time and time again and would recommend.
First up is the Das Air Dry Clay. It's available in most craft stores and online. It comes in white and terracotta.
The next one is the white Crayola Air Dry Clay. It comes in a large 5 lbs resealable tub. Great for large projects or big groups.
Most air drying clay comes in either white or terracotta. Both the Crayola and the Das white clay look grey when wet but dry to a matte off-white colour. The white clay is my personal favourite as it really makes the colours pop.
Tools and Materials.
Before you get started, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand.
You'll need things like:
A Work Surface (a smooth, flat surface covered with wax paper or silicone mat works best),
Clay Tools for sculpting and shaping,
Acrylic Paint for adding colour,
Mod Podge or another acrylic sealer to protect your finished piece,
And a little water to smooth out any cracks and air bubbles.
If you to make it even easier to get started, I recommend getting an air dry clay kit. They contain everything you need to get started.
How to Use Air Dry Clay Step by Step.
1. Prepare Your Work Surface.
Before you get started, make sure you've got a clean and flat surface to work on. Lay down some parchment paper or a silicone mat to protect your surfaces and prevent sticking.
As you work, keep a small dish of water nearby to help smooth out any rough edges and blend seams.
2. Knead the Clay.
Before shaping your clay, spend a little time kneading it gently with your hands. This helps soften the clay and makes it easier to work with.
If the clay feels stiff or difficult to shape, try working with a smaller piece at a time rather than tackling a large lump all at once.
Wrap any leftover clay tightly in cling film while you work, then put it in an airtight container when you're finished.
3. Roll or Shape the Clay.
Depending on your project, you can roll the clay flat, shape it with your hands or press it into a mould.
If you're making a bowl, dish or decoration, a rolling pin can help you create an even sheet of clay.
Try not to make your clay too thin, as very thin pieces can be fragile and more likely to crack as they dry. Around 6 mm (¼ inch) is a useful starting point for many projects, but the ideal thickness will depend on your project.
4. Add Texture and Detail.
One of my favourite things about air dry clay is how easy it is to add texture.
Try using:
Rubber stamps
Leaves and flowers
Lace
Buttons
Textured fabric
Clay tools
Simply press your chosen object gently into the clay to create an impression.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Some of the best textures can come from everyday objects you already have at home.
5. Smooth the Clay.
Use a slightly damp finger, sponge or paintbrush to smooth rough edges and small imperfections while the clay is still soft.
Be careful not to use too much water. You only need a small amount to help smooth the surface.
If your project develops small cracks while you're working, gently smooth them with your fingers or add a tiny amount of fresh clay.
Once the clay is completely dry, you can also use fine sandpaper or a nail file to smooth rough edges.
6. How to Join Pieces of Air Dry Clay
If your project is made from several pieces, you'll need to make sure they're securely attached.
One of the best methods is score and slip.
Score both surfaces where you want to join them using a clay tool, fork or toothpick. Then add a small amount of slip.
Slip is simply a thin paste made by mixing a little air dry clay with water.
Press the pieces firmly together and smooth the join with your fingers or a modelling tool.
7. Let Your Air Dry Clay Dry Completely.
Once you're happy with your project, it's time for the hardest part: waiting!
Air dry clay needs time to harden naturally. Drying times vary depending on the brand of clay, the thickness of your project, the size of the piece and the humidity in your home.
Many projects take around 24–72 hours, but thicker pieces can take longer.
Place your project somewhere dry with good air circulation and allow it to dry naturally. Avoid using excessive heat to try to speed things up, as uneven drying can contribute to cracking or warping.
If your project is flat, turning it over partway through drying can help expose both sides to the air.
For more information, see my guide to How Long Does Air Dry Clay Take to Dry?
8. Sand Your Finished Piece.
Once your clay is completely dry, check the surface and edges.
If there are any rough areas, you can gently sand them using fine-grit sandpaper.
For small projects, a nail file can also be handy for smoothing little edges and corners.
9. Paint Your Air Dry Clay.
Once your clay is completely dry, you can start decorating it.
Acrylic paint is one of my favourite options because it comes in so many colours and is great for adding patterns, details and little finishing touches.
Before painting, check that the clay is fully dry and brush away any dust left from sanding.
Prime your clay by painting it with 2 coats of white gesso. Leave 2 hours between coats and allow 24 hours to dry.
Once the clay is completely dry, you can paint it with acrylic paint.
Allow the paint to dry completely before adding any finishing coat.
10. Seal Your Air Dry Clay
If you want to protect your finished project, you can apply a suitable varnish or sealer once the clay and paint are completely dry.
Depending on the product you use, you can give your project a matte, satin or glossy finish.
Keep in mind that sealing air dry clay doesn't automatically make it completely waterproof or food safe, so always check the instructions for your particular clay and sealer.
For more information, see my guide on How to Seal Air Dry Clay.
How to Store Leftover Air Dry Clay.
Don't throw away leftover clay!
Wrap unused clay tightly in cling film or plastic wrap, then place it inside an airtight container or resealable bag. The aim is to keep air away from the clay so it doesn't dry out.
For more tips, see my guide on How to Store Air Dry Clay.
I hope these tips have given you the confidence to have a go at working with air dry clay. It’s such a fun and versatile material, and you really don’t need lots of fancy tools to get started.
Grab some clay, raid your craft drawer for a few simple tools and see what you can create. And don't worry if your first project isn't perfect; I’ve had plenty of wonky edges, little cracks and projects that didn’t quite turn out how I imagined!
That’s all part of the fun of making things by hand.
