To attach air dry clay pieces, use craft glue for a secure bond, being mindful that the clay will absorb the glue.
Attaching separate pieces of air dry clay effectively is crucial for creating sturdy sculptures and designs. While it might seem intuitive to simply mold wet clay pieces together, this method can often result in weak joints that easily break apart once the clay dries.
Best Method for Attaching Air Dry Clay
Based on practical advice, the recommended approach is to use an adhesive.
Instead of molding the pieces together, which may fall apart, use craft glue to secure the pieces. This provides a much stronger bond than relying solely on the clay's natural adhesion when wet.
Using Craft Glue
Craft glue, like PVA (white or clear) glue, is an excellent choice for joining air dry clay. Here's how to use it:
- Prepare the surfaces: Ensure both surfaces you want to join are clean and free of dust or debris.
- Apply the glue: Apply a thin, even layer of craft glue to one of the surfaces to be joined.
- Attach carefully: Bring the two pieces together and press gently but firmly. Be careful when placing the pieces as the clay will soak up the glue. This means you need to position the pieces correctly on the first attempt if possible, as repositioning can disturb the bond area.
- Hold in place: Hold the pieces together for a few seconds to allow the glue to begin setting.
- Remove excess: Wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out immediately using a damp cloth or sculpting tool.
- Support the joint: For heavier pieces or joints under stress, you may need to provide temporary support (like propping with other objects) until the clay and glue are fully dry.
Using glue creates a durable connection that withstands the drying process better than just wet clay-to-clay joins.
Why Molding Might Not Work Well
When you simply press wet clay pieces together, especially if they are not very wet or if the contact area is small, the bond relies on the clay particles interlocking and drying together. As the clay dries and shrinks, stress is put on these joints, often causing them to crack or separate. The reference highlights this by stating molding the pieces together "may fall apart".
Other Potential Attachment Methods (For Context)
While glue is highly recommended for strength, another common technique, particularly for joining wetter clay or larger pieces, involves using "slip".
- Scoring and Slipping:
- Score: Hatch marks are scratched onto both surfaces to be joined using a needle tool or fork.
- Apply Slip: Slip (a mixture of clay and water to the consistency of thick cream) is applied generously to one or both scored surfaces.
- Join: The two pieces are pressed together, twisting slightly to ensure good contact. The scoring provides a 'key' for the slip to bond the pieces effectively as they dry.
This method works well when the clay is still quite wet. However, for joining dried or partially dried pieces, or for maximum security on crucial joints, craft glue is often preferred, as suggested by the reference.
Summary Table: Attaching Air Dry Clay
| Method | Description | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Craft Glue | Applying glue to surfaces and pressing together. | Any dryness level, strong bonds. | Very strong, easy to use. | Clay absorbs glue (requires careful placement). |
| Scoring & Slipping | Scratching surfaces and using liquid clay (slip) as adhesive. | Wet to leather-hard clay. | Strong when done correctly, integrates with clay. | Requires clay at specific moisture levels, can be messy. |
| Molding Only | Simply pressing two pieces of wet clay together. | Very wet clay, less critical joints. | Quick and simple initially. | Weakest bond, likely to break during drying. |
For reliable results, especially when attaching significant parts of your sculpture, using craft glue is a dependable method that overcomes the potential weakness of just pressing pieces together. Remember the note from the reference: be careful with placement because the clay quickly absorbs the glue.
