To effectively stick air dry clay together, you need to create a strong bond using a technique involving scoring, slipping, and firm pressure.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
-
Score the Surfaces: Use a sharp tool (like a needle tool, toothpick, or even a fork) to roughen up the surfaces of both clay pieces you want to join. This creates texture for the slip to grip onto. Think of it like sanding wood before gluing.
-
Apply Slip: Slip is essentially a clay slurry, acting as the "glue" for air dry clay. You can easily make slip by mixing small pieces of your air dry clay with water until it forms a creamy, paint-like consistency (similar to heavy cream or yogurt). Apply a generous amount of slip to both scored surfaces.
-
Press Firmly Together: Once the slip is applied, press the two pieces of clay together firmly. Wiggle them slightly to ensure the slip makes good contact.
-
Smooth the Joint: After joining, use your fingers or a sculpting tool to smooth the seam where the pieces meet. You can also add more slip to fill any gaps.
-
Allow to Dry: Let the joined pieces dry slowly and evenly to prevent cracking. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.
Why this method works:
- Scoring: Creates a larger surface area and texture for the slip to adhere to.
- Slip: Acts as a binding agent, filling the gaps created by scoring and fusing the two pieces together as it dries.
- Pressure: Ensures good contact between the clay pieces and the slip.
Troubleshooting:
- Cracking: If your clay cracks during drying, it's often due to uneven drying or using too much water. Try covering your piece with plastic wrap to slow down the drying process.
- Weak Joints: If the bond is weak, you might not have scored the surfaces deeply enough or used enough slip.
- Clay type: Different brands and types of air dry clay may have different consistencies and require slight adjustments to the slip mixture.
By following these steps, you can create strong and lasting bonds when working with air dry clay.
