Is Air Dry Clay Good For Modelling?

What is Air Dry Clay?

Air dry clay, also known as modeling clay, is a type of clay that can dry and harden at room temperature without needing to be fired in a kiln. It is made from natural clays and other ingredients such as cellulose-based binders, silicates, or plaster of Paris. When exposed to air, the clay dries and hardens through evaporation.

There are several common types of air dry clay:

Cellulose-based clays use methylcellulose or a similar binder. They have a smooth, creamy texture similar to ceramic clays. Brands like Crayola Model Magic are cellulose-based.
Plaster of Paris clays use plaster added to natural clay. They are denser and harder when dry. Activa Air-Dry Clay is a plaster-based brand.
Paper clay incorporates cellulose fiber from paper. It is extremely lightweight. Makins Clay and Creative Paperclay are paper clay brands.
Salt dough is made from flour, salt, and water or oil. It air dries into a hard, brittle material. Salt dough is easy to make at home.

Compared to clays that require firing, air dry clays are easier to work with, faster drying, and do not require a kiln. Their finished look tends to be more porous and fragile than kiln-fired clays. They work especially well for crafts, miniature figurines, jewelry, and decorative pieces.

Pros of Using Air Dry Clay for Modeling

One of the main pros of using air dry clay for modeling is that it dries fast, allowing you to work quickly and complete projects in a shorter timeframe. According to The Art of Education, “An advantage to air dry clay is the ability to start and finish a piece in one session.”¹ The quick dry time makes it ideal for creating small sculptures, figurines, ornaments, jewelry, and other decorative items.

Air dry clay is also very lightweight when it dries. This makes it easy to work with and transport finished pieces. The clay can be molded, shaped, carved, and smoothed with ease during the creation process. These modeling capabilities allow artists to craft intricate and detailed designs.

Finally, air dry clay is an affordable and accessible medium. It can be purchased in craft stores, art supply shops, and online for reasonable prices, especially when buying bulk quantities. Beginners appreciate the low costs and approachable nature of air dry clay.

Cons of Using Air Dry Clay for Modeling

While air dry clay offers some advantages, it also has some downsides to consider. One of the main cons is that air dry clay becomes brittle and prone to cracking when it fully dries. This makes it a poor choice for pieces that will be handled frequently or exposed to a lot of stress. According to The Art of Education, air dry clay “is quite fragile compared to fired clay” once dried.

Another con is the limited working time, as air dry clay begins to harden once exposed to air. This means you have a finite window for sculpting, attaching pieces, and smoothing surfaces with water. Rushing to complete a complex project can result in a lower quality result.

The drying process also prevents achieving very smooth, refined surfaces with air dry clay. As noted by Colorful Craft Corner, air dry clay tends to retain a “subtle gritty texture.” This makes it less suited for pieces requiring a seamless, polished look.

Finally, paint does not adhere well to dried air dry clay. The porous, absorptive quality that causes air dry clay to dry out also causes it to absorb and flake off acrylic paints. Using sealants can help, but produces a less professional finished appearance.

Best Uses for Air Dry Clay

Air dry clay is best used for simple kids crafts, non-structural decorations, and temporary sculptures or mockups. Its lightweight and easy-to-work nature make it ideal for introductory modeling and sculpting projects, particularly with children.

Some specific best uses include:

Basic shapes and figures for young kids just starting to work with clay. Air dry clay is easy for small hands to manipulate. Projects like pinch pots, beads, and small animal sculptures are perfect beginner activities with air dry clay.
Seasonal and holiday-themed decorations that don’t need to be durable long-term. Air dry clay can be used to make lightweight garlands, ornaments, table decor, etc. that are only meant to last a season before being discarded.
Temporary sculpture prototypes and mockups before committing to a more permanent material. The simple cleanup and ability to continually revise air dry clay sculptures makes it useful for planning and conceptualizing projects that may later be made from ceramic clay or other permanent media.

Air dry clay’s papier-mâché-like texture means pieces dry lightweight but not necessarily strong. This makes air dry clay unsuitable for functional pottery or sculpture meant to last. But for informal, disposable, or temporary modeling, air dry clay offers a versatile, easy-to-use option. As this article notes, “While crafting functional homewares like vases or mugs isn’t feasible, air dry clay does have its strengths.” Those strengths shine through in simple kids crafts and temporary modeling uses.

Worst Uses for Air Dry Clay

Air dry clay is not well-suited for detailed sculptures or small delicate items like jewelry. According to The Art of Education[1], air dry clay can crack easily during the drying process, especially if the sculpture has intricate details or thin parts. The cracking can be difficult to repair once it occurs.

Air dry clay also should not be used for anything load-bearing or structural. According to Craft Your Happy Place[2], air dry clays do not gain as much hardness as other clays even when fully cured. Pieces made from air dry clay can break down over time, especially if exposed to moisture. So it’s not recommended for dishes, mugs, or other functional items.

For delicate, detailed sculptures or any projects needing more durability, oven-bake polymer clay or air-dry ceramic clay are better options. Air dry clay works best for basic sculptures, craft projects, and decorative pieces.

