Based on common recommendations for creating a smooth finish, using sea salt in salt dough is not ideal if you desire a smooth texture free of visible crystals.
When making salt dough, the type of salt used significantly impacts the final texture and appearance of your creations. According to expert advice:
If you want a smooth, soft dough, use good quality table salt. Don't use sea salt where the crystals will be visible. Be careful not to add too much water. Add water little by little.
This highlights that while a dough might form with sea salt, it will likely result in a less desirable outcome compared to using standard table salt, particularly concerning smoothness and the presence of noticeable salt crystals.
Why Sea Salt May Not Be the Best Choice
The primary reason sea salt is often discouraged for traditional salt dough recipes aiming for a smooth finish is the size and shape of its crystals.
- Visible Crystals: Unlike fine table salt, sea salt crystals are typically larger and less uniform. These larger crystals do not dissolve as readily or completely during the dough-making process, leading to gritty particles that are visible within the dough.
- Texture: The presence of undissolved or partially dissolved sea salt crystals can prevent the dough from achieving the smooth, uniform texture that is often desired for molding and crafting.
- Smooth Finish: Achieving a perfectly smooth surface on your finished salt dough project becomes challenging when large salt crystals are embedded throughout the material.
Recommended Alternative: Table Salt
For optimal results, especially when aiming for a smooth, soft dough without visible imperfections, good quality table salt is recommended. Table salt has fine, uniform crystals that dissolve more easily, integrating smoothly into the dough mixture.
| Salt Type | Recommended for Smooth, Soft Dough? | Visible Crystals? (According to Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Table Salt | Yes | No |
| Sea Salt | No (for smooth/soft/no crystals) | Yes |
Practical Tips for Salt Dough
To ensure your salt dough project turns out well, regardless of the salt you choose (keeping the texture considerations in mind), remember these tips:
- Use the recommended salt type for your desired outcome (table salt for smooth, sea salt if visible crystals are acceptable).
- Add water gradually, little by little, to avoid making the dough too sticky.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure ingredients are well combined.
In conclusion, while you can technically mix sea salt into a dough, it won't produce the smooth, crystal-free result typically achieved with table salt, as noted by experts.
