Rhiannon Hendricks
Laguna's WED clay is an air-dry clay that does not require firing in a kiln. This means that, unlike traditional ceramic clays, it is suitable for home crafters. The time it takes for Laguna WED clay to dry depends on various factors, including temperature, humidity, and the thickness of the clay. In general, clay takes about one to three days to become leather hard and up to seven days to become bone dry. However, it's important to note that the drying time can be longer in high-humidity environments and shorter in warm and dry conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth |
| Shrinkage | 5% |
| Colour | Grey |
| Drying time | Slow |
| Moisture | Needs to be kept moist with a spray bottle, damp towel, or saran wrap |
| Hardness | Dries hard |
| Paint | Accepts paint |
| Price | $1 per pound |
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What You'll Learn
Moisture retention
Laguna Clay's WED Clay is a water-based sculpting material that retains moisture well. Customers have noted that it stays moist for a long time without the need to add water and doesn't dry out quickly. One customer commented that they had been working with the clay for four days and it remained moist.
WED clay needs to be kept moist, and this can be done in a few ways. Many customers use a spray bottle or a damp towel to keep the clay from drying out. Saran wrap is also a common method for retaining moisture in the clay.
The moisture content of the clay is one of the reasons it is so good for sculpting. The clay has a texture similar to oil-based modelling clay and wet pottery clay, making it suitable for fast sculpts. It is also very pliable and easy to work with.
Laguna WED Clay dries relatively slowly, taking about a day for a 1" thick piece to fully dry. However, it can be left to dry a little before working with it to achieve more firmness, and it takes detail well.
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Hardening
The hardening time of Laguna WED clay depends on the thickness of the clay. A 1" thick piece of clay will take about a day to fully dry. The clay will dry faster if it is thinner and slower if it is thicker.
Laguna WED clay is a self-hardening, air-dry clay. It does not require any firing or kiln work to cure. This makes it ideal for artists and classrooms. The clay dries to a durable state and can be decorated with paint or nail polish for a clean finish.
To ensure the clay hardens properly, it is important to keep it moist while working on it. This can be done by using a spray bottle or a damp towel to mist the clay. Saran wrap is also commonly used to keep the clay from drying out. Once the clay has dried, it can be recycled by soaking it in water for a few hours.
Laguna WED clay is known for its quality and ease of use. It has a smooth and soft texture, similar to oil-based modelling clay and wet pottery clay, that is great for fast sculpts and taking on detailed shapes. It is also firm enough to hold up during use, with one customer noting that a sculpture they made held up after being dropped from a height of 7 feet.
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Paint and polish
Laguna's WED clay is a self-hardening, air-dry modelling clay that does not require kiln firing. This makes it a great option for those without access to a kiln. The clay is pliable and easy to work with, allowing for the creation of intricate details. It has a smooth texture, which results in a clean finish.
Once dried, the clay can be painted and polished for a finished look. It accepts paint and nail polish, providing a clean and smooth surface for painting and polishing. Users have reported success with both paint and nail polish, achieving their desired results.
While WED clay can be painted with acrylic paint, it is important to note that it is not as robust as polymer clay. Polymer clay, when cooked and painted, can hold finer details and is stronger than WED clay. However, WED clay is still suitable for creating small figures and sculptures, especially for beginners.
For those seeking to add intricate details to their sculptures, firmer clays like Monster Clay or Chavant hard or medium clay are recommended. These clays can be torched to harden them and allow for clean, detailed work. Additionally, using a couple of coats of crystal clear sealant can also prepare the sculpture for painting.
Overall, Laguna's WED clay is a user-friendly option for those wanting to create sculptures and models that can be painted and polished to completion.
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Cracking
Another factor that influences cracking is the humidity and temperature of the drying environment. Clay dries faster in a warm, dry space but can also increase the likelihood of cracking. Therefore, it is advisable to dry Laguna clay in a controlled environment with moderate humidity and temperature to reduce the risk of cracking.
The previous drying history of the clay also plays a role in cracking. Clay that has been dried and then rewetted, either intentionally or accidentally, can develop cracks during the subsequent drying process due to changes in the clay's structure. Rewetting and reworking clay can help mitigate this issue but will also extend the overall drying time.
Additionally, the presence of impurities or unevenly distributed materials within the clay body can contribute to cracking. Contaminants such as sand or excess grog can create weak spots, making them more susceptible to cracking during drying. Using clean, well-prepared clay and ensuring consistent material distribution are essential to minimize cracking risks.
Finally, the construction and design of the clay piece itself are important. Complex shapes or pieces with thin attachments are challenging to dry evenly and may require specific techniques or extended drying time. Proper construction techniques, like scoring and slipping, strengthen joins and reduce the likelihood of cracking.
To prevent cracking in Laguna clay, it is essential to follow best practices, including slow and even drying, controlled environmental conditions, attention to clay purity and preparation, and thoughtful construction techniques. By addressing these factors, artists can effectively reduce cracking and create long-lasting clay artwork.
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Cost
The cost of Laguna WED clay depends on the quantity purchased and the retailer. On Amazon, a 6-pound package of Laguna WED clay costs around $20, while a 50-pound package costs around $60. This averages out to just under a dollar per pound, which is more expensive than the 50 cents per pound that buyers used to pay. However, due to high demand and production costs, the price has increased across the board for WED clay, with most sellers charging around $1 per pound.
Despite the increase in price, buyers still consider the product to be of good quality and value for money. The clay is easy to work with, dries quickly, and can be painted with any craft paint or acrylic paint once completely dry. It is also slow-drying, which makes it ideal for sculpting and moulding large and detailed pieces.
Some retailers, such as rovinceramics.com, sell WED clay by weight, with prices starting at $0.88 per pound. However, they specify that orders must be placed in 50-pound increments, which may impact the final cost for the buyer.
Overall, while the cost of Laguna WED clay has increased, it is still a popular choice for sculptors, designers, and those in the entertainment industry due to its unique properties and ease of use.
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Frequently asked questions
The drying time of the clay depends on the thickness of the piece. A 1" thick piece of clay takes about a day to fully dry.
To slow down the drying process, you can keep the clay moist by using a spray bottle or a damp towel to mist it with water.
Laguna WED clay is suitable for sculpting pieces of various thicknesses, from thin ears on a dog sculpture to large-scale sculptures.
Laguna WED clay can last for a long time if kept moist. However, it is recommended to use it within a reasonable period after purchase to ensure optimal performance.
Yes, dried pieces of Laguna WED clay can be recycled by soaking them in water for a few hours. This returns the clay to a workable state, allowing you to reshape and reuse it.
