Do You Need To Seal Air Dry Clay Ornaments?

Air dry clay, also known as clay that dries at room temperature, has become an increasingly popular material for arts and crafts. Its affordability, accessibility, and versatility make it ideal for creating ornaments, jewelry, figurines, and more. When working with air dry clay, a common question that arises is whether you need to seal the finished pieces. Sealing involves applying a protective coating over the clay. This article will provide an overview of the sealing process, discuss the pros and cons of sealing air dry clay, and offer tips for caring for unsealed clay pieces.

Pros and Cons of Sealing

Sealing air dry clay provides some benefits, but it’s not always necessary. Here are the main pros and cons to consider:

Reasons to Seal:

• Sealing makes the surface of air dry clay smoother and helps cover imperfections.
• It provides protection from moisture, which can cause unsealed clay to become soft or deform over time.
• Sealing can allow you to add extra color and effects like glitter or a glossy finish.
• It helps strengthen delicate clay sculptures and pieces.
• Sealing is recommended if the clay will be handled a lot or is being made into a functional object like dishes.

Reasons Not to Seal:

• Air dry clay is naturally porous, so sealing can prevent the clay from “breathing” properly.
• The clay color will look slightly different after sealing, which some artists want to avoid.
• It adds extra time and work to the creation process.
• Sealing isn’t essential for decorative objects that will just sit on a shelf.
• Unsealed clay is lighter weight.

In general, sealing is a good idea for functional projects and fragile sculptures. But it’s not strictly necessary for decorative items that don’t need to withstand heavy use or moisture.

Sealing Materials

There are a few common sealing materials used for clay crafts:

Varnish

Varnish is a common sealer for clay. It comes in different finishes like gloss, satin, and matte. Varnish forms a durable, protective coating over the clay. It helps prevent chipping, fading, and water damage. Varnish is easy to apply with a brush. It dries fast, within 30-60 minutes. Varnish tends to enhance the clay’s color with a subtle sheen.

The drawbacks of varnish are that it can yellow over time and it requires reapplying every couple years as it wears down. Varnish also gives off fumes as it dries so ventilation is needed.

Glaze

Ceramic glaze creates a glass-like coating over clay. It comes in various finishes from matte to high gloss. Glaze provides a durable, watertight seal. It maintains the clay’s original color without yellowing.

The downside is glaze requires high heat firing in a kiln. This isn’t feasible for some clay crafts. Glaze can also obscure fine details in sculpture work.

Acrylic Spray

Acrylic spray sealers are popular for sealing clay. They provide a clear, protective coating that is water-resistant. Acrylic sprays are easy to apply, fast-drying, and do not yellow over time. They help prevent chipping and fading.

Potential drawbacks are acrylic spray can frost or cloud if applied too heavily. The seal tends to wear down over a year or two. Acrylic spray requires reapplying to maintain the protective barrier.

How to Seal Clay

Sealing air dry clay is a simple process that helps protect your finished pieces. Here are step-by-step instructions for getting an even, smooth seal:

1. Allow clay to fully dry. It’s crucial to wait until clay is completely dry and hardened before applying any sealer. Sealing too soon can cause cracking or stickiness.

2. Clean the surface. Use a dry brush to remove any dust or debris. This allows the sealer to adhere properly.

3. Apply sealer in thin coats. Using a soft brush or sponge, brush a thin layer of sealer over the entire surface. Avoid over-saturation.

4. Let dry completely between coats. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat. Allow each application to fully dry before adding more.

5. Inspect for missed spots. Look over the entire piece and touch up any areas that the sealer may have missed.

6. Avoid handling until fully cured. It may take 24-48 hours for the sealer to completely cure. Prevent smudges by waiting until fully hardened.

Going slowly and applying thin coats is crucial for an even finish. Additionally, work in a dust-free area and use a sealer compatible with the clay type. Following these tips will help seal clay properly and avoid common mistakes.

Sealing vs. Painting

There are some key differences between sealing and painting clay crafts. Sealers are clear coats that are brushed or sprayed onto the surface of cured polymer clay. They provide a protective barrier against moisture and chemicals. Acrylic paints contain pigments for color and are opaque when applied to clay.

Sealers are best for preserving the natural look and feel of polymer clay. They bring out the shine and depth of clay while allowing patterns and textures to show through. Acrylic paint is recommended when you want to completely change the color and look of cured clay. Paint obscures the clay color and covers up any baked-in patterns and textures.

Sealers help protect fragile clay components like flowers, leaves or lace impressions. Painting these items would flatten the dimensions. Sealers also avoid any potential bleeding that can occur when paint interacts with the clay binders. For covering large flat areas with consistent color, acrylic paints are preferred over clear sealers.

In summary, opt for a sealer when you want to maintain the clay’s original appearance but add protective shine and water resistance. Choose acrylic paints when you aim to utterly transform the look from the original clay color and textures.

