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Imagine clay on a potter’s wheel, wet and muddy hands of the potter handling clay molding; the clay sliding right through the sturdy hands smoothly and the results being fine-tuned properly. That’s such a beautiful sight.
No, Crayola Air Dry Clay should not be baked or exposed to heat as this will not necessarily dry it up. It was not made for such a temperature. It works better air-dried. As the name suggests, it should be air-dried instead of heated up with the oven.
Crayola Air Dry Clay is such a potter’s clay. The result obtained using Crayola Air Dry Clay is usually beautiful. It is believed to produce better results than other types of Air Dry Clay. Such modeling clay has its purposes and processes. The tendency to hasten the drying process with heat cannot be ruled out, especially if you have a long way to go. Can I use heat from the oven or microwave to hasten the hardening process? Can Crayola Air Dry Clay be baked?
Can heat affect it? These questions are answered in this article, follow through.
Why Crayola Air Dry Clay?
Crayola Air-Dry Clay is natural earth clay that uses the air-dry method to become hardened. This implies that it hardens between 25- 27 °C within a few hours (not more than 24 hours in a day). It is easy to clean up. When handled properly, there is minimal shrinkage and breakage. It can be used for sculpting, scoring, and construction of slabs. Crayola Air Dry Clay can be used on the potter’s wheel.
How to Use Crayola
Crayola can be mixed with water to soften the clay. The wet clay can be cut into desired shapes and pieces; these pieces can be joined. When moist, the clay is easily impressionable. You can make patterns and designs with stamps, molds, or other materials. In joining pieces together, a heavy cream of clay called slip is used. The clay slip is made by adding clay and water to form a thick consistency. This is mixed thoroughly to achieve this consistency. This is allowed to air-dry for a few hours.
In mixing and molding clay, thicker pieces are better. This is because they are durable and will not easily break. Thin slices can easily break or crack during manipulation. It is also essential to use suitable materials and tools while working.
When Crayola is properly air-dried, it can be carved and inscribed with the necessary tools. It can also be painted with various colors depending on your choice.
How To Keep Clay from Hardening While Working
During the working process, the propensity for Crayola Air Dry Clay to air dry is inevitable, as its usual function is to air dry. What you can do to slow down the hardening process while working is to dab clay with wet/ damp cloth. You could also use wet hands while handling clay.
How to Store Crayola
To protect the integrity of unused Crayola, pour it into a plastic bag and keep it in a tight-fitted container. If you have to store molded or wet clay, keep it hydrated till time for the intended use. It is appropriate to keep the clay stored in a place away from dust and moisture.
Molded or finished pieces should be kept away from food and kitchen materials. Crayola Air Dry Clay should be kept away from toddlers’ reach and flammable substances. Children could be allowed to use the clay for artistic projects under supervision.
In the instance, while the project is not done, store it in a plastic wrap or Ziploc bag, depending on the size, till you’re ready to continue. Keep it cool and dry; this will ensure its longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did My Clay Melt In the Oven?
Crayola is not recommended for oven use. It was not formulated to withstand such temperature. Do not harden Air Clay in the Oven unless it is polymer clay. Leave your clay work or projects to air dry, exposing all necessary parts to air.
What to do with clay after opening?
When you have excess clay, store what is left. What you need to do is keep what is left in an appropriate container. You could return it to its packaged container (not forgetting to wrap the container in a plastic bag) and leave it in a dry spot.
How Do I prevent Crayola Air Dry Clay from sticking to my Workspace?
Crayola Air Dry Clay is usually sticky. To prevent a mess in your workspace, use wax paper mats or vinyl placemats. Use a mat that is big enough to accommodate your work. Restrict your work to the mats.
Final Thoughts
Crayola Air Dry Clay is earth clay that can be used for modeling and other purposes. It can be used to make sculptures, pots, and aesthetic materials
It was not formulated to withstand harsh conditions. It should never be put into an oven, microwave, or furnace.