Yes, super light clay does harden.
Super light clay, also known as air-dry clay, is designed to harden at room temperature without the need for baking in an oven or firing in a kiln. This makes it a popular choice for crafting projects, especially for beginners and children.
How Super Light Clay Hardens
The hardening process relies on evaporation. As the water content within the clay evaporates into the air, the clay shrinks slightly and becomes firmer. The time it takes to fully harden depends on several factors:
- Thickness: Thicker pieces of clay will take longer to dry than thinner pieces.
- Humidity: High humidity environments will slow down the drying process.
- Temperature: Warmer temperatures can speed up drying.
- Airflow: Good airflow around the clay promotes faster and more even drying.
Generally, super light clay will harden within 24-48 hours. However, thicker pieces might require several days to dry completely. You can tell the clay is dry when it feels firm to the touch and no longer appears damp.
Tips for Working with Super Light Clay
- Keep the clay sealed: When not in use, store your super light clay in an airtight container or bag to prevent it from drying out prematurely.
- Add water for softening: If the clay starts to dry out while you're working with it, add a small amount of water and knead it until it becomes pliable again.
- Avoid thick pieces initially: If you are making a large piece, consider making it hollow or constructing it from smaller pieces to speed up the drying process and prevent cracking.
- Turn the piece during drying: To ensure even drying, rotate the clay piece periodically. This prevents one side from drying out much faster than the other.
- Protect the finished product: Once the clay is hardened, you can paint it with acrylic paints, seal it with varnish, or decorate it as desired.