Making Unsealed Clay Waterproof

If you decide not to seal your air dry clay creations, there are some steps you can take to help make them more water-resistant:

Use an acrylic varnish: While varnishes aren’t as durable as traditional clay sealers, applying 1-2 coats of acrylic varnish can provide some protection against moisture. Avoid submerging unsealed pieces, but light exposure to water should be fine.

Bake the clay: Baking unsealed clay according to package directions can help harden and strengthen it. While baking doesn’t make clay fully waterproof, it does make it more durable and resistant to minor exposure to moisture.

Use a water-resistant clay: Some air dry clays are formulated to be more water-resistant than others once dry. Polymer clays in particular tend to resist water better than other clays without sealing. Check clay packaging for details.

Apply wax: Rubbing beeswax or carnuba car wax into baked, unsealed clay can provide some moisture protection. However, waxes will need to be reapplied regularly as they wear off over time.

While it’s possible to use these methods to improve the water resistance of unsealed clay, they generally don’t provide as much protection or longevity as using a dedicated clay sealer. For valued pieces or applications with high exposure to moisture, sealing is still the best option.

Storing Unsealed Clay

You can store unsealed air dry clay crafts in a protective environment to avoid damage without needing to use sealers. Here are some tips for storage:

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure that can cause fading or dryness. Store crafts in a box or cabinet away from windows.
• Protect from dust buildup by covering crafts with tissue paper or storing in sealable plastic bins or bags.
• Maintain a climate-controlled space. Dryness can cause clay to crack and humidity can soften clay over time.
• Use soft surfaces like fabric or foam to pad delicate clay crafts and prevent breakage.
• Separate pieces with tissue paper so unglazed clay surfaces don’t stick together.
• Avoid stacking pieces or heavy objects on top that could cause impressions or damage.
• Store clay on flat surfaces rather than hanging to prevent bending or warping.
• Check periodically for any signs of damage like cracks and make repairs as needed.
• Consider display methods like short-term rotations or protected curio cabinets for fragile pieces.

With some simple preventive storage methods, unglazed clay crafts can be kept in good condition for enjoyment over time.

Repairing Unsealed Clay

If your unsealed air dry clay ornament gets chipped, cracked, or damaged, it can usually be fixed fairly easily without having to seal the entire piece. Here are some tips for repairing unsealed clay:

Fixing Cracks and Chips

For small cracks or chips, start by gently sanding the damaged area to create a rough surface for the repair clay to adhere to. Avoid sanding too aggressively or you may damage the ornament further.

Next, add a small amount of clay and press it firmly into the damaged area, smoothing it out with your fingers. Ensure there are no gaps or air pockets between the repair clay and original ornament.

Use a clay sculpting tool to blend the edges of the repair into the surrounding clay and reshape any details that were affected.

Sealing After Repairs

If the damage is extensive or in a high-stress area, you may want to consider sealing the repaired ornament before painting or continued handling. This will add an extra protective layer and prevent future cracking.

Lightly seal just the repaired area or the entire ornament, especially if there are multiple repairs. Let the sealer fully cure as per the product instructions before proceeding.

With proper repair techniques, most chips and cracks in unsealed clay can be fixed successfully. Sealing may be necessary for fragile repaired areas or heavy damage.

Safety Tips

When sealing air dry clay projects, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips for staying safe:

Ventilation – Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area when applying sealers or paints to clay. The fumes from many sealing products can be strong, so open windows and use fans to circulate fresh air.

Non-Toxic Sealers – Choose non-toxic, water-based sealers when possible. Avoid sealers containing solvents, which can release unhealthy fumes. Acrylic paints and glazes designed for clay are safer options.

Safe Handling – After sealing, make sure clay has fully dried before handling. Wash hands after working with sealers. Supervise children and keep sealers out of reach when crafting with air dry clay.

Taking basic safety steps allows you to safely seal clay crafts while avoiding potential hazards from fumes. Prioritize ventilation, non-toxic materials and proper handling when sealing air dry clay projects.

Conclusion

In summary, there are pros and cons to sealing air dry clay ornaments. Sealing provides a protective barrier and can enhance the color and shine. However, sealing may darken light colors, alter the natural clay texture, and require reapplication over time.

Sealing is most useful for ornaments that will be frequently handled or exposed to moisture. Pieces that are purely decorative or displayed out of reach probably don’t need sealing. There are clear sealers that preserve surface appearance while still providing protection.

As an alternative to traditional sealers, you can make unsealed clay water-resistant using a product like Mod Podge. Or you can leave clay unsealed but take care when storing and repairing it as needed. Test different options on sample pieces to see what works best for your particular ornaments and needs.

With proper care and handling, air dry clay ornaments can bring joy whether they are sealed or unsealed. Take caution with fumes and ventilation when applying any sealer or finish.