Can You Seal Air-Dry Clay?

The answer

Yes. Crayola says Air-Dry Clay can be sealed once it is completely dry, typically after about 72 hours, and suggests using an acrylic varnish after first testing compatibility.

Why

Crayola's guidance separates drying from sealing. The clay should first dry completely. Then a small test can confirm that the chosen acrylic varnish is compatible with the finished piece.

When it is usually OK

• The piece is completely dry.
• The varnish is tested for compatibility first.
• The finished object will be displayed indoors.
• The seal is being used as a finish rather than as a waterproofing treatment.

When you should not

• Do not seal while the clay is still wet.
• Do not assume a sealer makes the clay waterproof.
• Do not expose the finished Crayola Air-Dry Clay piece to outdoor elements as if it were weatherproof.

Risks and exceptions

• Crayola recommends testing varnish compatibility before applying it to a finished piece.
• Sealed Air-Dry Clay can still be negatively affected by water.
• Outdoor exposure can negatively affect the material even after sealing.

Best practice

Let the piece dry completely, test a small amount of acrylic varnish for compatibility, then apply the finish only if the test is satisfactory. Keep the finished sculpture indoors and away from water.

Alternatives

• Keep the fully dry piece indoors without relying on sealer for waterproofing.
• Paint the thoroughly dry piece using a paint type recommended by Crayola if a painted finish is the goal.

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