Air dry clay is a great material to use for crafting, but it can be frustrating when your project gets ruined by water. There are a few simple things you can do to make air dry clay waterproof. First, you need to seal the clay with a clear acrylic sealer.
You can find this at most craft stores. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle. Once the sealer is dry, you can then paint your project with a waterproof paint.
Contents
- How to Waterproof Air Dry Clay
- Waterproof Air Dry Clay
- Best Sealant for Air Dry Clay
- Acrylic Sealer for Air Dry Clay
- How to Seal Air Dry Clay After Painting
- Air Dry Clay for Outdoor Use
- Can Air Dry Clay Be Made Waterproof?
- What Can You Put on Air Dry Clay to Seal It?
- How Do You Seal And Strengthen Air Dry Clay?
- How Do You Waterproof Air Dry Clay Pots?
- Conclusion
How to Waterproof Air Dry Clay
- Combine one part air-dry clay with two parts liquid polymer in a bowl and stir until the clay is completely coated
- Spread the mixture onto a non-stick surface and allow it to dry for 24 hours
- Once dry, peel the clay away from the surface and cut it into desired shapes
- Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes
- Allow the pieces to cool completely before sealing them with waterproof sealant
Waterproof Air Dry Clay
When it comes to crafting with clay, there are a lot of different types to choose from. Waterproof air dry clay is one option that can be used for a variety of projects. This type of clay is perfect for those who want to create something that will withstand the elements.
This type of clay is made from a mixture of polymers and resins. It is then combined with water to create a putty-like substance. Once it dries, it becomes hard and durable.
This makes it ideal for outdoor projects or for items that will be exposed to moisture.
One thing to keep in mind when working with waterproof air dry clay is that it takes longer to dry than other types of clay. You will need to allow plenty of time for your project to cure completely before putting it on display or using it.
However, the wait will be worth it once you see the final product!
Best Sealant for Air Dry Clay
When it comes to air dry clay, there are a few different things you need to take into account before choosing a sealant. The first is what your project will be used for. If it’s something that will be handled a lot or exposed to moisture, you’ll want to use a clear waterproof sealant.
If it’s something for decoration only, any non-toxic sealer will do. You also need to consider how easy the sealer is to apply and how long it takes to dry. With all that in mind, here are our picks for the best sealants for air dry clay:
For projects that will be handled a lot or exposed to moisture:
Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer – This water-based formula goes on smoothly and dries quickly, making it ideal for sealing air dry clay projects that need an extra layer of protection. It’s also non-toxic and safe for kids.
Aleene’s Clear Gel Tacky Glue – This glue has a thick consistency that makes it perfect for sealing porous materials like air dry clay. It dries clear and holds up well against moisture, so it’s great for projects that will see a lot of wear and tear.
For decorative projects:
FolkArt Multi-Surface Sealer – This aerosolized polymer formula provides even coverage and dries clear, making it ideal for sealing air dry clay sculptures and other decorative pieces. Plus, it’s non-toxic and safe for kids.
Acrylic Sealer for Air Dry Clay
Acrylic sealer is a must-have for anyone who works with air dry clay. It not only helps to keep your clay projects looking their best, but it also protects them from the elements.
There are many different types of acrylic sealers on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is specifically designed for use with air dry clay.
Some general purpose sealers can actually damage air dry clay, so it’s best to avoid them.
When applying acrylic sealer to your project, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. In most cases, you will want to apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat.
Allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before adding the next will give you the best results.
How to Seal Air Dry Clay After Painting
When you’re finished painting your air dry clay project, it’s important to seal it to protect your work. There are a few different ways you can do this, and the best method will depend on what type of paint you used.
If you used water-based paints, you can simply seal your clay with a clear acrylic sealer.
Just apply a thin layer with a brush or spray bottle and let it dry. You can also use Mod Podge for this purpose, although it may yellow over time.
For oil-based paints, you’ll need to use a different method.
