Air dry clay is a versatile and popular crafting material that allows for endless creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, proper storage is crucial to maintain the quality and usability of your air dry clay. Improper storage can lead to drying out, cracking, or becoming too soft and mushy.
In this article, we will explore effective methods and tips on how to store air dry clay to ensure its longevity and keep it in perfect condition for future projects. From choosing the right storage containers to controlling temperature and humidity levels, we will provide you with practical advice that will help you preserve the workability and durability of your air dry clay.
By implementing these storage techniques, you can confidently embark on your artistic endeavours without worrying about the quality of your clay.
Table of Contents
What Is Air Dry Clay?
Air Dry Clay is a type of modeling material that can be used for various artistic and craft projects. It has a clay-like consistency, but does not require firing in an oven or kiln to harden. Rather, it air dries to form a solid object. Air dry clay comes in many colors and varieties, including self-hardening clays and clays that require baking. It is generally softer than standard pottery clay and can be used to create items such as sculptures, jewelry, ornaments, and plaques. Air Dry Clay is a great material for beginning sculptors seeking an easy-to-use medium.
The versatility of air dry clay makes it an ideal choice for many craft projects. Its soft texture allows for shaping and molding into desired shapes and forms easily with minimal effort. This makes it perfect for furniture making, home décor items, mosaics, wall art, jewelry pieces, figurines, masks and more! Additionally, the reduced mess when compared to traditional wet clay means that air dry clay crafts are ideal for classrooms or creating with children at home.
Air dry clay is available in many forms, including modeling compounds, paperclay, self-hardening clay and no-bake clays. Depending on the type of air dry clay you choose, there are different storage techniques to make sure it lasts for future projects.
Importance of Proper Storage for Air Dry Clay
Proper storage of air dry clay is important to ensure it remains intact and free from damage. The clay should be stored in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. It’s best to store air dry clay in a container with a lid — this will help keep dust and other particles out, as well as preserve the moisture content of the clay.
If the clay is exposed to too much moisture or heat, it can become soft and malleable, making it difficult to work with. Additionally, storing air dry clay in an airtight container can prevent it from drying out quickly and cracking. Ultimately, proper storage of your air dry clay will extend its life and ensure you get the most use out of it.
When it’s time to use the clay, be sure to take it out of the container and let it warm up to room temperature. This will make it easier to manipulate and shape. Additionally, you can use a rolling pin or similar tool to flatten the clay for easier storage in the future. Once your project is complete, allow the air dry clay to fully dry before returning it to its container for safekeeping. Doing so will ensure that the clay won’t become stuck together or damaged while in storage.
Choosing the Right Location
When it comes to air-dry clay, the key to preserving your creations lies in careful storage. It’s important to find a location that will keep your clay away from moisture and extreme temperatures. A dry, cool closet or cupboard is ideal for storing air-dry clay, as long as the area doesn’t get too cold. You can also store the clay in a sealed plastic bag or container.
If you’re working on multiple projects, make sure to separate them from each other. Unfinished pieces of air-dry clay can stick together if they come into contact with one another, and this can be difficult to fix once it has already happened. Additionally, avoid storing your creations near heat sources, like radiators and air conditioners. Doing so can cause your clay to crack or become brittle.
10 Methods How to Store Air Dry Clay
1. Selecting the Right Storage Containers:
Choosing suitable containers for storing air dry clay is crucial. Opt for airtight containers, such as plastic or glass jars with tight-fitting lids. These containers prevent air from entering and drying out the clay, preserving its moisture content.
2. Sealing Clay Blocks:
If you have large blocks of air dry clay, it’s important to seal them properly. Wrap the clay tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no exposed areas. This prevents the clay from drying out and becoming unusable.
3. Moisture-Retaining Techniques:
To keep your air-dry clay moist and workable, try using techniques that retain moisture. Placing a damp cloth or sponge inside the storage container can help maintain the clay’s moisture levels. Be cautious not to let the cloth touch the clay directly, as it may cause unwanted sticking.
