Even though it isn’t necessary to seal air-dry clay before you paint, I prefer to provide my clay sculpture with a water-resistant finish.
These sealers provide a good surface on painting one applied onto sculptures.
Below are my three best air dry clay sealers…
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1. Liquitex Acrylic Polymer Varnish
I was drawn to this transparent sealer for its affordability and ease of use.
All you need to do is apply the varnish on the clay with a brush.
Key features
- It is resistant to chemicals, Ultraviolet radiation, and water.
- It offers a permanent finish.
- It provides a durable but flexible finish.
Pros
- It is water-resistant
- It is cheap.
- It is easy to apply.
Cons
- Can’t be mixed with oil paintings.
Liquitex Acrylic Varnish is one of the best ways of sealing air dry clay because of the durability of the end product it assures us.
2. Mod Podge Matte Finish
I liked Mod Podge Matte finish because of its simplicity.
All I needed to do was apply it three to four times with a brush.
In between each application, I let it dry.
I would advise all of you to apply it to form three or so layers.
Key features
Mod Podge comes along as a package consisting of a sealer, glue and finish
It is a water-based sealer which means that if the air dry clay is exposed to small amounts of water droplets, you will damage your air-dry clay.
Key specifications
The three-in-one product should be stored in a room temperature place.
You can apply it using either a sponge or brush.
To prevent any permanent mess after your work is completed, it is advisable to clean with soap and water.
Pros
- It is easy to apply.
- It is nontoxic.
- You can easily clean with soap.
- It promotes ease of use.
Cons
- It isn’t waterproof. Hence the sculpture could be damaged when exposed to water.
When exposed to direct sunlight, it tends to yellow the sculpture.
I have put Mod Podge on the list due to its ease of use, especially in DIY projects.
3. Liquid Epoxy Resin
I particularly love Liquid Epoxy Resin because once I am done applying it to my sculpture or anything of that sort, it provides a glossy finish.
Additionally, I love that I could indulge in my artsy projects without worrying about their toxicity levels.
Key specifications
You should mix the epoxy resin with the hardener in a ratio of 5:2.
Key features
- It is crystal clear and transparent.
- It is of low viscous nature.
- It is chemical-proof.
Pros
- After application, the clay tends to be waterproof.
- Even when exposed to the sun, it doesn’t yellow the clay.
Cons
- Liquid Epoxy requires the user to be careful as it is toxic before it hardens.
The process of application is long and tedious.
Liquid Epoxy Resin has made it to the list because it is the only of the three that can permanently seal the clay while making it water-resistant.
- Water based gloss varnish for Polymer Modelling Clay or Air Hardening Modelling Clay
- Dries to transparent, high gloss finish
- Screw cap ensures it won’t dry out during creative sessions
- Seal, protect and strengthen clay pieces
- Easy application: Use a soft taklon brush, apply the varnish in thin layers, allowing approx. 30mins to dry between applications.
- Multi-Purpose Use: Mod Podge serves as an all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish, eliminating the need for multiple products and making it a staple in any crafter's toolkit.
- Versatile Application: It is suitable for a diverse range of surfaces and projects, from decoupage and scrapbooking to puzzle preservation and home decor, highlighting its adaptability to different materials and uses.
- Durable, Clear Gloss Finish: The product ensures a long-lasting gloss finish that enhances the appearance of projects without altering their original look, preserving the beauty and integrity of the artwork. Does not yellow like ordinary glue.
- Quick-Drying and Easy Cleanup: Mod Podge dries quickly, allowing for efficient project completion, and cleans up easily with soap and water, emphasizing convenience and usability.
- Made in the USA with High-Quality Standards: The manufacturing pride and quality assurance add trust and reliability to the product's appeal.
- Air Dry Clay Varnish: Clay varnish Prevents air drying clay from drying out cracks, scratches, scuffs and abrasions on the clay, glaze for air dry clay is also waterproof and fireproof, and dries to transparent, high gloss finish
- Gloss Glaze: Clay paint for pottery air dry can make the clay with a layer of bright effect glaze protective film, protect your perfect works, let your works always bright, specially designed for air-drying pottery clay
- Steps to Use: 1. After the clay work is dry, give it a thick layer of white acrylic primer, 2. Wait for the primer to dry, then apply the desired color, 3. Wait for the color to dry, then apply our air dry clay paint, it takes 24 hours for air dry clay glaze to dry completely!
- Widely Used: Polymer clay glaze can be used on clay, plaster, colored porcelain, pre-painted metal, wood, jewelry, simulated and artificial flowers, etc, providing them with a strong protective film
- Note: While your clay glaze creations can come in contact with water, they are not food safe or dishwasher safe. If you encounter any problems during use, please do not hesitate to contact us!
- Air Dry Clay Varnish: Clay varnish Prevents air drying clay from drying out cracks, scratches, scuffs and abrasions on the clay, glaze for air dry clay is also waterproof and fireproof, and dries to transparent, high gloss finish
- Matte Glaze: Clay paint for pottery air dry can make the clay with a layer of matte effect glaze protective film, protect your perfect works, let your works always bright, specially designed for air-drying pottery clay
- Steps to Use: 1. After the clay work is dry, give it a thick layer of white acrylic primer, 2. Wait for the primer to dry, then apply the desired color, 3. Wait for the color to dry, then apply our air dry clay paint, it takes 24 hours for air dry clay glaze to dry completely!
- Widely Used: Polymer clay glaze can be used on clay, plaster, colored porcelain, pre-painted metal, wood, jewelry, simulated and artificial flowers, etc, providing them with a strong protective film
- Note: While your clay glaze creations can come in contact with water, they are not food safe or dishwasher safe. If you encounter any problems during use, please do not hesitate to contact us!
- CONVENIENT and VERSATILE SIZE – Add this top-rack, dishwasher safe multi-purpose, all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish in a 8 oz bottle to your art supplies
- DURABLE FINISH – This handy decoupage glue brushes on clear and dries to a hard, glossy finish to preserve the beauty of your decoupage projects that go in the dishwasher
- DRIES QUICKLY ON MULTIPLE SURFACES – This quick-drying formula works on a variety of surfaces such as coffee mugs, wine glasses, tumblers, and more - making this a must-have product for all your arts and crafts.
- EASY TO CLEAN UP – Clean up is easy with Mod Podge. When you’re finished with your decoupage project, simply clean up any extra with soap and water
- MANUFACTURING – We proudly create Mod Podge in the USA.
So what’s the best air dry clay sealer?
My first pick for the best air dry clay sealer would be Liquid Epoxy Resin because it is resistant to very many external factors.
Even though all of the air dry clay sealers, Liquid Epoxy Resin, Mod Podge Matte Finish, and Liquitex Acrylic Polymer Varnish are good I’d pick the Liquid Epoxy Resin every time.
Last update on 2024-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API