Can I Use Air Dry Clay Instead Of Polymer Clay?

Table of Contents

What is Polymer Clay?

Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) particles mixed with plasticizers and coloring. It has a dough-like consistency that remains malleable and flexible when worked at room temperature. Polymer clay can be shaped by hand, molded, or extruded into a variety of forms.

The defining characteristic of polymer clay is that it hardens and maintains its shape when baked at temperatures between 265-300°F. When polymer clay is heated, the PVC particles and plasticizers bond together permanently. This makes polymer clay ideal for creating durable sculptures, jewelry, decorative items, and more.

Popular brands of polymer clay include Sculpey, Fimo, Premo, Cernit, and Kato Polyclay. Each brand produces polymer clay in a range of colors that can be blended together to create customized hues. Polymer clays are also available in various finishes like translucent, pearlized, and metallic.

What is Air Dry Clay?

Air dry clay is a modeling material that dries naturally through evaporation. It typically contains clay, water, and binders. As it dries, the water evaporates and it hardens. The main property of air dry clay is that it hardens without needing to be baked in a kiln. Once fully dried, it becomes brittle.

There are several common types of air dry clay:

White clay – Made from kaolin clay, often used for porcelain.
Modeling clay – Made from a mix of clays, easy to shape.
Pottery clay – Lower quality clay, used for crafts and non-functional items.

Air dry clays are easy to use and do not require specialized tools or equipment. However, the finished pieces are fragile, absorbent, and not water-resistant.

Key Differences

There are some notable differences between polymer clay and air dry clay that impact their uses and properties:

Baking Requirements: Polymer clay requires baking in an oven to cure and harden, typically at 265°F for 15 minutes per 1⁄4 inch of thickness. Air dry clay does not require any baking, it simply dries and hardens at room temperature.

Flexibility: When baked, polymer clay remains flexible. Air dry clay becomes brittle when fully dry. This makes polymer clay better for pieces that will bend or require durability, like jewelry or tabletop decor.

Sculpting Abilities: Polymer clay can be continually molded and shaped until baked. It also blends colors and textures smoothly. These properties make polymer clay better for detailed sculpting, molding, and achieving seamless blends in gradient or marbleized effects.

Using Air Dry Clay Instead

Air dry clay can be used instead of polymer clay in many craft projects. While air dry clay does have some advantages, like being more easily available and cheaper, it also has some drawbacks compared to polymer clay.

Some of the pros of using air dry clay instead of polymer clay include:

Air dry clay is readily available at most craft stores, whereas polymer clay may need to be ordered online or from specialty stores.
Air dry clay is significantly cheaper than brands of polymer clay like Sculpey or Fimo.
Air dry clay is easy to work with for beginners and kids.

However, there are also some important cons to keep in mind:

Air dry clay is less durable than polymer clay. Pieces made from air dry clay are more fragile.
Air dry clay can’t achieve the same level of smoothness and detail as polymer clay. Fine details and textures are harder to create.
Unpainted air dry clay has a rougher, more “crafty” look compared to the smooth finish of polymer clay.

So while air dry clay can be substituted for many simpler crafts, polymer clay is still the best choice when you need strong, detailed pieces with a smooth professional finish. Consider the needs of your project carefully when deciding which type of clay to use.

Tips for Using Air Dry Clay

When working with air dry clay, there are some useful tips to follow to get the best results:

Seal air dry clay pieces with varnish for protection – Air dry clay is porous when dry, so sealing it with an acrylic varnish or sealer will help make it waterproof and more durable for use in any environment. Apply 2-3 thin coats of varnish over the fully dried clay piece.

Use thick layers for strength – Air dry clay can become brittle when very thin. Using thicker layers, at least 1/4 inch or more, will result in a stronger finished piece.

Mix glue into clay for added durability – You can mix white glue into air dry clay before use to make it stronger and less prone to cracking and breaking once dried. Start with a 50/50 mix and adjust as needed. The glue elongates the drying time slightly.

Best Uses for Each

Polymer clay and air dry clay each have their advantages for different projects and uses.

