Air dry clay can get moldy, either when it is part of an open pack or as part of a sculpture that is exposed to water when it hasn't been fully dried and sealed. Where mold is clearly visible, skin contact should be avoided and the mold either cut out or treated with a water/bleach mixture.
It is completely normal for most air dry clay to have traces of mold in it and in fact that little bit of mold will actually make the clay more workable. It can take years until a properly closed pack of air dry clay molds to the point of no return.
If the mold you use for the air-dry clay is ornate or complex, use a soft brush to dust the mold with corn starch or talcum powder. The surface of the air-dry clay will absorb the powder and create a minute barrier so the piece releases easily from the mold.
If stored properly, unused air dry clay should last indefinitely. We recommend wrapping the unused clay in plastic wrap or in a Ziploc bag, and then in another airtight container.
Air dry clay can get moldy, either when it is part of an open pack or as part of a sculpture that is exposed to water when it hasn't been fully dried and sealed. Where mold is clearly visible, skin contact should be avoided and the mold either cut out or treated with a water/bleach mixture.
Unlike traditional clay, air dry doesn't need to be fired to set hard. However, this does mean that your finished piece can still absorb moisture and can become soft if it comes into contact with water.
Air-dry clays were developed for artists who desire the integrity of clay but do not have easy access to a kiln. Most air-dry clays are mineral based and have properties comparable to those of traditional clays. They harden within a few days and do not need to be fired to create a permanent form.
If you have larger pieces that have completely dried, or old unpainted projects you want to reuse, you can still revive the clay. Break the dried clay into smaller pieces. Soak the pieces in a container overnight. Drain the excess water and work the clay into a ball.
Alternatively, you can slice the mold off, or wedge it in. Some potter's swear that a little mold on their clay makes it more plastic and easier to use. For them, getting rid of the mold is not the objective. They simply wedge it into the clay and start making pots.
Molds can cause or exacerbate skin problems and change the workability of clay.
One of the main differences is the way in which each clay sets. While air dry clay sets with air, polymer clay sets by heat. In fact, you can leave polymer clay out in the air for days and it won't set. Polymer clay also won't shrink while it is hardening, unlike air dry clay.
Clay is porous, the air dry clay will become pliable again if exposed to water or moisture. Sealing the clay will prevent this from occurring.
Can You Paint Air-Dry Clay Before it Dries? No, you need to wait for the clay to fully dry before you begin painting. By painting the clay while it is still wet, you run the risk of altering the clay item and causing cracks. However, you can color or dye the clay with paint before it dries by kneading in the paint.
Sealing air-dry clay before painting is not necessary. It will actually make it harder to paint the clay after sealing it. So Paint the clay with water-based color first and then seal it with acrylic sealer or varnish to protect the colors from water, sun, or scratches.
The best option to provide a water-resistant, durable seal on air dry clay objects is to use a polyurethane or acrylic sealer.
It's important to store your clay in a comfortable room temperature location. Your clay can freeze if it gets too cold or can melt if it gets too hot. So keeping your extra stash of clay in a dark cool environment, is ideal.
Cracking is normal in air dry clays: it's caused by shrinkage because of the loss of the water inside the clay body. Cracking in air dry clay is typically caused by sculpting over an armature or using a lot of water, either to mix the clay or to help it adhere onto a previous layer.
Avoid leaving it in the sun, using a hairdryer or putting it in the oven as this can cause cracks when the project hasn't dried evenly. If you find that you want to extend the life of your clay, keep your clay in an air-tight container or heavy-duty zip-lock bag.
Is it food-safe? While air dry clay is non-toxic, it's not suitable for use with food or drinks because it gets damaged by water which means it can't be washed.
There are many options for pre-coloring air dry clay, so feel free to experiment! Acrylic, tempera, or poster paints will give you a solid bright color. Oil paints will also work for basic coloring, but they're harder to clean. If you want a deep, vivid color, try artists' quality acrylic or oil paint.
One of the best ways to prevent mold developing on your clay is to use up your clay quickly and do not leave wet clay for long periods.