Do Professional Artists Use Air Dry Clay?
Air dry clay is a modeling material that consists of clay mixed with other materials to enhance its workability and drying properties. Unlike clays that require firing at high temperatures in a kiln, air dry clay dries naturally at room temperature through evaporation. As the name suggests, simply leaving pieces made with air dry clay exposed to air causes the clay to dry and harden over time.
Air dry clay is known for being lightweight, easy to work with, and inexpensive compared to clays that require firing. However, pieces made with air dry clay can be less durable over time and have different structural properties compared to kiln-fired ceramics. There is an ongoing debate around the pros and cons of working with air dry clay versus traditional clays.
History of Air Dry Clay
Air dry clay was first invented in the late 18th century, around the 1770s (https://theartofeducation.edu/2017/07/depth-look-air-dry-clay/). It originated as a self-hardening clay that did not require firing in a kiln. This made clay modeling and sculpting available outside of professional studios.
Key innovations that improved air dry clay over time include:
– Adding filler materials like sawdust or paper to reduce shrinkage and cracking as the clay dried (early 1800s)
– Using plaster of Paris as a filler to create “cold porcelain” modeling clay (1870s)
– Using PVA glue as a binder to increase strength and flexibility (1930s)
– Creating clays like Celluclay that contain wood pulp or paper pulp (1970s)
– Adding acrylic polymer emulsion for smoother texture and whiteness (1990s)
Modern air dry clays have a wide range of properties suitable for sculpture, modeling, craft projects, and more. Advancements continue with specialized lines for professionals versus students or hobbyists.
Types of Air Dry Clay
There are several major types of air dry clay that artists commonly use:
Polymer clay – Made of PVC, resin, mineral fillers, and softeners. Polymer clay is lightweight and durable. Brands like Sculpey, FIMO, and Kato Polyclay fall under this category. Polymer clay cures when baked in an oven and does not actually air dry. It allows for very detailed sculpting.
Paper clay – Made of fine paper and glue. It dries to a hard, permanent shape. Brands like Creative Paperclay and Activa Paper Clay are designed for sculpting and do not require baking. Paper clay is very lightweight. It air dries in 24-48 hours.
Pottery clay – Water-based modeling clays that can be fired in a kiln or left to air dry. Some examples are Amaco Mega Model Air Dry Clay and Laguna’s White B-Mix Air Dry Clay. Though not as strong when air dried, pottery clay works well for hand building sculptural pieces.
Cellulose clay – Made from cellulose fibers extracted from wood pulp or cotton linters. Often mixed with binders like PVA glue. Cellulose clays are non-toxic, lightweight, and sand easily when dry. Popular brands are Cernit and Mais Cernit.
Properties of Air Dry Clay
Air dry clay has some unique properties that set it apart from other types of clay:
It dries by evaporation. The water in the clay evaporates as it is exposed to air, causing the clay to harden without needing to be baked or fired.
Air dry clay does not require baking or firing in a kiln. It cures and hardens at room temperature.
Air dry clay has a lightweight composition. It contains fillers that reduce the density of the clay, making finished pieces easier to lift and transport.
Compared to other clays, air dry varieties are relatively affordable. This makes it accessible for hobbyists, students, and artists on a budget.
The tradeoff for air dry clay’s convenience is that it has limited durability. Pieces made from it tend to be fragile and delicate compared to kiln-fired clay.
Pros of Using Air Dry Clay
There are several advantages that make air dry clay a popular choice among many artists and hobbyists:
Convenience – One of the biggest pros of air dry clay is that it does not require firing in a kiln. The clay will dry and harden at room temperature, allowing projects to be completed much more quickly and easily without any special equipment1. This makes air dry clay very accessible and ideal for beginning artists or hobbyists.
Lower costs – Since no kiln is needed, using air dry clay eliminates those equipment costs. The clay itself also tends to be relatively affordable, making it a budget-friendly option2. The low cost allows artists to experiment and try out ideas without worrying about wasting expensive materials.
Accessibility – As mentioned above, air dry clay is widely accessible since no special tools or equipment are required. It can be easily found at local craft stores and purchased from home. This allows anyone to start sculpting and creating with clay right away.
Safety – Because air dry clay does not require high kiln firing temperatures, it is generally non-toxic and safe to handle and work with, especially compared to clays that need firing2. There are no hazardous fumes or materials to worry about.
Cons of Using Air Dry Clay
While air dry clay offers many benefits, it also has some drawbacks that artists should be aware of [1]:
- Less durable: Pieces made with air dry clay are more fragile than those fired in a kiln. They need to be handled with care and protected from damage.
- Limited sizes: Large or thick pieces may crack while drying. Air dry clay works best for smaller sculptures and thin items.
- Not waterproof: Air dry clay is water-soluble even after drying, so pieces cannot be used outdoors or with water.
