Making artwork & any other useful object using clay requires firing it with the help of a kiln. Doing that adds durability to the tiles, pottery, & sculptures. However, not everyone is a pro at using a kiln for clay firing. Fortunately enough, the air-dry clay serves as a solution for the crafters who do not have access to the kiln. Air-dry clay is designed to harden and dry out naturally at room temperature. This happens mostly within a time frame of 24 hours.
However, to produce the best artwork, you need to have the best air-dry clay to start with. In this context, the Crayola Air-Dry Clay is a top choice. But, why exactly is it so good? This blog will review this amazing clay and point out the features that make it a good investment.
But, before we do that, you need to understand the types of air-dry clay available in the market.
Air-Dry Clay: Types Available in the Market
Clay is a unique crafting medium with certain subtypes that you can choose from. Selecting the best air-dry clay variant is important, depending on the project particulars and material preference. Here are some variants you can choose from:
- Paper-Based Air-Dry Clay:
The clay created from paper starts with regular clay bodies such as earthenware clay or terracotta clay. Next, processed papers or similar variants of cellulose fiber are added to this clay. The addition of paper helps reduce the overall weight of the project while improving the joining capabilities. It further decreases the warping issues when sculpting. It also decreases shrinkage post-drying.
- Earthenware Air-Dry Clay:
Crafted from natural clay, this air-dry variant consists of iron & other minerals present in the ground soil & plant as well as animal life remnants within. The fine-grain natural material tends to become pliable with moisture added to it. This helps contribute to the formation of a non-toxic variant of clay. However, it would help to keep in mind that earthen air-dry clay tends to be a bit stickier. However, it is just as easy to sculpt.
- Epoxy-Based Two-Part Air-Dry Mixed-Base Clay:
The epoxy-based air-dry clay comes as a two-part pair. It comes with a hardener and a resin that needs to be mixed properly. After being mixed, the epoxy clay starts drying up quickly. It can take as quick as 2 hours for this air-dry clay to dry up and harden. After the compound dries up, no alterations can be done to same. Depending on which brand you select, the air-dry clay can be waterproof as well.
Now that you know the types of air-dry clay let us understand how the Crayola Air-Dry Clay is the best to choose.
Crayola Air-Dry Clay: Features Described
The Crayola Air-Dry Clay is a versatile, fibrous, & paper-based product. The features brought in by the clay are at par with the top market contenders. When you touch the clay, you will first notice that it is a bit too malleable. But, with some water & a proper kneading process, you can easily introduce some air into the mixture, which is best for someone who is a beginner-level crafter.
As described earlier, this air-dry clay is made up of a lot of fiber. This helps create a sturdy texture that won’t break apart post-drying out. Apart from this, Crayola also brings in several features like minimal shrinking that automatically converts to a minimum or zero cracks during the drying process.
While most air-dry clay brands tend to be challenging for achieving the finer details, you will find that the Crayola Air-Dry clay is easier to work on. With some water patted onto the clay piece, you can easily create the most detailed pottery piece.
When you craft with Crayola Clay, the project can be perfected with the help of sandpaper, a knife, or a carving tool for precision. You can also use paint or varnish after the clay dries up to seal and strengthen the pottery work.
This white, pristine-colored air-dry clay is available in a reusable bucket with 5lb storage. Further, this clay is pretty soft and malleable. It can be flattened, coiled, formed, or pinched into different sculptures. Crayola is safe for newbies and expert artists who can work on a project within 24 hours or less. The clay dries up to become hard and white. The dried-up project can be painted or colored with the use of acrylic as well as color markers. However, avoid rolling thick pieces in order to avoid uneven drying or cracking.
Specifications
| Manufactured At | USA |
| Dimensions | 6 X 6 X 6.13 Inches |
| Item Weight | 5 Pounds |
| Storage Solution | Re-Sealable Plastic Bucket |
| Non-Toxic | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Crayola |
| Color | White |
| Paint-Friendly | Yes |
Crayola Air-Dry Clay is:
- White in color
- Created from the natural earth material
- Comes in a 5lb reusable bucket
- Dries up within 24 to 48 hours
- Ideal for beginner artists
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Pros:
- Can be molded easily with a bit of kneading
- Better post-drying texture as compared to other air-dry clay
- Isn’t harmful to the environment
- Storage is easier with its re-sealable bucket
- Completely safe for your kids with no toxic materials used
Cons:
- Might shrink a bit as it dries up
- Might not mold well when used with the molding armatures
Can You Seal Crayola Air-Dry Clay?
Crayola, similar to other variants of air-dry clay, can absorb moisture even after hardening. Although the amount of moisture absorption is a bit slower, it sure occurs in the long run. This is why it is important to ensure that the Crayola clay is sealed off with the help of paint or ModPodge.
Conclusion
With Crayola, you need to ensure that it isn’t fired in a kiln as is seen with regular clay. On the other hand, coloring Crayola’s air-dry clay is as easy as a breeze. So, if you are someone looking for reliable air-dry clay for your next project, make sure you take a look at the Crayola Air-Dry Clay.