4. Ziplock Bags for Smaller Portions:
For smaller portions of air dry clay, zip lock bags are a convenient storage option. Place the clay inside the bag, squeeze out any excess air, and seal it tightly. This method is particularly useful for storing different clay colors separately.
5. Labeling and Organization:
When storing air dry clay, it’s important to label and organize your containers. Use markers or labels to identify the contents of each container, including the clay color, date of storage, and any other relevant details. This helps you easily locate and access specific clay batches.
6. Temperature Control:
Maintaining an appropriate temperature is crucial for the longevity of air dry clay. Store your clay in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, as excessive heat can cause the clay to harden or crack. Avoid storing it near heaters or in areas prone to temperature fluctuations.
7. Humidity Considerations:
Air-dry clay can be sensitive to humidity levels, as excessive moisture can make the clay too soft or sticky. If you live in a humid climate, consider using dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing products, such as silica gel packets, in your storage containers to maintain an optimal environment.
8. Rehydrating Dry Clay:
In case your air dry clay becomes dry or crumbly, it can often be rehydrated. Mist the clay lightly with water and place it in a sealed container for a few hours or overnight. The moisture will gradually permeate the clay, restoring its pliability.
9. Storage Duration:
While air dry clay can last for a considerable amount of time, it’s best to use it within a year of purchase. Over time, the clay may lose its moisture content, making it more challenging to work with. Rotate your clay stock by using the older batches first to ensure maximum usability.
10. Regular Inspections:
To ensure the quality of your stored air dry clay, perform regular inspections. Check for any signs of mold, discoloration, or unusual texture. If you notice any issues, discard the affected clay to prevent it from contaminating other batches.
Some Common Mistakes to Avoid
When storing air dry clay, there are some common mistakes to avoid. Clay should never be stored in a humid environment because this will cause it to form mildew and attract moisture, which can ruin the clay.
1. Never store air dry clay in a warm place. Warm temperatures will cause the clay to shrink and crack, making it unusable.
2. Never store air dry clay in direct sunlight. Sunlight will cause the clay to fade and become brittle.
3. Don’t store air dry clay near water sources, such as a sink or bathtub. The excess moisture could cause the clay to expand and deform, making it unusable.
4. Finally, don’t wrap your air dry clay in plastic wrap or any other airtight material for long periods of time. This will cause the clay to sweat, leading to mildew buildup and making it difficult to use.
By following these simple tips, you can successfully store your air dry clay and ensure that it remains usable for future projects.
How Long Does Air Dry Clay Last Once Dry?
Once air dry clay is completely dry, it can last for many years. However, since air-dry clay is porous, it will absorb moisture from the environment, which can cause it to degrade over time. To prevent this from happening, store the air dry clay in an airtight container or bag when not in use. Additionally, make sure to keep the container away from direct sunlight, as intense heat and UV rays can cause the clay to degrade faster.
Be sure to store any tools and accessories used with air dry clay separately from the actual clay – otherwise, they may get stuck together when stored for too long! If your air-dry clay does happen to become wet or sticky, it is still possible to save it by kneading it back into a workable consistency. Additionally, you can always take advantage of sealers or other protective coatings available on the market specifically made for air dry clay, which will help extend its lifespan.
Conclusion
Air-dry clay is an incredibly versatile and cost-effective material to make your own art with. With proper storage, you can ensure that your creations will last for years to come. Make sure your air-dry clay is stored in a cool, dry spot, away from any moisture or heat sources.
Choose an airtight container that’s big enough to fit all of your project pieces, and store it in a safe place such as on shelves or on the floor. For added assurance, cover each layer of the container in plastic wrap or sealable labels before closing. Be sure to follow all instructions on how to store air dry clay carefully, and always consult an expert when in doubt. Happy crafting!
