Yes, air dry clay does dry solid.
Understanding Air Dry Clay
Air dry clay is a versatile modeling material favored by artists and crafters for its convenience. Unlike traditional pottery clay that requires firing in a kiln, air dry clay hardens simply through exposure to air.
How It Works
Based on the reference provided:
- Crayola® Air-Dry Clay is described as a natural earth clay.
- It air-dries to a hard solid - without baking or firing.
This means that as the moisture evaporates from the clay when exposed to air, the material undergoes a chemical and physical change, resulting in a rigid, durable form.
Characteristics of Dried Air Dry Clay
When air dry clay is fully dry, it becomes:
- Hard: It achieves a significant level of hardness, allowing it to retain its shape permanently.
- Solid: It forms a cohesive, non-pliable mass.
This solid state makes it suitable for creating various items such as:
- Clay sculptures
- Decorative items
- Plaques
The process is straightforward and requires no special equipment like ovens or kilns, making it accessible for a wide range of projects. Cleanup is also noted as easy.
In summary, the air-drying process effectively transforms the pliable clay into a stable, hard solid ready for display or further decoration (like painting).
