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Wet clay can last indefinitely if stored properly. Clay does not expire, but it can dry out, harden, or get mouldy over time. To prevent this, clay should be stored in a thick plastic bag inside a plastic storage container to maintain its moisture content. Clay can also be dried out and stored, but this will require rehydration before use.
How long does WED clay last?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Workable time | Indefinitely if kept covered and spritzed with water to maintain moisture |
| Drying time | Dries more slowly than standard earth clay due to its formula, which includes glycerin |
| Durability | Becomes rock-hard when dried, but fragile and messy when dried out in small pieces |
| Reusability | Not considered reusable, but can be reconstituted with water |
| Firing | Not formulated for firing, but can be fired in a kiln with inconsistent results |
| Molding | Can be used for molding with plaster or silicone |
| Sealing | Can be sealed with a gloss lacquer or a matt primer |
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What You'll Learn
WED clay's longevity depends on the project's size
The longevity of WED clay depends on various factors, including the size and complexity of the project, environmental conditions, and storage methods.
For larger projects, WED clay can be an excellent choice as it is designed for creating large, detailed sculptures. Its formula, which includes glycerin, allows it to dry more slowly, giving artists more time to work on their creations. By having larger pieces, the internal volume of clay stays protected from the air, retaining moisture for extended periods. This makes it a popular choice for artists working on large-scale projects, such as life-size sculptures or movie props.
On the other hand, WED clay may not be the best option for smaller, intricate details. Its softness and tendency to dry out quickly when exposed to air can make it challenging to work with for small pieces. Fine details, such as fingers or noses, can easily break off as they dry out faster and are more fragile. Therefore, for smaller sculptures, a firmer clay that allows for more precise detailing is often preferred.
To prolong the longevity of WED clay, proper storage methods are essential. Covering the clay with plastic bags, wet towels, or damp paper towels can help maintain moisture and keep it workable for weeks or even months. Storing it in a cool, dark place and regularly checking on it to refresh the paper towels can further extend its lifespan. Additionally, sealing the clay with a product like Crystal Clear can create a barrier, making it easier to demold and reuse the clay.
It is worth noting that WED clay is not infinitely reworkable, and consistent rewetting may be required to maintain its workability. While it can be fired in a kiln, the results may not be consistent or desirable. Therefore, for projects requiring multiple firings or extensive reworking, other types of clay may be more suitable.
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How to store WED clay
WED clay, short for Walter E. Disney clay, was originally manufactured for the Disney design crew to sculpt characters for Disneyland. It is a water-based clay that dries out rock-hard and is quite fragile when dry. WED clay includes glycerin in its formula, which makes it dry more slowly than standard earth clays. It also includes some inhibitors that slow its drying time by at least threefold.
To store WED clay, it is important to keep it covered when not in use. It should be spritzed with water to keep it moist and stored in a cool, dark place. Some people recommend using damp paper towels to keep the clay from drying out, as well as storing it in a plastic bag or under a garbage bag. This method can keep the clay workable for months.
If you are working on a small piece, the surface will require semi-regular rewetting throughout the day. Small structures like fingers and noses can easily break off, so extra care must be taken when working on detailed sculptures.
It is also possible to seal WED clay with a product like Crystal Clear to create a barrier and make it easier to demold. However, WED clay is not considered reusable, and some people choose to throw it out after use.
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WED clay's reusability
WED clay, also known as EM 217, was originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his design team for sculpting characters for Disneyland. It is a water-based clay that dries out rock-hard and is more durable than earth clay. WED clay contains inhibitors that slow down the drying process, and it requires regular rewetting and storage in plastic bags when not in use.
While WED clay is not considered infinitely reworkable, it can be kept workable for an extended period with proper care. To maintain its plasticity, it is essential to keep the clay covered and spritzed with water to prevent drying. Some users recommend storing it in a cool, dark place and checking on it regularly to ensure it remains moist. With these measures, WED clay can remain workable for weeks or even months.
