How Can I Rehydrate My Modeling Clay?
Clay hardens if it is left exposed for a long time. Although it may appear unsalvageable, it can be restored. All that is required to rehydrate dried-up modeling clay is water, a tool to break the hardened clay and a plastic bag.
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Things You'll Need
- Hardened clay
- Plastic bag
- Hammer, rolling pin or other hard tool
- Water
- Canvas or plastic
- Wire
Instructions
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Place the dry modeling clay in a plastic bag and smash it into tiny pieces. Use a hard object such as a hammer or a rolling pin. Ensure that the bag is well sealed so the pin does not come into contact with the clay.
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Pour some water into the bag until the clay is submerged.
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Reseal the bag and leave the clay for at least a week. If the clay is not soft enough at the end of this time, add more water, reseal the bag and leave it for another week. Repeat this process until the clay is rehydrated and soft.
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Take the clay out of the bag and place it on a flat surface covered with canvas or plastic. The covering will prevent the clay from sticking to the table.
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Use both hands to knead the clay. This process removes air pockets from the clay and ensures that all parts of it have an even consistency. Turn the clay over as you work for even coverage. Continue this process for about five minutes.
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Check the clay for air pockets. Use a wire to slice the clay into two and examine each cross section for air pockets. They will look like small holes on the surface. If there are air pockets, then continue kneading the clay for five more minutes and check it again. If there are none, then the clay is ready for use.
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Tips & Warnings
In "The Complete Potter," Steve Mattison advises using more water if the clay is still a little stiff during the kneading process. Poke holes into the clay with your fingertips and then fill them with water. Let the clay absorb some of the liquid for a few minutes then continue kneading.
References
- "The Complete Peter"; Steve Mattison; 2003
