What Makes Air Dry Clay Softer?

Air dry clay, also known as clay polymer, is a modeling material that dries to a hard state over time when exposed to air. It is made from a mixture of clay body and polymers like glue and other additives. Compared to traditional clays that need firing in a kiln to harden, air dry clays will set simply by being left out in room temperature air.

Some key properties of air dry clay include its light weight, smooth texture, easy flexibility and ability to harden without baking. It can be molded into any shape by hand and will retain its form as it air dries. It does not shrink or crack as much as traditional clays do during the drying process.

Air dry clay is very popular for arts and crafts. It is used to handmake sculptures, jewelry, ornaments, dolls and other decorative items. Many school art programs use air dry clay because it is affordable, easy to work with, and does not require a kiln. Air dry clay also allows beginners and children to successfully create 3D clay projects at home.

Ingredients in Air Dry Clay

The main ingredients in air dry clay are flour, salt, and water. Flour gives structure to the clay while the salt prevents mold from growing. Using just flour and water would result in a glue-like mixture, so the salt is essential for achieving a clay-like texture that holds its shape as it dries.

Air dry clay may also contain small amounts of optional ingredients like oil, cream of tartar, or cornstarch. Adding a teaspoon of oil makes the clay more pliable and easier to condition. Cream of tartar can help speed up the drying process. Cornstarch mixed into the clay results in a smoother, silkier texture.

How Air Dry Clay Dries

Air dry clay dries through a process called evaporation. When exposed to air, the water inside the clay evaporates over time, leaving the clay hard. This is different from pottery clay that must be baked in a kiln to fully harden. With air dry clay, no baking or firing is required for it to dry completely.

The water within the clay evaporates into the surrounding air. Factors like humidity, air circulation, temperature, and the thickness of the clay all impact the drying time. In an environment with lower humidity and good airflow, the drying process will be faster. Thicker pieces of clay will take longer to fully harden than thinner pieces.

Air dry clay dries from the outside in. The outer surface exposed to air will dry first, forming a hardened shell around the damp clay inside. As the water continues evaporating from the center, the entire sculpture will harden completely.

Proper drying is important so the clay doesn’t crack as it hardens. Letting air dry clay dry slowly and evenly by not over-exposing it to direct sunlight or heat prevents cracking. Storing clay projects in an airtight container with a damp paper towel can slow drying if needed.

Factors that Make Air Dry Clay Soft

There are a few main factors that can make air dry clay softer and easier to work with:

More Water Content

One of the biggest factors in softening air dry clay is the water content. Air dry clay is water-based, so adding more water to the clay will make it more malleable and soft. When clay starts to dry out, it becomes stiff and brittle. By adding small amounts of water and kneading it into the clay, you can bring back its softness and flexibility.

Adding Oil or Lotion

Adding a small amount of oil, such as vegetable oil, or hand lotion to the clay can also help soften it. The oil permeates the clay and lubricates it, making it more pliable. Start with just a few drops of oil or lotion and knead it thoroughly into the clay. This helps retain moisture and keeps the clay workable.

Using Softeners

There are also commercial softening agents made specifically for air dry clays. These are usually additive solutions that you mix into the clay. Softening agents work by adding plasticizers which increase the clay’s flexibility. They help the clay remain soft even as it starts to dry out during extended working times.

Adding Water

Adding water is the most effective way to soften air dry clay. When water is added and kneaded into the clay, it changes the consistency dramatically, making it smooth, pliable, and soft. The water rehydrates the clay, allowing you to mold and shape it as desired without it cracking or crumbling.

One of the great benefits of air dry clay is that even once it has dried, it can be re-wet and softened again for further use. Simply add some water and knead it until the clay absorbs the water and becomes malleable again. This allows projects to be reworked and added to, even after drying. So if your creation becomes too firm, just add a bit of water to restore the softness.

