Air Drying Clay

Air drying clay avoids the use of kilns, significantly reducing energy consumption. It’s suitable for classroom or home use and requires minimal resources, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional clay processes.

After drying, pieces can be finished using water-based paints and glazes, enhancing their appearance without compromising on sustainability.

Title of the Material

Air Drying Clay

Colour

Natural grey or white (can be painted once dry)

Material family

Clay

Technique / Process

Hand-building. Air drying clay is molded by hand into various forms. Once sculpted, it is left to dry at room temperature until bone dry. Once hardened, the pieces can be decorated using paint and sealed with gloss. This technique eliminates the need for kiln-firing.

Dimensions

Variable — depends on the project. Typically available in 500g or 1kg blocks.

Credits

Sharon Kelleher