However, the reusability of WED clay depends on various factors, including the size of the sculpture, the humidity and temperature of the storage environment, and the frequency of use. Small pieces tend to dry out more quickly, making them fragile and prone to breakage. Additionally, WED clay may not be suitable for creating intricate details in small sculptures, as it is softer initially and gradually hardens as it dries.
The process of reusing WED clay can be challenging and time-consuming. After scraping off the dried surface and rehydrating the clay, it may not perform as well as fresh clay. Some users suggest focusing on creating a well-made armature and using less clay instead of spending time and energy on reusing it. Ultimately, the decision to reuse WED clay depends on individual preferences and the specific requirements of each project.
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WED clay's ability to withstand firing
WED clay was originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his design crew to sculpt characters for Disneyland. This water-based clay will sometimes grow mould, depending on the environment, just like all earth clays. It dries out rock-hard and is a little more durable and strong than earth clay when it dries. The difference between WED clay and standard earth clays is that it has some inhibitors that slow its drying process.
WED clay is not formulated to be fired in a kiln. However, some artists have fired their WED clay sculptures and the results were inconsistent and undesirable. One artist reported that they used WED clay for the bulk of their piece and standard earth clay for the surface, as they enjoyed the smoothing-out ability of regular earth clay better.
WED clay is quite soft when you first open the bag, but it slowly gets harder and harder as it dries. It is not meant to be used when it dries out, as it becomes fragile and messy. Small structures like fingers and noses easily break off. It is not infinitely workable, and it dries out much more quickly if you are working on small pieces. This is why it works better at larger scales, as the internal volume of clay stays protected from the air and locks in moisture for much longer.
To keep WED clay workable, it should be covered when not in use and spritzed with water to keep it moist. This can keep the clay workable for weeks or even months.
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WED clay's hardening methods
WED clay, which stands for Walter E. Disney, was originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his design crew to sculpt characters for Disneyland. This water-based clay can sometimes grow mould, depending on the environment. It will dry out rock hard and is more durable than earth clay when it dries. It is also slower to dry than standard earth clay.
Using a Torch
If you hit WED clay with a torch enough, it will start to get really hard on the surface. It won't harden completely, but it will give you a forgiving surface to work on. You can also try using a heat gun, but this can be tricky and requires practice to avoid cracking or ruining your sculpture.
Baking in an Oven
Most non-hardening clays are baked between 212.5 to 300 °F (100.3 to 148.9 °C). Before baking, check the packaging to determine the baking temperature and whether it changes based on the thickness of the clay. Place the clay on a ceramic baking dish and put the sculpture into a metal baking tray, ensuring it is not placed directly onto the tray to avoid sticking. Do not overcook the sculpture, or it will crack. Let it cool for up to 20 minutes or until it is completely cool.
Using a Dehumidifier
If you don't have an oven, you can use a dehumidifier to control the humidity levels of the clay while constructing your project. Alternatively, you can use a humidifier or a space heater. This method does not require heat but a chemical reaction. You can use white vinegar or glue to harden the clay. Typically, glue is used in most clays, with a ratio of one tablespoon of glue for every ½ cup of clay.
Air Drying
WED clay is a type of self-hardening clay that can be air-dried. To maintain moisture and prevent cracking, spritz it with water and keep it covered when not working with it. You can also store it in a cool, dark place and cover it with damp paper towels and a garbage bag.
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Frequently asked questions
WED clay was originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his team to sculpt characters for Disneyland. It is a water-based clay that includes glycerin in its formula, which makes it dry more slowly than other clays. If kept covered and spritzed with water to maintain moisture, WED clay can be kept workable indefinitely. However, it is not meant to be reused.
To store WED clay, keep it covered with damp paper towels and a garbage bag in a cool, dark place. Check on it once or twice a week to refresh the paper towels.
While WED clay is not formulated for firing, it can be fired in a kiln. However, the results may not be consistent or desirable.
Yes, WED clay can be sealed using a product like Crystal Clear, which creates a barrier between the clay and the gypsum, making it easier to demold.