Using Oil

Adding a small amount of oil is another way to soften air dry clay and keep it flexible for a longer period of time. The best oils to use are food-grade oils like vegetable oil or mineral oil. Just a teaspoon or less added to the clay and kneaded in is usually sufficient.

The oil helps slow down the drying process. As the clay starts to dry out, the oil remains, keeping the clay molecules mobile and flexible. Too much oil can prevent the clay from hardening properly, so it’s best to use a minimal amount.

Olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and other plant-based oils work well for softening air dry clay. Baby oil or mineral oil are also good options because they are odorless and won’t go rancid over time. The key is to evenly distribute just a tiny bit of oil throughout the clay. This helps retain flexibility and prevents cracking or breakage.

Softening Agents

Certain ingredients can be added to air dry clay to help keep it soft and malleable for longer. Some common softening agents used with air dry clay include:

Glycerin – Glycerin is a thick, odorless liquid that works as a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture. Adding a small amount of glycerin to air dry clay will help it retain moisture and stay soft.

Cream of Tartar – Cream of tartar is an acidic powder that can be used as a softening agent. It prevents clay from drying too quickly.

Cornstarch and Corn Syrup – Both cornstarch and corn syrup are excellent for slowing the drying time of air dry clay. They keep moisture in the clay longer before evaporation.

Oils – Small amounts of food-grade oils like olive oil, vegetable oil, or mineral oil can be kneaded into air dry clay to keep it soft and flexible.

Commercial Softening Agents – There are commercially available softening products like clay softener and Soft-n-Creme that are designed to mix into air dry clays.

These softening agents work as plasticizers when added to air dry clay. They integrate into the clay mixture on a molecular level and space out the clay particles so they can slide over one another easily, creating a smooth, malleable clay.

Storing Soft Clay

To maintain soft clay for as long as possible, here’s what you need to do:

• Keep your clay in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. This prevents moisture loss from exposure to air.

• Give your clay a light spritz or misting of water every few days. The small amount of water will keep the clay supple.

• For long term storage of many months or years, freeze your clay. Freezing prevents the clay from hardening over time. Simply defrost in the refrigerator when you’re ready to use it again.

Following these simple storage steps will prolong the softness and usability of your air dry clay.

Working with Soft Clay

Once you’ve softened your air dry clay, working with it requires a bit of technique to prevent sticking and achieve the right consistency. Here are some tips:

Knead the clay thoroughly before starting to shape it. This evenly distributes the moisture and oils throughout the clay. Take care not to over-knead, as this can make the clay tough and difficult to work with.

Lightly dust your work surface and hands with corn starch or baking powder. This helps prevent the clay from sticking as you sculpt. Re-dust as needed while working.

Work the clay until soft, pliable, and smooth. Avoid lumps or dry spots, as these can cause cracking when drying. The clay should be uniformly soft and malleable throughout.

Use silicone sculpting tools instead of fingers when detailing to avoid fingerprints or smudging fine elements.

Work swiftly once the clay is soft. If it starts to dry out, you may need to condition it again by kneading in a bit more oil or water.

Keep unused clay wrapped in plastic to retain moisture and prevent hardening.

With properly softened clay that’s been prepped to avoid sticking, you can sculpt and shape intricate creations with ease. Just work quickly before it dries!

Conclusion

In summary, there are a few key factors that contribute to making air dry clay softer. Adding water is one of the simplest ways to rehydrate clay and make it more malleable. Using oil or commercial softening products can also help keep clay flexible. Storing clay properly will prevent it from drying out and becoming stiff. Working with soft versus stiff clay provides more time for sculpting and shaping before the clay hardens.

The benefits of soft clay compared to stiff clay are that soft clay is easier to shape and mold into intricate designs. It allows artists and hobbyists more time to work with the clay before it sets. Soft clay also reduces cracking and breakage when sculpting delicate objects. On the other hand, stiff clay is better for projects that require sturdy structures and sharper edges or details. Understanding the qualities of soft versus stiff clay allows creators to choose the type of clay that best suits their project needs.