Clay is a great material to use in arts and crafts. This ingredient is inexpensive, easy to get your hands on, versatile for different projects, and usable with other materials like paint or textiles.
Air-dry clay is a modeling clay that can be shaped, molded, and dried without firing. It’s perfect for kids to use because it doesn’t require any cooking or baking.
But if you seal air dry clay with acrylic sealant before it dries, the sealant will keep the model’s surface looking new and protect it from paint smears or dust. Therefore, this blog post will show you how to seal air-dry clay, so your creations stay looking great.
How to Seal My Air-Dry Clay?
Method 1: Seal Air Dry Clay with a Spray Sealant
One way to seal air-dry clay is to use a spray sealant. From my experience, it is the quickest and easiest method, and it’s great for large projects.
- Just make sure the surface is clean and free of dust or debris before you start spraying
- Then, hold the can about six inches away from the project and coat the surface evenly with sealant. Be careful not to overspray, as this will cause streaks and smudges
- Finally, let the sealant dry completely before moving on to the next step
Method 2: Seal Air Dry Clay with Mod Podge
If you want to avoid using aerosol sprays, another option is to seal air-dry clay with Mod Podge. This sealant comes in various finishes, including matte, gloss, and satin. It’s also available in both water-based and solvent-based formulas.
- To seal air dry clay with Mod Podge, start by mixing the sealant until it’s smooth
- Then apply a thin coat to the project’s surface and let it dry completely
- Once it’s dry, apply another coat if needed. Be sure to let each coat of sealant dry entirely before applying the next one
Method 3: Seal Air Dry Clay with Acrylic Paint
If you’re looking for a more durable sealant, you can also seal air-dry clay with acrylic paint. This method is best for small projects that won’t be handled or played with since it can be tricky to seal large areas smoothly.
- To seal air-dry clay with acrylic paint, start by mixing the sealant until it’s smooth and free of lumps
- Then apply a thin coat over the surface of your project and let it dry completely before applying another one
- Once you’ve applied two or three coats of sealant, let everything dry for at least 24 hours before handling the finished product
Can air Dry Clay be Waterproofed?
Yes, you can seal air-dry clay to make it waterproof. To waterproof air dry clay, seal air dry clay with a coat of sealer or polyurethane to make it waterproof.
Don’t forget that even sealed air dry clay isn’t completely impermeable, so don’t count on it protecting anything inside from holds such as water!
If you want something truly waterproof, consider making polymer resin castings instead!
Conclusion
Sealing air-dry clay is an important step that helps protect your project from dust, paint smears, and other debris. By using a sealant, you can ensure that your project will last for years to come. So whether you’re using a spray sealant, Mod Podge, or acrylic paint, be sure to seal air-dry clay before it dries.
Also, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about making your air-dry clay waterproof.