Step-by-Step Guide: How to Paint Air Dry Clay

Air dry clay is a versatile medium used by many hobbyists and artists. Once your clay project has fully dried, it’s time to give it some colour and a glossy finish. Continue reading as we cover everything you need to know about painting air dry clay including a step-by-step guide. We also discuss whether you can paint air dry clay before it dries and share clay painting tips to help you achieve the best results.

Do You Need to Seal It Before Painting?

Before painting air dry clay, a sealer is generally applied to it beforehand. For smaller pieces, you may be able to skip sealer. The main purpose of a sealer is to make the clay less porous, protecting it from absorbing moisture. It also creates a smooth base for painting. Whether you apply gesso or another sealer, use a brush for even coverage and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

What Type of Paint Should I Use?

For best results, use a paint that is suitable for air dry clay. The most common types of paints used by hobbyists and artists include acrylic, tempera, oils, watercolours and spray paints. For beginners, you can purchase our starter kit, which includes a sealer, a variety of acrylic paints in different colours, tools and accessories.

How to Paint Air Dry Clay

The painting process is relatively straightforward. Once you have chosen a type of paint and colour, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some paints may have slightly different application steps. Here is a general step-by-step process of painting projects made from air dry clay:

1. Prepare Your Workspace - Cover your workspace with newspaper to protect your surfaces and wear an apron to protect your clothes from paint stains.
2. Smoothen The Surface - Use fine sandpaper to smoothen out any imperfections on the clay.
3. Apply the Sealer (Optional) - Apply 1 or 2 coats of sealer using a flat brush and leave it to dry.
4. Apply the Paint - Using a different brush, apply 2 or 3 layers of paint. Allow each layer to dry before adding more paint.
5. Add Details - Use small, finer brushes to add intricate details or patterns.
6. Apply a Clear Coat - Once the paint is completely dry, apply a coat of clear varnish to create a polished and glossy finish.

Can You Paint Air Dry Clay Before It Dries?

It is highly recommended to wait until the air dry clay is completely dry before painting. Applying paint on wet clay can result in smudging, uneven textures, and warping as the clay dries. Typically, air dry clay takes about 24 hours to dry thoroughly, depending on the thickness of the piece. If you wish to speed up the drying process, allow the clay to dry in a well-ventilated area and place it on a wire tray to improve air circulation.

How to Keep It From Cracking

Cracking is one of the most common problems when crafting clay projects. Here are some ways you can prevent your air dry clay pieces from cracking:

• Even Thickness - Ensure the clay is rolled evenly. Uneven areas are more prone to cracking during the drying process.
• Allow It To Dry Slowly - Leave the clay to dry slowly at room temperature. Using excess heat to speed up the drying process can cause cracks.
• Retain Moisture - When shaping your clay creation, keep your hands wet or cover the clay with a damp cloth to retain its moisture. This prevents it from drying out and cracking.
• Repair Any Cracks - If cracks do appear, use a self-hardening slip to fill them and repaint the area.

Tips to Follow for Painting Air Dry Clay

Before you apply paint to air dry clay, follow these helpful tips to achieve beautifully painted creations:

• Use High-Quality Clay - The quality of clay significantly influences the finished result. Use high-quality clay from a leading supplier such as Potclays. Our range of air dry clays are manufactured to the highest standards. Available in different quantities from 1 kg to 500 Kg to suit your crafting needs.
• Paint On A Clean Surface - Dust and dirt can cause imperfections. Make sure your surface is clean and dry before painting.
• Test Your Paint Colours - Test the paint colours on a small area or a separate piece of clay. This allows you to see how bright or vibrant the colours appear once dry and it helps you determine how many layers of paint you need to apply.
• Apply Thin Layers - Build up colour gradually by applying thin layers of paint rather than applying one thick layer. This minimises the risk of streaks or uneven coverage.

If you have any questions about our range of air dry clays or the painting process, contact us and speak to our technical team.