First, sand the surface of your clay lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth surface for the sealer to adhere to. Next, apply a thin layer of gesso or white primer with a brush or roller.
Once that’s dry, you can apply your chosen sealer in the same way as before.
Air Dry Clay for Outdoor Use
Are you looking for a clay that can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects? Air dry clay is the perfect option! This type of clay is inexpensive and easy to find, plus it dries hard so it can withstand any weather conditions.
To use air dry clay for an outdoor project, simply roll out the clay to your desired thickness and shape. Then, use a toothpick or other sharp object to make any holes or designs you want in the clay. Let the piece air dry for 24-48 hours before adding any paint or sealant.
Can Air Dry Clay Be Made Waterproof?
Most air dry clay is not waterproof. There are, however, a few brands that sell waterproof air dry clay. One example is La Doll Clay, which is made with a special type of resin that makes it resistant to water.
Another option is Sculpey III, which contains an ingredient called Paraffin Wax that helps make the clay waterproof.
What Can You Put on Air Dry Clay to Seal It?
Air-dry clay is a great material for arts and crafts projects, but it can be tricky to work with. One of the most common problems people have with air-dry clay is that it dries out too quickly. This can cause your project to crack or crumble, which is obviously not ideal!
One way to combat this problem is to seal your air-dry clay before you start working with it. This will help to keep it moist for longer, giving you more time to work with it before it starts to dry out. There are a few different ways you can seal air-dry clay, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular methods.
One simple way to seal air-dry clay is to wrap it tightly in cling film/plastic wrap. Make sure there are no gaps or holes in the cling film, as otherwise the moisture will escape and your clay will dry out. You can also put the wrapped clay into a zip-lock bag for extra protection.
Another option is to dampen a cloth or paper towel and then wrap this around the outside of the cling film. This will help to keep the moisture in even better.
If you’re planning on storing your sealed air-dry clay for any length of time, you might want to consider using an airtight container.
Tupperware or similar would be perfect for this – just make sure there’s no chance of any leakage! Once your clay is sealed up nice and tight, it should stay moist for several days (depending on how humid your environment is).
So there you have it – a few different ways you can seal air-dry clay and stop it from drying out too quickly!
Give one of these methods a try next time you’re working with this material, and see how much easier it is to use.
How Do You Seal And Strengthen Air Dry Clay?
Air dry clay is a type of modeling clay that hardens without the need for firing in a kiln. This makes it ideal for projects that can be completed in a short amount of time, as there is no need to wait for the clay to dry before working with it. However, air dry clay is not as strong as fired clay, and so it needs to be sealed and strengthened if it is to be used for projects that will receive a lot of wear and tear.
One way to seal and strengthen air dry clay is to mix it with an equal amount of plaster of Paris. This creates a stronger mixture that can be used for items that will see heavy use, such as vases or bowls. To do this, simply combine the two ingredients in a bowl and knead them together until they are thoroughly mixed.
Then shape your project as desired and allow it to air dry completely.
Another way to seal and strengthen air dry clay is by painting it with several coats of clear acrylic sealer. This method works best on smaller projects, as the sealer can add weight and bulk to larger pieces.
Simply paint your project with an even coat of sealer and allow it to dry completely between each coat. For added strength, you can also mix the acrylic sealer with water before applying it to your project.
How Do You Waterproof Air Dry Clay Pots?
If you’re looking to waterproof your air dry clay pots, there are a few different methods you can use. Perhaps the simplest method is to use a sealant designed for air dry clay. You can find these at most craft stores.
Another option is to paint your pots with multiple coats of waterproof paint, letting each coat dry thoroughly before applying the next. Finally, you can apply a layer of beeswax or paraffin wax to the outside of your pots. This will need to be repeated every few months, but it will create a durable waterproof barrier.
Conclusion
Making air dry clay waterproof is a simple process that can be done with a few household ingredients. All you need is white glue, water, and a spray bottle. Simply mix the glue and water together in the bottle, then spray your clay project until it is saturated.
The clay will dry hard and waterproof.