Which Clay Cracks More: Air Dry Clay or Paper Clay?

Understanding the differences between air dry clay and paper clay can help potters and crafters choose the right material for their projects. While both clays come in water-based forms, they have distinct properties and behaviors during the drying process that affect their susceptibility to cracking. Let's explore the unique characteristics of each clay type and best practices to minimize cracking.

Comparison of Air Dry Clay and Paper Clay

Air Dry Clay

Composition: Air dry clay is composed primarily of natural clay and contains no additives to increase flexibility. This means that it is more prone to cracking and does not have the added benefits of flexibility that paper clay offers.

Drying Process: As air dry clay dries, it loses moisture, leading to shrinkage and cracking, especially if the clay is dried too quickly or unevenly. This drying process can be significantly affected by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

Best Practices: To minimize cracking, it is crucial to keep the clay moist during the sculpting process. The clay should be allowed to dry slowly in a controlled environment to reduce shrinkage. Proper handling and layering techniques can also help prevent cracks from forming.

Paper Clay

Composition: Paper clay is made by mixing paper fibers with clay. The addition of these fibers significantly enhances the clay's flexibility and strength, making it more forgiving during the drying process.

Drying Process: The paper fibers within paper clay help reduce shrinkage and cracking as the clay dries. This makes it more resistant to movement and less prone to breaking compared to air dry clay. However, if dried too quickly, it can still crack.

Best Practices: While paper clay can crack if not handled properly, it is generally easier to work with and less prone to cracking than air dry clay. To further minimize the risk of cracking, it is advisable to let the clay dry slowly and in a controlled environment.

Considerations for Choosing Between Air Dry Clay and Paper Clay

Shrinkage: Air dry clay experiences greater shrinkage as it dries, which can lead to more severe cracking. Paper clay, with its added fibers, experiences less shrinkage, making it less likely to crack.

Flexibility: Paper clay offers greater flexibility due to the inclusion of paper fibers, making it more resistant to cracking and breakage. Air dry clay, on the other hand, is more rigid and can crack easily if not handled carefully.

Desired Drying Speed: If quick drying is necessary, air dry clay is more durable and can withstand drying without breaking. However, paper clay can be more challenging to work with in situations requiring faster drying times.

Conclusion

When it comes to avoiding cracking during the drying process, paper clay is generally the better choice. Its added flexibility and reduced shrinkage make it more forgiving and less prone to cracking compared to air dry clay. However, air dry clay remains a valuable tool for projects that require quick drying and are less sensitive to the risks of cracking.

For optimal results, whether you choose air dry clay or paper clay, it is essential to follow best practices for handling and drying. By understanding the differences between these clays and applying the appropriate techniques, you can achieve successful and crack-free projects.