Covering clay while working on a project is essential primarily to prevent it from drying out.
The Importance of Preventing Clay from Drying
Clay needs moisture to remain pliable and workable. According to the reference provided, remember that air will dry clay out, so the longer clay is exposed to the open air, the quicker it is going to dry. When clay loses too much moisture, it becomes hard, difficult to shape, and can crack.
Keeping the clay moist allows you to:
- Continue sculpting and refining details.
- Join pieces together securely.
- Prevent premature cracking and structural weakness.
Practical Steps to Keep Clay Moist
To combat the effects of air exposure and maintain the desired consistency of your clay, it is important to keep clay projects covered.
Here are common methods:
- Plastic Sheeting: The most common method is covering your work with plastic wrap or a plastic bag. This creates a barrier that traps moisture.
- Damp Cloth: Placing a damp cloth directly on the clay before covering with plastic adds extra moisture retention.
- Spraying Water: If the clay feels like it's starting to dry, you can spray them with water with a spray bottle if needed, as recommended in the reference. This adds back some lost moisture.
Why Quick Drying is Problematic
Allowing clay to dry too quickly, especially unevenly, can lead to several issues before firing or final finishing:
- Loss of Workability: Once dry, reshaping or adding to the project is significantly harder or impossible without rehydrating the clay, which can compromise its integrity.
- Cracking: As water evaporates, clay shrinks. If different parts of a project dry at different rates, the uneven shrinkage can cause cracks.
- Weak Joints: Joints made with clay that is too dry may not bond properly, leading to pieces breaking apart later.
By covering your clay project, you control the drying process, ensuring the clay remains in the optimal state for sculpting and construction until you are ready for it to dry or be fired.
