How to Harden Kid's Clay
Your kids' first sculptures and clay creations will become precious mementos, so harden them correctly to preserve them for the future. Different brands and types of clay require different treatment. Identify what kind of clay your child has used before you begin the hardening process.
Instructions
-
-
1
Check the manufacturer's description of what type of clay you have and for any hardening instructions.
-
2
Place air hardening clay models on a tray lined with wax paper and leave in a dry place until completely hardened. This can take up to 15 days, depending on local climate and the thickness of the clay. An airing cupboard is an ideal place to leave models to dry. Blasting models with a hair dryer or fan heater, or leaving them near a radiator, will also speed up the process.
-
-
3
Place polymer modeling "make and bake" clays on a baking tray lined with wax baking paper and bake in an oven pre-heated to 110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 20 minutes. Thinner objects will require less baking time than thicker ones. Do not bake clay objects for longer than 30 minutes.
-
4
Place traditional "oven bake" modeling clay objects on a baking tray and bake in an oven pre-heated to 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour.
-
5
Take any items your children have made from professional artists' clay to a potter and ask him to dry the models in his kiln for you.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
