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How to Dry Clay to Prevent Warping

Working with moist clay can become difficult during the drying process. As water leaves the clay, it can warp and crack. Leaving clay out on a flat surface to dry can create this warping effect, and placing a weight on top of the clay to try to prevent this warping will result in cracking.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden paddle
  • Water
  • Plastic wrap
  • Wire racks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Flip your clay tiles over from side to side continuously throughout the day. Ideally, clay should be flipped every 10 to 20 minutes.

    • 2

      Slap the sides of your clay lightly with a wooden paddle to preserve shape and firmness.

    • 3

      Sprinkle a little water on your clay before covering it for the night; this will keep your plastic covering attached and aid in slowing the drying process.

    • 4

      Cover your clay pieces with plastic wrap on all sides. Combined with the sprinkled water, the plastic will help dry the clay slower throughout the night so that warping and cracking will not occur.

    • 5

      Place your clay on a wire drying rack for the night. Without a complete and flat surface to warp against, your clay will retain more of its shape.

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