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Clay, a versatile and malleable material, has been used for centuries to create various forms of art and pottery. However, while clay is soft and pliable in its raw state, it can become fragile and susceptible to breakage if not properly hardened. Hardening clay after casting is a crucial step to ensure the longevity and durability of your creations. Whether you are a professional artist or a hobbyist, understanding the different techniques and methods to harden clay will help you preserve your crafted pieces for years to come. In this guide, we will explore various approaches to hardening clay, including air drying, oven baking, and using chemicals, providing you with the knowledge and tools to be able to confidently harden your clay projects.
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Play clay comes in many varieties, including ppymer clay and self-drying clay, often used to make interesting products such as dishes, jewelry, and other crafts. You can easily perfect your creation by heating the ppymer clay in the oven or allowing the clay to dry on its own.
Steps
Heating ppymer clay
- If there are no air bags in the model, you don’t have to worry about creating air vents!
- Make sure to fill each airbag with at least 1 hole to let all the air out.
- For example, many animal models are hollow inside for lightness. In addition, jewelry such as earrings can have air pockets, especially delicate items.
Note, some clays such as oil-based clay are not designed to harden, so check the packaging of the clay product you are using to be sure!
- If using more than one brand of clay in the same model, follow the instructions for the clay that makes up the majority of it. If you are unsure, you can set the temperature to about 129 degrees Celsius.
- Ceramic material retains heat well and can prevent sudden temperature changes when you open the oven door.
- Avoid metal or glass trays, as these materials are prone to temperature changes.
- Painted or enameled models will require a little longer firing. Normally, each layer of paint or enamel will need to be fired for another 3-5 minutes.
- For example, if your model is 1.3 cm thick and the instructions on the package are to bake for 15 minutes, you will have to bake for 30 minutes.
- If the packaging can no longer be kept, it is recommended that you heat it at a lower temperature for a longer time (eg 30-40 minutes) just to be safe.
- The model needs to be completely submerged in water, so you should use the largest pot possible.
- When fresh out of the oven, the model may still be a little soft on the outside, so some tools like tongs can leave indentations on the hot clay surface. You should only use tongs when removing the model from the ice, not when placing it in the immersion.
- If you don’t know how to submerge the model in ice, just put the ceramic tray in the water.
Self-drying clay
- If your model doesn’t harden after about 12 hours, try increasing the temperature by blowing the model with a hair dryer or putting it in the oven on the lowest setting for 1-2 hours. Remember to check in from time to time.
- If large cracks form during the drying process, you may have to redo the model by kneading the clay again. Pour a little water into the clay and put it in a plastic bag for about 10 minutes, then take it out and knead again, continue to add a small amount of water until it is flexible enough to mold.
- Be very careful when handling clay. Try not to touch more than necessary.
- For example, if you want to create a delicate pattern on an earthen pot, remember to use a small, thin paintbrush and spray a protective layer of paint over the entire kettle after the paint dries.
Advice
- When firing clay, you should try to avoid opening the oven door to allow heat to escape or the model to crack due to sudden temperature changes.
- Please be patient! Some clay products can take 72 hours to dry completely. Your item may be damaged if you touch it or move it away before this time.
This article is co-authored by a team of editors and trained researchers who confirm the accuracy and completeness of the article.
The wikiHow Content Management team carefully monitors the work of editors to ensure that every article is up to a high standard of quality.
This article has been viewed 25,249 times.
Play clay comes in many varieties, including ppymer clay and self-drying clay, often used to make interesting products such as dishes, jewelry, and other crafts. You can easily perfect your creation by heating the ppymer clay in the oven or allowing the clay to dry on its own.
In conclusion, hardening clay after casting is a crucial step to ensure the durability and longevity of the final product. By considering the various techniques discussed in this article, such as air-drying, oven-baking, and sealing, individuals can effectively enhance the hardness and strength of their clay creations. It is important to note that the chosen method should be dependent on the type of clay used, as different clays require specific curing processes. Additionally, proper handling and storage techniques should be implemented to prevent damage or deterioration of the hardened clay. Overall, with adequate knowledge and care, artists and craftsmen can successfully harden their clay creations, transforming them into long-lasting and robust works of art.
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