Tips for Working with Air Dry Clay

When working with air dry clay, it’s important to follow some basic tips to get the best results. First, always knead the clay thoroughly before starting to remove any air bubbles that could cause cracking as it dries (https://www.gatheringbeauty.com/blog/air-dry-clay-tips-tricks). Air dry clay dries quickly, so it’s best to work swiftly and efficiently once you’ve started sculpting or modeling. If you need more time, you can spray the clay lightly with water to help delay the drying process (https://www.montmarte.com/blogs/tips-techniques/12-air-drying-clay-tips).

Let pieces dry fully before handling. Then you’ll want to seal completed air dry clay projects with a protective sealant like varnish or mod podge. This helps protect the clay and keeps it from absorbing moisture and getting damaged over time. Apply 2-3 coats of sealant, letting each coat dry in between applications for best results.

What to Make with Air Dry Clay

Air dry clay is incredibly versatile. With it, you can make a variety of fun and functional pieces for kids and adults alike. Here are some of the most popular projects you can make with air dry clay:

Magnets

Air dry clay is perfect for making custom magnets. Let your kids make magnets in any shape and decorate them however they like. Handprint magnets make great keepsakes. You can also make 3D animal magnets, letter magnets, and so much more. The options are endless!

Figurines

Kids love making little figurines out of air dry clay. Help them sculpt their favorite animals, fictional characters, people or anything else they want to make in miniature. These sweet handmade figurines make great toys as well as gifts for friends and family.

Bowls, Vases, Wall Plaques

For the adult crafter, air dry clay is wonderful for making decorative pieces for the home. Fashion functional and beautiful bowls, vases, platters, and wall plaques. When painted or sealed, these home accents can be quite stunning and professional looking.

Jewelry Molds

Many jewelry makers use air dry clay to create custom molds for casting and resin jewelry. The clay can be sculpted into any shape, let dry fully, and then liquid resin or enamel can be poured in to make pendants, beads, and other jewelry pieces.(1)

Air Dry Clay vs Other Clays

Air dry clay has some key differences compared to other types of modeling clays like polymer clay and pottery clay. Here’s an overview of how air dry clay compares:

Air Dry Clay vs Polymer Clay

Polymer clay must be baked in an oven to cure and harden, unlike air dry clay which cures through evaporation. Finished polymer clay pieces will be sturdier than air dry clay but will not have the delicate brittleness of natural pottery (Source).

Air dry clay is water-based while polymer clay is oil-based. Polymer clay can be conditioned and reused whereas air dry clay cannot. However, air dry clay is non-toxic and safe for kids while polymer clays contain chemicals like phthalates.

Air dry clay works better for larger sculptures or projects needing an armature. The lightweight nature and ability to harden at room temperature makes air dry clay suited for sculpture modeling (Source). Polymer clay is more popular for small items like jewelry or figures.

Air Dry Clay vs Pottery/Ceramic Clay

Pottery clay requires firing in a high temperature kiln to harden and cure. Air dry clay cures at room temperature through evaporation. While ceramic pieces are more durable, air dry sculptures are lightweight and easier to work with.

Air dry clay is water soluble while ceramic clays are not. Ceramic clays can be reclaimed but air dry clay cannot. Air dry clay is softer and more malleable for modeling delicate details. Ceramic clays are best for functional pottery rather than sculpture (Source).

Best Air Dry Clay Brands

Some of the most popular and highly-rated air dry clay brands include:

Crayola

Crayola air dry clay is a great option for beginners and kids. It has a smooth texture and comes in a variety of bright colors. It air dries in 1-2 days into a firm, durable finish. However, it can be prone to cracking if not properly dried.

Activa La Doll Premier

Activa La Doll Premier clay is a professional quality air dry polymer clay used by doll makers and miniature artists. It has superior strength and flexibility compared to other clays. It also provides an ultra-smooth surface when dried. However, it does have a higher price point.

Craftsmart

Craftsmart air dry clay is a budget-friendly option sold at Michaels. It has a soft consistency and dries hard in 24 hours. It may be more prone to cracking during drying than premium brands. The colors can also fade over time.

When selecting an air dry clay, it’s important to consider the moldability, dry time, strength, flexibility, cracking tendencies, surface finish, and color vibrancy. Testing different brands can help identify the right clay for your specific modeling needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers about using air dry clay:

Where can I buy air dry clay?

Air dry clay can be purchased at most craft stores, art supply stores, and online retailers like Amazon. Popular brands include Crayola Model Magic, Activ-Clay, and Hearty Clay.

How should I store unused air dry clay?

Unused air dry clay should be stored in an airtight container or bag. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air before sealing. Stored properly, air dry clay can last for up to one year. Refrigeration can help extend its shelf life. [1]

Can you bake air dry clay in the oven?

No, air dry clay should not be baked in the oven or kiln as high temperatures can cause it to melt, burn, or crack. It is designed to dry and harden at room temperature. [1]

How long does air dry clay take to dry?

Drying times vary, but most air dry clays take 24-72 hours to completely harden. Thinner pieces will dry faster. Using a fan or dehumidifier can speed up drying. [2]

Can you mix air dry clay with polymer clay?

Yes, air dry clay can be combined with polymer clay for more flexible and lightweight sculptures. Polymer clay makes the piece stronger while air dry clay reduces the weight.