- Can crack: Air dry clay can develop cracks as it dries if the clay is too thick or drying conditions are not ideal. Proper drying helps prevent cracks.
Artists need to account for these limitations when deciding if air dry clay is suitable for a particular project. With care and forethought, the cons can often be avoided or minimized.
Use by Professional Artists
While air dry clay may not be considered a “fine art” material by some, many professional artists find it suitable for their work depending on the desired outcome and lifespan of the finished piece. Some examples of artists using air dry clay in their professional work include:
Sculptors – Air dry clay is commonly used for maquettes and prototypes before committing to a more permanent material like stone or bronze. The ability to quickly mock up forms makes it ideal for initial concept work. [1]
Jewelry makers and ceramic artists – Lightweight air dry clay is easy to wear and less prone to breakage, so some professional jewelry artists use it for lightweight statement pieces. Ceramic artists may use it for more delicate sculptural elements. [2]
Painters – Air dry clay can be shaped into textural elements for mixed media paintings. Its solidity makes it more durable for repeated handling compared to paper or softer materials.
Art teachers – Many art teachers and workshop leaders use air dry clays for their accessibility and quick drying time. It allows students to complete projects within a class period.
Overall, air dry clay suits professional artists who need affordable, quick-drying and simplified materials for prototyping, delicate work, or student projects. For fine details and longevity, other clays may be preferred.
Use by Hobbyists and Students
Air dry clay is very popular amongst hobbyists and students because it has a low barrier to entry. Unlike traditional clays that require a kiln for firing, air dry clays simply harden and cure at room temperature. This makes experimenting with clay sculpture incredibly easy and accessible for beginners.
The ability to start working with clay without any special tools or equipment allows hobbyists to explore their creativity freely. Air dry clays promote artistic experimentation since sculptures can be easily molded and shapes changed without any permanent consequences. If a piece doesn’t turn out right, the clay can simply be reconstituted and reused.
For students and younger artists, air dry clay is an excellent way to learn sculpting techniques without being afraid of making mistakes. The forgiving nature of the medium allows for practicing different methods of construction, carving, texturing, and more. As skills improve over time, air dry clay builds confidence in one’s abilities. The simplicity of air dry clays makes them a perfect choice for sparking an interest in sculpting for hobbyists and students alike.
Sources:
https://www.susiebenes.com/blogs/airdryclayart/one-clay-to-rule-them-all-air-dry-clays-for-artists
https://www.sculpey.com/collections/products-air-dry-clay
Tips for Working With Air Dry Clay
When working with air dry clay, following some best practices can help ensure success and prevent frustration. Here are some key tips for storage, sealing, using armatures, and finishing techniques:
Proper storage is important to keep air dry clay workable. The clay should be stored in an airtight container or bag to prevent drying out. Avoid extremes of hot and cold temperatures which can cause cracking or drying. Ideal storage temperature is about 70°F.
Sealing finished air dry clay pieces is highly recommended. An acrylic sealer or varnish will protect the piece from moisture and handling. Allow pieces to fully cure before sealing, and apply 2-3 thin coats for best protection. Source
For more complex sculptures, using an armature provides important internal support. Armatures can be made from wire, wood, aluminum foil, or other materials. Attach air dry clay firmly to the armature using slip or scoring techniques.
Air dry clay accepts many painting mediums like acrylics, watercolors, and chalk pastels. Pieces can also be finished with stains, glazes, or sealers to achieve different looks. Experiment to find the techniques that work best for your artistic vision.
Conclusion
When looking at the pros and cons of using air dry clay, we can see that it has many benefits but also some limitations. On the plus side, air dry clay is inexpensive, easy to find, and doesn’t require any special tools or equipment like a kiln. It air dries at room temperature, making it very convenient and accessible. Air dry clay is great for beginners, children, and hobbyists. Many professional artists like to use it for concept models, mockups, and testing ideas quickly. The main drawbacks are that air dry clay is quite delicate even when sealed, has low durability over time, and can’t achieve the same level of detail and finishing as polymer or ceramic clays that are fired in a kiln.
Air dry clay works best for small decorative objects, jewelry, items that don’t need to be super sturdy, and anything you need to make quickly without access to other specialized materials. Polymer clay or ceramic clay that gets fired would be better choices for detailed sculptures, dishes, mugs, and any clay objects that need to withstand frequent handling and last a long time. As air dry clay continues to improve, we may see more advanced formulas that are stronger and allow for more detailed sculpting work. For now, it fills an important niche when an easily accessible and workable clay is needed.
Going forward, we may see even more convenience-focused options like quick-drying air dry clays you can finish projects with in a matter of hours. There is also room for innovation in terms of textures, flexibility, strength, and accessibility. Air dry clay has become a staple art material for good reason – it provides a simple, sculptable clay experience without the complexity of firing kilns or handling hazardous materials. As artists continue to push the boundaries of the medium, air dry clay will likely take on an even bigger role in the future of sculpting and clay art.
