For beginners, working with regular clay can be a bit tedious. Everything from selecting the clay type to the final firing process requires a lot of practice and a keen eye. Today, more and more artists are opting for an easier-to-use option which is air-dry clay. This clay variant is simple to work with. The only problem is that you get a shorter time frame to work on the designs as it tends to dry out when exposed to air after a certain time frame.
But, the ultimate question here is whether you can color or glaze your air-dry clay. In this guide, we will take a quick look at the question, “Can You Glaze Air Dry Clay”?
Air-Dry Clay: Can You Really Glaze It?
Given the fact that air-dry clay doesn’t need to be fired, you don’t necessarily have to opt for kiln firing with this clay. The chalky and matte finish that comes with air-dry clay is something that most potters air for. However, you can surely experiment with the glaze and make your air-dry craft all unique and shiny. If you are looking for good-quality air-dry clay, the DAS Air-Hardening Clay is a perfect choice. This white-colored block of 2.2lb is perfect for potters that have just started as well as expert crafters.
The glaze is used mostly to color or waterproof the air-dry clay. Instead of glaze, you can use white-colored crafts glue like Mod Podge. It is used to seal the clay. However, this surely won’t make the clay completely waterproof. Not just that, the mod podge, when exposed for a long time in the sun can lead to yellowing. You can opt for acrylic sealer, varnish, or even epoxy resin in order to seal the clay for waterproofing.
Here are the types of glazes you need to keep in mind before you opt for a homemade recipe.
Types of Glazes |
Properties |
Transparent Glaze |
The glaze is similar to glass and allows you to see through the clay project |
Colored-Transparent Glaze |
This glaze tends to darken the project & tends to give in a muddy color to the underglaze |
Opaque Glaze |
When you apply this glaze, you cannot see the surface of the project |
Glossy Surface |
Using this glaze brings in a shiny surface that reflects light |
Matte Glaze |
This glaze has zero shine & absorbs light without any reflection |
So, here is a quick glaze recipe for your air-dry clay that doesn’t have to be fired for permanency.
Glaze Recipe: Here is How to Make It!
In order to prepare the glaze recipe for air-dry clay, you will need:
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Clear Varnish
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Clear Glue
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Water
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Mixing Bowl
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Acrylic Paint
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Foam Brush or Paintbrush
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Wooden Mixing Stick
Before you start off this glaze mix, keep in mind that it isn’t suitable for polymer clay-based craft items. This is due to the fact that the varnish tends to erode this clay with time.
Here is the process to make the glaze:
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Pour the complete bottle of the clear varnish into your mixing bowl
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Add two tablespoons of the clear glue along with 3 tablespoons worth of bottled water & mix it together
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Do not worry if your mixture seems lumpy when you start with it. Just keep mixing & everything will surely come together to bring in a smooth texture
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Your glaze might look a bit cloudy. However, it will surely dry and clear
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If you do wish to add some color, you can mix it with a teaspoon of your favorite acrylic paint
You can separate your mixture & prepare different colors as required. In case you aren’t sure about the transparency of the glaze, try to add a small section of paint every time during the mixing process till you obtain the tint you require.
How to glaze your air-dry clay?
Before you glaze the air-dry clay, you need to follow a thorough process:
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Sand down the edges of the air-dry clay model, especially where you feel that the clay is rough. You can wipe away the dust by using a dry piece of cloth.
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Next, apply one single coat of homemade glaze. This glaze should evenly coat the entirety of the project. Do not worry if the glaze starts dripping all over, you can correct it with the help of a brush.
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Air-dry clay tends to be porous in nature. So, it will surely get absorbed into the air-dry clay & dry out quickly.
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Once the initial layer has dried out, you can add in multiple layers till you get the desired effect. Make sure you wait for the previous layer to dry out before you add the next one.
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Adding 2 to 3 layers will help you get a faux and shiny glazed finish.
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Make sure you use sticky tacks to keep the project lifted when kept on the work surface. You wouldn’t want the glaze to glue onto the work surface.
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Allow the air-dry clay in a room that isn’t exposed to dry sunlight or dust that might settle on top of the glaze.
Keep in mind that this air-dry glaze clay isn’t food safe but only meant for the purpose of decoration.
Things to Keep in Mind When Glazing the Air-Dry Clay
Air-dry clay isn’t the same as your normal clay. This means you have to take care of certain aspects of the glazing process. So, here are certain aspects that you need to keep track of:
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Do not color the air-dry clay until it has dried up completely. Failing to do so can lead to cracking after the glaze dries up. So, make sure you wait for the air-dry clay to dry even on the insides.
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Tempera, acrylic, and poster paints bring in the best results with solid and bright colors.
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Icing coloring and food coloring will also give a similar result.
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For a pastel color or light color, you can try out pastel chalk.
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Make sure you set up the work surface in a proper manner.
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Ensure the use of disposable gloves to avoid the color or glaze from sticking on your palms.
Conclusion
Air-dry clay isn’t generally food-safe. This means you can only use it for decorative purposes. If you want you can use a food-safe glaze for your air-dry project but it isn’t actually necessary. With the right glaze, you can ensure that the project is waterproofed and colored as well. There are several glaze recipes that can easily be cleaned without losing shine. Your glaze doesn’t actually have to be pricey or ruin your pocket. You can make your very own glaze at home as the one mentioned above. So, use this colorful and cheap gloss in order to seal the clay craft.