Polymer clay is best suited for:

Detailed sculptures and figurines
Jewelry making
Ornate and decorative pieces

The versatility and durability of polymer clay allows for intricate designs and smooth surfaces when baked. The cured clay keeps its shape over time. Polymer clay is ideal for decorative objects, jewelry pendants, beads, and art pieces that require fine detail and definition.

In contrast, air dry clay is better for:

Basic shapes and structures
Crafts projects, especially with children
Temporary pieces

Air dry clay is easy to mold and dries at room temperature. It can be used to make simple crafts and shapes. The finished product will be brittle and less durable over time compared to polymer clay. Air dry clay is great for having fun with kids’ projects where precision isn’t as important.

Considerations When Choosing Clay Type

When deciding whether to use polymer clay or air dry clay for a project, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

Types of Projects

Polymer clay is best for detailed sculptures, jewelry, miniatures, and any project needing to hold fine detail. The clay stays workable and can be continuously shaped until baked. Air dry clay is better for basic shapes, kids’ crafts, and projects with large simple parts. The clay hardens as it dries, making intricate detailing harder.

Budget and Availability

Polymer clay is more expensive per ounce than air dry clay. But polymer clay can be reused indefinitely, while air dry clay cannot be reconstituted once dry. Polymer clay may require purchasing a dedicated oven, adding to costs. Air dry clay is widely available at craft stores and requires no special tools.

Skill Level and Artistic Needs

Polymer clay requires sculpting skills and artistic precision. Air dry clay is very forgiving and easy to work with, great for beginners and casual hobbyists. polymer clay allows for refinements before baking so is better for experienced artists needing to sculpt high-quality creations. Air dry clay is fun and experimental.

Recommendations

When deciding between polymer clay and air dry clay, consider what is most important for your project.

For durability and intricate detailing, polymer clay is recommended. Since it cures through baking, polymer clay can be sanded, carved, and molded into very precise shapes that will hold up over time. The colors also remain vibrant after baking. Polymer clay creates professional, artistic results suitable for jewelry, figurines, sculptures, and more.

For cost and availability, air dry clay can be a decent substitute. It is easy to find at most craft stores and costs a fraction of the price of polymer clay. Air dry clay is great for simple crafts, kids’ projects, and temporary pieces. It air dries at room temperature so you don’t need an oven. However, air dry clay is less durable over time and cannot achieve the same level of detail as polymer clay.

Consider your needs and skill level when deciding which type of clay to use. Polymer clay is recommended for serious hobbyists and artists wanting professional results. Air dry clay is suitable for beginners, kids, and casual projects where durability is not a top priority.

Final Tips

When working with polymer clay, it’s important to condition and knead it properly before sculpting. Kneading helps make the clay smooth and pliable. It also warms it up and makes it easier to shape. Take your time to thoroughly knead polymer clay before starting any project.

For painting air dry clay pieces, acrylic paints work best. The colors are bold and vivid. Acrylics also adhere well to the air dry clay surface. Be sure to seal acrylic painted pieces with a clear finish like polyurethane. This helps protect the paint and gives the piece a uniform glossy look.

Proper storage is important for keeping unused polymer and air dry clay workable. Both clays can dry out quickly when exposed to air. Always store unused clay in airtight plastic bags or containers. For long term storage, some clayers even vacuum seal clay in special bags. Keeping clay sealed until use will help retain its flexibility and moldability.

Conclusion

In summary, the key differences between polymer clay and air dry clay are that polymer clay is oil-based, cures when baked, and is very durable, while air dry clay is water-based, cures through evaporation, and is less durable. Air dry clay can work for some projects, but has limitations compared to polymer clay in terms of strength, flexibility, texture options, and ability to achieve fine detail.

When choosing which type of clay to use, it’s important to consider the needs of your project. Polymer clay is best for detailed sculptures, jewelry, and pieces that need to be lightweight yet strong. Air dry clay is better for basic crafts, terrain modeling, and items that don’t require high durability. With proper planning and execution, air dry clay can be an accessible substitute, but for more advanced applications polymer clay remains the recommended choice.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each material, you can select the right clay for your creative vision. The most important factors are the level of detail, durability, cost, baking requirements, and texture needed for the finished piece. With some creativity and experimentation, both polymer clay and air dry clay can produce beautiful results.