How Do You Make Super Light Clay Soft Again?
What is Super Light Clay?
Super light clay, also known as air-dry clay, is a modeling material made primarily from cellulose-based polymers such as methyl cellulose combined with flour, water, and other additives. Unlike traditional clays like polymer or ceramic clay, super light clay does not require baking or firing to harden and keeps an lightweight, airy texture.
The main ingredients in super light clay are:
- Methyl cellulose – provides structure and plasticity
- Flour – acts as a thickener
- Water – hydrates the clay
- Glycerin – keeps the clay malleable
Key properties and advantages of super light clay include:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to knead compared to polymer or ceramic clays
- Air dries naturally at room temperature
- Non-toxic and safe for kids
- Can be painted after drying with acrylics or watercolors
- Projects can be completed quickly without baking
Why Does Super Light Clay Harden Over Time?
Super light clay hardens over time primarily due to the evaporation of water. When exposed to air, the water molecules in the clay slowly evaporate. This causes the clay to dry out. As the clay loses moisture, the clay particles are able to move closer together. These particles then form strong bonds with each other, causing the clay to harden and become stiff.
The clay hardens because the moisture acts as a lubricant between the particles. When the water evaporates away, the clay particles have more friction against each other. The particles bond tightly together in this dry state, giving the clay a stiff, solid structure.
So in summary, super light clay hardens over time because the water content in the clay evaporates away when exposed to air. The clay dries out, enabling the particles to form tight bonds that lock the clay into a hardened state.
How to Soften Hardened Super Light Clay
The key to softening hardened super light clay is to add water and knead thoroughly. This rehydrates the clay and brings back its soft, malleable texture. Follow these steps:
Add Water
Start by placing the hardened clay in a bowl and sprinkling some water over it. Add just enough water to moisten the entire surface of the clay. You don’t want too much water or the clay will become soggy.
Knead Thoroughly
Knead the moistened clay for several minutes, continuing to work in the water. Knead it like bread dough, pressing and folding repeatedly. This helps the water penetrate and soften the entire clay body.
Allow to Sit and Absorb
After kneading, cover the clay and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This gives the moisture time to fully absorb throughout the clay. Adding resting time helps maximize softening.
Repeat Kneading if Needed
Check the clay after allowing time to absorb. Knead it again if any hard spots remain. Repeating the kneading and resting steps helps ensure all areas become uniformly soft and workable again.
Tips for Adding Water
When rehydrating super light clay, it’s important to add the water slowly and carefully to avoid over-saturating the clay. Here are some tips for best practices when adding water:
Use a spray bottle to mist the clay lightly rather than pouring or dripping large droplets of water directly onto it. The spray bottle allows you to evenly distribute a fine layer of moisture over the entire surface.
Avoid flooding the clay with too much water at once. Only apply a small amount of moisture at a time, allowing the clay to fully absorb it before adding more. Over-saturation can lead to a muddy texture.
Use room temperature or slightly warm water, as cold water may shock the clay and make it difficult to soften evenly. Lukewarm water around 70-80°F is ideal for rehydrating hardened super light clay.
Keep testing the clay’s softness and flexibility as you mist it with water. Once it reaches the desired smooth, workable consistency, stop adding moisture. The clay should never feel sticky, mushy or excessively wet.
Kneading Techniques
Once water is added, you’ll need to knead the clay thoroughly to work the moisture back in and soften it up. Kneading helps distribute the water evenly and allows the clay to reabsorb it. There are a few techniques you can use:
Pressing and folding: Using the palms of your hands, press into the clay firmly and push it down against the work surface. Then fold the clay over on itself and press down again. Repeat this process, pressing and folding until the clay is smooth and pliable.
Rolling and stretching: Roll the clay into a ball or log shape. Then use your palms to roll it back and forth, applying pressure as you go. You can also press the clay into a flat slab and stretch or pull it with your fingers. These motions work the moisture into the clay.
Hands vs. tools: Your own hands are very effective for kneading and provide warmth and pressure. But you can also use a roller, acrylic rod, or clay scraper to knead. Tools give added leverage and strength. Use whichever method works best for you.
Allowing Absorption Time
After kneading the rehydrated clay, it’s important to allow time for the water to fully absorb before using it. Wrap the softened clay in plastic or seal it in an airtight container, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This gives the water time to penetrate deep into the clay and soften it throughout.
As the clay sits, check the consistency every 5-10 minutes by kneading a small piece. The clay will gradually become softer and more pliable as it absorbs the water. Once it reaches the desired smooth, flexible texture, it is ready to use. Allowing adequate absorption time prevents the clay from drying out too quickly when you start sculpting.
Repeat Process if Needed
If your super light clay is still quite hard and crumbly after an initial round of rehydrating, you may need to repeat the process a few times to fully soften it. May take a few rounds of adding small amounts of water and kneading to coax the clay into a smooth, pliable state. The time needed depends on how dried out and hard your clay has become.
Be careful not to over-saturate the clay with too much water at once or it can become sticky. Add a little water at a time and knead thoroughly between additions. Keep going until the clay easily squishes between your fingers without cracking or crumbling. Test a small piece before adding more water to the entire block.
With a few repetitions of kneading in water, even very hardened super light clay can go back to a perfectly soft sculpture-ready texture. Just take care not to soak it entirely and be patient in working the water throughout. Let the clay fully absorb each addition before moving on. With some time and elbow grease, you can breathe life back into dried out clay.
Storing Rehydrated Clay
Once you’ve successfully softened your super light clay again, you’ll want to take measures to prevent it from drying out once more. Here are some tips for proper storage:
Store the softened clay in an airtight container or plastic bag. This prevents air circulation which can cause moisture loss. For even better results, add a desiccant pack to the storage container. Desiccants absorb ambient moisture in the air which could otherwise be absorbed by the clay. Make sure to get desiccant packs specifically made for arts and crafts use.
Avoid storing the rehydrated clay anywhere too hot or cold. Excessive heat can cause moisture loss while freezing temperatures can damage the structure of the clay. Ideal storage temperature is around 70°F. Stored properly, your reconstituted super light clay should stay soft and pliable for many months.
Avoiding Hardening
There are a few ways you can help prevent your super light clay from hardening in the first place:
- Keep unused clay sealed in an airtight container or bag when not using it. Exposure to air causes the clay to dry out.
- Don’t let unused clay sit out between projects. Always reseal and store it properly.
- Only mix up as much clay as you’ll use in a single session. Working in small batches reduces exposure.
Taking steps to limit air exposure will help your clay stay soft and supple for future use.
When to Use New Clay
Super light clay is quite durable and often can be softened multiple times through rehydration. However, there are some instances where it’s best to use brand new clay instead:
– If the clay has degraded and become too crumbly or difficult to work with after repeated rehydrations, it may be time for fresh clay. Overly degraded clay will lack plasticity and strength.
– For important sculpting projects or if the clay will undergo a lot of handling, fresh clay is preferable. The clay will be at optimal strength and workability.
– In general, after rehydrating and softening lightweight clay 3-4 times, it’s a good idea to replace it with new clay. The integrity tends to deteriorate after multiple rehydrations.
While rehydrating clay is economical, don’t compromise quality for your important sculptures or pieces. When in doubt, opt for fresh clay for best results.
