To keep air dry clay flat, you must manage the drying process to prevent warping, which occurs when the edges dry more quickly than the center. Here's how:
Preventing Warping in Air Dry Clay
The key to keeping air dry clay flat is to ensure it dries evenly. Here are some strategies to achieve this:
Turn Your Clay Pieces Regularly
- Periodic Turning: The most important step is to turn your clay piece regularly. Every half hour to an hour, flip it over. This allows both sides to dry at a similar pace, minimizing the risk of warping.
Drying on a Rack
- Elevated Drying: Use a rack to dry your clay pieces. This allows air to circulate underneath, promoting even drying across the entire surface. This is better than drying on a flat surface, where one side is exposed to air and the other is not.
- Example: A wire cooling rack or a similar elevated surface is excellent for this purpose.
Other Tips for Flat Drying
- Smooth Surface: Create your clay pieces on a smooth, flat surface such as a glass sheet or tile, to ensure an even start.
- Thickness Consistency: Aim for an even thickness throughout the clay piece, as varied thicknesses can lead to uneven drying.
- Slow Drying: Avoid placing the clay in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can accelerate the drying process on the exterior and cause warping. Let it dry slowly and naturally at room temperature.
- Large Pieces: For particularly large flat pieces, apply extra attention to even drying by turning the piece frequently and checking for signs of warping.
Summary
By employing these methods, you can significantly reduce the chances of your air dry clay pieces warping and maintain their flatness during the drying process. Remember, the goal is to allow the clay to dry uniformly, preventing any part from drying faster than another.
