Crayola® Air-Dry Clay is a natural earth clay which air-dries to a hard solid - without baking or firing. Use it to make clay sculptures, decorative items or plaques. Easy clean-up. Minimal shrinkage.

While clay is wet

Water can be added to Air-Dry Clay to soften or join pieces. If too much water is added, simply allow clay to sit until excess water has evaporated. Check frequently to determine when the clay achieves the desired workability. When working with Air-Dry Clay, remember that pieces greater than ¼” thick are more durable and less fragile than thinner pieces.

You can use most traditional clay sculpting techniques with Air-Dry Clay, such as coil, slab, pinch, score-and-weld. The wet clay takes impressions well from rubber stamps or textured materials. You can also press beads, small stones or other decorative items directly into the clay. When joining two pieces together, score or roughen both surfaces, then apply slip before pressing firmly together. To make slip, mix together clay and water until it's the consistency of heavy cream.

Air-Dry Clay is similar to a porcelain clay body when wet and can be thrown on a potter’s wheel by intermediate and advanced students. However, it should never be fired in a kiln or painted with traditional glazes.

Dry time on the clay varies depending on the size of the piece and the humidity of the environment. Most pieces will be safe to handle carefully within a day but should be allowed to dry at least 24-48 hours before painting or sealing. Actual time to completely dry may take several weeks, and the clay becomes stronger with time.

When clay is dry

Large or thick dry pieces of Air-Dry Clay may be carved or inscribed with clay tools (use adult supervision). Thoroughly dry pieces may be painted with tempera, acrylic or watercolor. If you are coloring a large area of the clay, markers may not provide optimal coverage since the clay tends to clog the nib. However, pigment-based permanent markers work well for writing words on the clay. Our glitter glue can also be used to decorate the clay. Other products in the market that work well to decorate Air-Dry Clay are some pigment-based stamping pads and metallic powder pigment embellishments.

Handling and care information

Store unused clay in an airtight container. Do not store clay to which water has been added. Keep finished product away from open flame. Do not mold into candleholders or other like items for use around a flame. Do not put in oven, microwave or kiln. Do not allow finished pieces to come into contact with food or liquids.

 

Clean-Up

Air-Dry Clay will clean up off skin, tools, and surfaces easily with soap and water. For best results, cleanup should be prompt. As the clay gets dryer, it will become harder and may require soaking or scrubbing to clean. There is a small amount of pigment in the clay, which could potentially stain clothes, but no binder, so fabric staining should not be an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for Air-Dry Clay to dry?

Air-Dry clay generally takes 24 hours to dry to the touch; 72 hours to dry completely. Drying times can be altered by environmental conditions and the size of the piece. Thoroughly dry pieces may be painted with tempera, acrylic, or watercolor.

How long can I store unused Air-Dry Clay in the airtight container?

Unused Air-Dry Clay can be stored in an airtight container for 3-12 months.

How can I store unused packets of Air-Dry Clay?

Tightly wrap any unused clay in the foil packs and store in an airtight container or re-sealable bag. For best results, use the clay as soon as possible. Air-Dry Clay is designed to air-dry and harden within 72 hours.

Can I display Air-Dry Clay pieces outdoors?

Dried and sealed pieces are not waterproof, so we recommend displaying finished pieces indoors.

Can Air-Dry Clay pieces be sealed?

Air-Dry Clay can be sealed once your piece is completely dry after 72 hours. Once dry, we suggest using an acrylic varnish. Make sure to test its compatibility with the varnish before applying it to a finished piece.

Sealing your work will not waterproof it. Exposure to water and outdoor elements will have a negative effect on the Air-Dry Clay, so we recommend displaying your sculpture indoors.

Can I use armatures with Air-Dry Clay?

When creating with Air-Dry Clay, for best results we recommend your sculpture be formed into a 3-D solid structure. If you feel an armature is practical or necessary, it is best to choose one that allows a small amount of "give" such as crumpled aluminum foil. Using a rigid armature can result in cracked Air-Dry Clay, since the armature is unable to constrict while the Air-Dry Clay dries.

How do I adhere decorative pieces to Air-Dry Clay?

Depending on the size of the decorative objects we recommend using white school glue, Crazy Glue or Gorilla Glue to adhere objects like stones, beads, glitter, moss, etc. to thoroughly dry Air-Dry Clay pieces.

Why has my Air-Dry Clay piece cracked?

There are several reasons why it may crack.

  • Forming the Air-Dry Clay around a rigid support or armature is not recommenced. The clay gradually constricts as it dries, and the rigid piece remains the same size. This can result in the clay cracking. If you feel an armature is practical or necessary, it is best to choose one that allows a small amount of "give" such as crumpled aluminum foil.
  • Water can be added to air dry clay to soften or join pieces. However, too much water may result in cracking as the clay dries. If too much water is added, making the clay very soft, allow the excess water to evaporate before molding pieces.
  • Air-Dry Clay pieces should be at least 1/4 inch in thickness. If the item you created is too thin, cracking may occur.

How can I repair cracks in my Air-Dry Clay piece?

While success may vary depending on the severity of the cracks, you can try repairing any cracking that has occurred by adding a few drops of water to the crack and try smoothing with your fingers. You may also try filling in the crack with a small amount of wet clay and smooth with your fingers.

Why has my piece of Air-Dry Clay warped? What can I do to prevent this?

Warping occurs when the edges dry more quickly than the inside of the piece. Turning the flat piece(s) periodically; half hour to an hour, will prevent warping. If possible, dry the flat art piece on a rack. The air gets underneath and helps it dry without warping.

Can I use Air-Dry Clay on a pottery wheel?

Air-Dry Clay is similar to a porcelain clay body when wet and can be thrown on a potter's wheel by intermediate and advanced students. However, it should never be fired in a kiln or painted with traditional glazes.

Do you have any tips for decorating Air-Dry Clay?

  • Paint: Thoroughly dry pieces may be painted with tempera, acrylic, or watercolor paint
  • Markers: Non-Permanent & Washable Markers may not provide optimal coverage if you are coloring a large area of clay since the clay tends to clog the marker nib. Permanent pigment-based markers work well for writing words on the clay.
  • Glitter Glue can be used to decorate dry artwork

Other product suggestions: pigment-based stamping pads and metallic powder pigment embellishments.

What is the environmentally friendly way to dispose of Crayola Model Magic and Air-Dry Clay?

Crayola Air Dry Clay, whether still wet (as sold) or dried, may be disposed of as a household waste. There are no known restrictions for its transportation or disposal. Typical curbside-pickup household waste systems may be used for environmentally safe disposal.