Decorating air dry clay typically involves preparing the dried piece before applying paint or other finishes.
Once your air dry clay creation has fully dried, you can begin the decoration process. A key step is preparing the surface.
Preparing Air Dry Clay for Decoration
Air dry clay can often have a porous and bumpy texture after drying. Proper preparation ensures a smoother and more professional finish.
Drying
The first crucial step, as highlighted in the reference, is ensuring your clay is fully dried. Attempting to decorate wet or damp clay can lead to issues with adhesion, cracking, or mold. Drying time varies based on thickness and humidity, but waiting at least 24-72 hours, or until the piece feels completely hard and cool, is generally recommended.
Sanding
After your clay piece is completely dry, you can sand it to smooth out any rough patches or bumps. Sanding is advised because air dry clay can be quite porous and bumpy. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper and move to a finer grit for a smooth finish. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling clay dust.
Sealing (Optional)
You may also wish to seal your clay before painting. Sealing serves multiple purposes:
- It can make the surface less porous, preventing paint from being absorbed unevenly.
- It helps ensure smooth application of your chosen paint medium.
- It can add durability and water resistance depending on the sealant used.
Common sealants include Mod Podge, PVA glue diluted with water, or specific acrylic sealers. Apply thin, even coats and let each coat dry completely.
Painting Air Dry Clay
Once the clay is dry, sanded, and optionally sealed, you are ready to paint it with your chosen medium to achieve your desired look.
Choosing Your Paint
- Acrylic paints: A popular choice for air dry clay due to their versatility, range of colors, and durability once dry.
- Tempera paints: Often used for simpler projects, but may require sealing afterwards as they are less durable.
- Watercolors: Can be used for a washed-out, translucent effect, often best on sealed clay.
Application Tips
- Use appropriate brushes for your desired detail level.
- Apply paint in thin, even layers, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- For detailed work, use fine brushes or even paint pens after the base layers are dry.
Finishing Touches
After painting, you can add final decorative elements:
- Varnishing: Applying a varnish (matte, satin, or gloss) protects the paint, adds durability, and can enhance the colors.
- Adding embellishments: Glue on beads, glitter, or other decorative items using a strong craft glue.
Here's a simple step-by-step guide:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drying | Ensure clay is fully dry. | Prevents cracking and mold, prepares for steps. |
| 2. Sanding | Smooth porous/bumpy surfaces. | Creates an even base for paint/sealant. |
| 3. Sealing (Opt.) | Apply a sealant (e.g., Mod Podge, Acrylic). | Ensures smooth paint application, adds durability. |
| 4. Painting | Apply paint with your chosen medium. | Adds color and design. |
| 5. Varnishing (Opt.) | Apply protective varnish. | Protects paint, adds finish. |
Following these steps, particularly ensuring the clay is dry and prepared as recommended in the reference, will help you achieve a beautiful and lasting decorated air dry clay piece.
