Drying air dry clay involves allowing it to harden naturally through evaporation, or alternatively, baking it at a low temperature.
Air Drying
Air drying is the most common method for hardening air dry clay. The process relies on the clay's moisture content naturally evaporating into the air. Here's how to do it effectively:
- Even Drying: Place your clay piece on a flat, non-stick surface like parchment paper or a smooth tile. This prevents sticking and allows for even drying from all sides.
- Room Temperature: Dry your clay piece in a room with a moderate temperature and low humidity.
- Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation by keeping it away from direct sunlight or heat sources that could cause uneven drying and cracking.
- Turn Regularly: To encourage consistent drying, turn your clay piece over periodically.
- Patience: Depending on the size and thickness of your piece, air drying can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: While air drying, keep the clay out of direct sunlight, as this can cause cracks.
Baking
While typically air-dry clay hardens through air drying, you can also bake it in an oven for a quicker hardening process. However, it is crucial to use a low temperature as high heat will cause cracking or even burning. Here’s how:
- Preheat the Oven: According to the provided reference information from Sculpey Air-Dry™ clay, set your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and use an oven thermometer to confirm the temperature is accurate.
- Baking Time: The thickness of your clay piece is crucial for determining the baking time. Thinner pieces should be baked for at least 20 minutes.
- Cool Down: Allow the clay to cool completely inside the oven before removing it. This will prevent thermal shock which can cause cracks and help make the clay stronger.
Tips for Success
- Work in Stages: For complex projects, it’s often best to build and dry in stages to avoid cracking.
- Keep Unused Clay Wrapped: Store unused clay in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out prematurely.
- Hydrate if Needed: If your clay starts to dry out while you're working with it, a little water can be added to the clay to soften it up again.
By following these instructions, you can successfully dry your air dry clay projects, whether using the slow air drying method or baking, to achieve a hardened final piece.
