Air-dry clay is a great option for hobbyists as well as professional crafters. But, if you have a habit of buying in bulk, you might have a lot of clay lying around unused in your storage. While air-dry clay does have a good shelf-life, it starts to dry right away once you open the packaging. So, if you do not use it right away, you will end up with dried-out clay that is useless and a complete waste of money. So, how would you save your precious air-dry clay and maximize its shelf life? Keep reading to find out the details!
Best Ways To Store Air-Dry Clay
With some easy tips, you can keep your air-dry clay workable for months and even years. If you tend to buy small packages that can be used right away, you need not worry about the clay drying out. However, if you have unused air-dry clay in your art supply, you need to act now before your hard-earned money goes to waste.
Do Not Open The Original Packaging
If you tend to buy in bulk and the air-dry clay is in separate packages, do not open the original packaging. This will keep the air-dry clay intact for a longer time as opposed to any other method. And, if you do open the packaging, try to use the clay right away. The original packaging is air-tight and has some preservatives to keep it usable for longer.
Portion Your Clay
For artists that buy a single big package of air-dry clay, it is advised that you opt for the Crayola Air-Dry Clay that comes in a re-sealable bucket. So this will preserve your clay for a long time. However, if your air-dry clay doesn’t have a re-sealable package, the key is to portion your clay. The general rule is to measure your daily requirement and portion accordingly. Say, for example, if you have 1lbs of air-dry clay, you can portion it into 4 to 5 parts and then store each portion in separate ziplock bags.
Additionally, you can store the ziplock bags inside a clear, air-tight container for additional security.
Store In A Cool And Dry Place
When storing your air-dry clay, location is very important. Even if you store the clay in a ziplock bag and place it in an area with direct sunlight, it will dry off very quickly. So, it is important to pick a suitable place that doesn’t get direct sunlight or is too airy. Store your clay in a dark, cool, dry place, like inside a cupboard. This will ensure your clay isn’t exposed to environmental factors that cause drying.
Also, make sure the clay is stored at room temperature. The area must be cool but not cold and not too hot as well. If the clay is stored in an area that is too hot or cold, the clay will dry out very fast.
Keep Your Clay Wet When Working
If you have a small batch of air-dry clay but you end up not using a good chunk of it, the key is to not expose it to air when working with it. Instead, when you are molding with the clay, place a moist towel on the clay that is on the table. Once you have completed the project, remove the towel and store it right away. Ensure that the towel isn’t too wet or too dry but just moist enough to ensure that the clay doesn’t dry out when you are working with it.
Conclusion
When stored correctly, air-dry clay lasts for years, depending on the brand you work with. Also, keep in mind that the clay isn’t too wet when you store it, or else it will end up forming bacterial growth or molding. While some mold growth can be removed, and the clay would still be usable, the key is to maintain an appropriate amount of moisture to prevent molding. Finally, in case the air-dry clay smells bad when you remove it from the bag, you need to throw it right away. But, if you follow these tips elaborated above, you can surely have your air-dry clay last for years.
