How Do You Make Non Hardening Modeling Clay Soft?
Modeling clay is a children’s malleable material made from a mixture of water, oil, and clay. Although it can start out soft and pliable when first purchased, modeling clay can dry out and harden over time when exposed to air. This causes the clay to lose its flexible texture, making it difficult to mold and shape. Thankfully, there are several techniques you can use to rehydrate and soften modeling clay so it becomes workable again for creative projects and play.
Store Properly
Proper storage is key for keeping modeling clay soft and pliable. Clay dries out when exposed to air, so it’s important to store it in an airtight container. Seal clay in a zip-top plastic bag or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Press out any excess air before sealing, as oxygen exposure can cause clay to harden over time.
For long-term storage, refrigeration can help clay maintain its softness. The cold environment retards drying. Place the sealed clay in the refrigerator and it should stay soft for many months. Just allow refrigerated clay to come to room temperature before using, to prevent condensation from forming on the surface.
Avoid leaving clay out on a workspace or exposed to the air, even for short periods of time. Always reseal clay in an airtight container after each use. With proper storage techniques, modeling clay can maintain its soft, pliable texture for future projects.
Knead the Clay
One of the easiest and most effective ways to soften modeling clay is to knead it vigorously with your hands. The warmth and friction from kneading helps to rehydrate and soften the clay. For best results:
- Knead the clay for at least 5 minutes non-stop to warm it up. The longer you knead, the softer the clay will become.
- Use the palms of your hands and your fingers to press into the clay and fold it over itself repeatedly.
- Knead vigorously, as though you are giving a deep tissue massage to the clay. Press hard as you fold and refold the clay over itself.
- Focus on areas that feel stiff or dry. The repeated folding and pressing helps distribute moisture evenly throughout.
With a few minutes of vigorous kneading, you’ll notice the clay transform from a stiff material back into a soft, pliable form that’s ready for modeling. Just keep at it until the clay has reached your desired softness.
Microwave
Microwaving the clay is a quick and easy way to soften it. Here are some tips:
- Microwave in short 10-15 second bursts. Don’t microwave for too long at once or the clay can overheat.
- Allow the clay to cool for a minute or two between microwave bursts. This prevents it from getting too hot.
- After microwaving, knead the clay again until smooth and soft. The microwaving may leave some parts harder than others.
With this method, you can revive old clay in just a minute or two. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid overheating. Allowing the clay to rest between short microwaving sessions is key.
Add Oil
One way to soften modeling clay is to add a small amount of oil and knead it in thoroughly. Vegetable, mineral or petroleum jelly oils like olive oil or baby oil can be used. However, only add a little bit at a time, as too much oil will make the clay overly sticky or greasy.
Start by adding a teaspoon or less of oil, then knead the clay vigorously to incorporate it evenly. If needed, add another small amount of oil and repeat kneading until the clay reaches the desired soft, pliable texture. The oil helps lubricate the clay particles so they move smoothly against each other when molding or sculpting.
Be conservative with how much oil you add, as it’s easy to overdo it. Take it slowly and knead thoroughly between additions. Too much oil is difficult to fix and can permanently alter the clay’s properties. A light coating is all it takes to soften modeling clay and make it workable again.
Use a Clay Softener
One of the easiest ways to soften modeling clay again is by using a clay softener. There are commercial softening products made specifically for clays that contain ingredients like glycerin and mineral oil to add moisture back into the clay.
When using a commercial clay softener, be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the packaging. Typically you will knead a small amount of softener into the hardened clay a little bit at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Adding too much softener at once can make the clay excessively sticky or greasy.
You can also make your own homemade clay softener with ingredients like glycerin, baby oil, or coconut oil. Mix a couple teaspoons of the softening agent into the clay, kneading thoroughly to evenly distribute it throughout. The clay should begin softening up within a few minutes. Continue adding more softener and kneading until the clay is workable again.
No matter which type of softener you use, remember to knead the clay again afterwards to incorporate the softener fully. This helps return the clay to a smooth, flexible texture for modeling.
Avoid Over-Softening
Don’t over-soften the modeling clay or it can become sticky and difficult to work with. You want the clay to be smooth, pliable, and easy to shape – not mushy. The key is kneading the clay until it reaches an ideal texture that bends easily without sticking to your fingers. Overworking the clay can cause it to break down from the heat of your hands and become almost melted. Monitor the consistency as you knead and stop once the clay is uniformly soft and malleable. Resist the urge to keep kneading well past the point needed for softening.
Troubleshoot Issues
If your clay has become too hard and crumbly to work with, there are a few common issues that may have caused it:
Clay dried out from improper storage
Modeling clay can dry out if not stored properly in an airtight container. Exposure to air causes the oils in the clay to evaporate over time, making it stiff and brittle. To revive dried out clay, try kneading in a few drops of vegetable oil or clay softener to restore moisture and flexibility.
Clay not conditioned enough when purchased
Some clays can feel quite firm right out of the package before being conditioned. Take some time to properly knead and warm the clay in your hands until it becomes softer and more malleable. This helps evenly distribute the oils within the clay. If it remains too firm, try the microwave or oil methods.
Wrong type of clay for the project
Using the improper modeling clay for your needs can also lead to a final product that is too brittle. For example, oil-based clays may be too soft for detailed sculpting work. Or a clay meant for baking or firing may not stay flexible at room temperature. Always check the label to ensure you have an appropriate clay for the type of modeling or sculpting you want to do.
Alternative Modeling Clay Materials
While non hardening modeling clay is a popular choice for creating sculptures, there are several alternative modeling clay materials to consider:
Play-Doh
Play-Doh is a popular modeling clay for kids. It is non-toxic and easy to mold into different shapes and figures. Play-Doh can harden over time as it dries out, so it may not be ideal for long term sculptures. However, it is readily available and inexpensive.
Plasticine
Plasticine is an oil-based modeling clay that stays soft and pliable. It doesn’t dry out like clay with water bases. Plasticine allows sculptors to re-work their creations multiple times. It also won’t stick to surfaces. The downside is plasticine may leave oily residue on hands.
Polymer Clay
Polymer clay is a modeling clay that hardens when baked in a regular oven. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Polymer clay can be used to create jewelry, figurines, and decorative items. It’s a versatile material, but requires baking to set the clay.
Air-Dry Clay
Air-dry clay is a water-based modeling clay that hardens as it dries through evaporation. It doesn’t require baking to set. Air-dry clay is inexpensive and accessible. Sculptures made from air-dry clay are relatively fragile though. Over time, air-dry clay can crack if not sealed properly.
Conclusion
There are several effective techniques for keeping modeling clay soft and pliable for crafting and sculpting. Proper storage by sealing clay in an airtight container helps retain moisture and prevent hardening. Regularly kneading and massaging clay combines the dry and moist areas and makes the entire slab malleable. Brief heating in the microwave or adding a small amount of vegetable oil revives stiff clay. Commercial clay softeners are available to restore elasticity without getting clay overly wet.
While it’s important to keep clay flexible, over-conditioning can cause problems. Excessive microwaving or oil makes clay sticky and difficult to handle. Proper conditioning is key for maintaining the ideal consistency for shaping and sculpting clay without making it too soft. Keeping modeling clay supple enables crafters to create detailed objects, bend and shape pieces without cracking, and join elements smoothly. With the right techniques for storage and reviving stiff clay, artists can work with modeling clay that retains its softness and pliability for all kinds of creative projects and sculptures.
