How To Seal Air Dry Clay
/New to air-dry clay? Discover my favourite ways to seal your creations for long-lasting durability and a beautiful finish! From glossy sprays to matte finishes, this guide covers it all.
Check out this ultimate guide for easy ways to protect your creations with sealants like acrylic spray, varnish, and even DIY options!
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How To Seal Air Dry Clay.
Are you as in love with air-dry clay as I am? It’s such a versatile medium, perfect for everything from cute little trinket dishes to delicate flower sculptures.
I’ve made a lot of air-dry clay (sometimes also called air-hardening clay) crafts over the years (these stamped clay bowls are my favorite!), and one of the questions I get asked the most is, How can you seal air-dry clay?
Want to know how to get started with air dry clay? Make sure to read my post on How To Use Air Dry Clay.
Glazing Air Dry Clay Projects.
While it’s not possible to glaze air-dry clay in the traditional way using a kiln, you can still achieve a beautiful glazed pottery effect with the help of varnishes and sealants. Unlike traditional pottery clay, air-dry clay doesn’t need to be fired to harden, which is super convenient!
However, this also means that it can still absorb moisture, and may soften if it comes into contact with water. Sealing your air dry clay sculpture is a great way to add a layer of protection that preserves all your hard work.
So while it’s not possible to make air-dry clay fully waterproof, you can make it water-resistant. To get the best results, make sure your clay model is completely dry—usually around 72 hours—before applying a thin layer of varnish with a foam brush.
You can find more information about drying air dry clay in my blog post How Long Does Air Dry Clay Take To Dry?
There are a few different ways to help seal your clay, including some DIY glazes I’ve tried and loved. Today, I’ll share all the tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years to seal air-dry clay perfectly every time. Let’s dive in!
Related: Air Dry Clay Tips And Tricks
1. Clear Acrylic Sealer Spray.
This is one of my favourite ways to seal air-dry clay. Just grab a can of clear acrylic sealer, and you’re ready to roll! It’s easy to apply and gives your piece a nice, durable finish.
I love how quickly it dries and how it gives a nice, even coat without brush marks. It's great for smaller pieces like jewellery as it's lightweight and doesn't add unnecessary weight but equally good for larger projects as the spray means you can cover large areas quickly.
How to use it:
Make sure your clay piece is fully dry (the drying process can take anywhere from 24-72 hours, depending on the thickness).
Take it outside or in a well-ventilated area.
Spray a thin, even coat from about 6-8 inches away. If you've ever used a can of spray paint it's a similar process. Let it dry, and repeat for a second coat if needed.
Pro tip: Go for a matte or glossy sealer, depending on the look you’re going for! I usually use matte for natural-looking pieces and glossy for anything that needs a little pop.
2. Mod Podge.
Mod Podge is a crafter's best friend, am I right? It's always a popular choice. It’s non-toxic, easy to apply, and can double as both a sealant and a finish. I especially love using Mod Podge for clay projects that I want to have a bit of shine but without the high gloss.
How to use it:
Use a clean, soft brush or foam brush to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge over your dried clay piece.
Let it dry fully (it dries pretty fast – about 20-30 minutes).
Apply a second layer if you want extra durability.
Pro tip: Mod Podge makes both matte and gloss versions, so you have some flexibility with the finish.
They also have a dishwasher-safe version that’s fantastic if you’re making clay items that might get wet occasionally, like coasters, plant pots, or decorative kitchen pieces.
Just remember, even with the dishwasher-safe formula, hand-washing is always best to keep your clay creation in top shape! This doesn’t mean you can leave your clay to soak in a bowl of water but it does mean you can wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
This one’s for my friends who want a really sturdy, professional glossy finish. Polyurethane sealer creates a super-durable layer on your clay and is great if you’re making something that will be handled often.
How to use it:
Like with the other options, make sure your clay is bone dry.
Brush on a thin, even layer of polyurethane varnish, taking care to avoid streaks.
Let it dry completely (usually about an hour) before adding another coat if you want.
Pro tip: It's always a good idea to apply several thin coats instead of one thick layer. This lets everything dry evenly and stops it from cracking.
4. Epoxy Resin (For an Extra Glossy, Waterproof Finish).
Okay, if you want high-gloss, look no further! Epoxy resin is a little more involved and takes a bit of practice, but it creates a glassy finish that’s not only waterproof but also super durable.
How to use it:
Prepare your resin by following the package instructions (usually mixing two parts).
Pour or brush a thin layer over your clay piece, smoothing it out as you go.
Let it cure completely – this can take up to 24 hours, so be patient! Some do require UV-curing, so check the instructions on the product before use.
Pro tip: Use epoxy resin in a well-ventilated area (or wear a mask) to avoid inhaling fumes.
5. DIY Glue and Water Mixture.
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any fancy sealers on hand, you can make your own with some white PVA glue (like Elmer’s) and water. It’s definitely not as strong as the other options, but it’s better than nothing and works for pieces that won’t be handled much.
How to use it:
Mix equal parts white glue and water until you have a thin, paintable consistency.
Brush it over your clay piece, being careful to keep it smooth.
Let it dry completely.
Pro tip: I recommend using this trick only for decorative pieces that won’t be exposed to moisture, as it’s not as durable as a spray or varnish.
If you want to try a homemade option, I’ve got a simple, budget-friendly glaze recipe you can whip up right at home! This DIY glaze can be left clear or tinted with a bit of acrylic paint to add some colour. All you’ll need is some PVA glue, clear nail polish, a little water, and the paint of your choice.
Quick Note: This glaze is best suited for air-dry clay projects only. The nail polish can erode polymer clay over time, so stick to air-dry clay pieces for this one!
Is Air Dry Clay Food Safe?
Please note that anything you make with air dry clay is not food safe and is to be used for decorative purposes only.
Even though the clay itself is non-toxic, it is still porous when dry and will absorb any oils or residues from the food. So while you shouldn’t eat any fruit or crisps and chips out of it (definitely no liquids) you can still use it to hold any wrapped sweets and treats.
Want some examples of air-dry clay projects? Here are some of the things I’ve made with air dry clay and how I’ve sealed them.
The Christmas tree decorations above were first coated in layers of acrylic paint before they were sealed using watered down PVA glue. They’re six years old now and have hung on my tree every year. There’s no sign of yellowing so far but it could be because they spend most of the year packed away in a box.
I tested my DIY Glaze on some stamped clay discs. They’re nearly six years old as well and still going strong. I popped some magnets on the back and used them on my noticeboard.
At the time I left these clay pots as they were but I’ve since gone back and sealed them with a layer of Polyurethane Varnish Gloss for extra protection and they look fantastic.
Final Thoughts.
Sealing your air-dry clay projects doesn’t have to be intimidating! Whether you’re going for a sleek gloss or a soft, matte finish, there’s a sealer out there that’ll help protect your creations and make them last.
Do you have a favourite way to seal air-dry clay? Let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear your tips!
