How to Harden Clay That Never Dries Out

While sculpting items with a modeling compound such as play dough, if you don't place the compound back into the container and seal the lid tightly, it will dry out and become brittle. The opposite occurs when working with polymer or modeling clay, which is designed to sit uncovered for long periods of time without drying and is therefore a frequent choice for craft projects. If you want to preserve a creation, bake the polymer clay.

Things You'll Need

• Cookie sheet
• Aluminum foil

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Preheat your oven to 275 degrees.

   • 2

     Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and place the clay on it.

   • 3

     Insert the clay into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes for each quarter-inch of thickness of your piece at its thickest part.

   • 4

     Remove the clay and allow it to cool. Do not overbake, to avoid cracking.