Yes, air dry clay is designed to air dry. It hardens naturally when exposed to air.
Air dry clay differs from polymer clay or traditional ceramic clay in that it doesn't require baking in an oven or firing in a kiln to become hard. The clay contains a binder that allows it to harden as water evaporates from it.
Here's a breakdown:
- How it Works: Air dry clay hardens as water evaporates.
- Drying Time: Typically, it hardens within 24-72 hours, depending on the thickness of the clay and environmental conditions (humidity, temperature).
- Storage: Unused air dry clay should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag to prevent it from drying out. For best results, use the clay as soon as possible after opening. Tightly wrap unused clay in its original foil packs.
- Factors Affecting Drying:
- Thickness: Thicker pieces take longer to dry.
- Humidity: High humidity slows down the drying process.
- Temperature: Warmer temperatures generally speed up drying.
In summary, air dry clay is specifically formulated to harden by simply being exposed to air, making it a convenient material for crafting and modeling.
