Looking to add a beautiful, professional finish to your DIY air dry clay creations? Learning how to glaze air dry clay can elevate your clay crafts from simple designs to stunning pottery crafts that look kiln-fired. Whether you’re diving into air dry clay projects for the first time or are a seasoned crafter, adding a clay glaze offers an easy way to enhance your work. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to glaze your clay DIY projects, transforming your handmade pieces into eye-catching, polished creations.
The easiest ways to glaze air dry clay are with acrylic sealer, white glue (like Mod Podge), clear varnish, or resin. The quickest option is to use acrylic sealer, especially in a spray can. For a shiny, polished look, clear high-gloss varnish works best. If you’re crafting with kids, white glue mixed with water is a great choice because it’s easy to use and non-toxic.
In the following, we will look at each method in more detail.
Glaze Air Dry Clay With Acrylic Sealer
Using acrylic sealer from a spray can to glaze air dry clay is super simple and one of my favorite methods because it’s fast and mess-free! Here’s how I do it:
First, make sure your clay piece is completely dry. Any moisture can affect how the sealer sticks. I usually wait at least 24-48 hours just to be safe.
Next, find a well-ventilated area—outside is ideal. Lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your surface. Now, shake the can for about a minute to mix the sealer well.
Hold the spray can about 6-8 inches away from your clay piece and start spraying in light, even coats. I always start spraying before I hit the clay, then move across to avoid drips. You’ll want to rotate your piece to make sure you cover all sides evenly. After the first coat, wait about 15-20 minutes for it to dry, then add another coat if needed.
Once it’s fully dry, your air dry clay will have a nice, smooth finish! It’s such an easy way to protect and add a little shine to your projects.
Acrylic sealer is available as high gloss, glossy, or matt. So you have a bit of a choice on your final finish.
This is my favorite Acrylic Sealer (Amazon Link).
Glaze Air Dry Clay With White Glue (Mod Podge)
Glazing air dry clay with white glue (or Mod Podge) and water is such an easy, budget-friendly way to finish your project, and it’s perfect if you’re working with kids! Here’s how I usually do it:
First, make sure your clay piece is fully dry—this usually takes 24 to 48 hours, depending on the size.
Once it’s dry, grab some white glue (like regular craft glue or Mod Podge) and mix it with a little water. I usually go with a ratio of about 3 parts glue to 1 part water. This thins it out just enough to brush on smoothly without being too runny.
Using a soft paintbrush, apply a thin, even coat of the glue mixture over your clay. You can rotate your piece as you go to make sure every surface is covered. If you want a shinier finish, let the first coat dry for about 15-20 minutes, then add a second coat.
The best part is that it’s non-toxic and super easy to clean up, so it’s great if you have little ones helping out! Once it dries, your clay will have a nice, glossy finish, and it’s ready to be displayed or used.
Mod Podge is available in gloss, matt, and even with glitter. So you could even make a glitter glaze if you use glitter effect Mod Podge (Amazon Link).
You can also mix some acrylic paint with the Mod Podge to make a colored glaze.
Glaze Air Dry Clay With Varnish
Glazing air dry clay with polyurethane varnish is one of my go-to methods when I want a really durable, glossy finish. It gives your project that professional, pottery-like shine! Here’s how I do it:
First, like always, make sure your air dry clay is completely dry – 24-48 hours depending on the size of your piece.
Once it’s ready, you’ll need a clear, high-gloss polyurethane varnish (available in either water-based or oil-based forms). I personally prefer water-based because it dries faster and has less odor.
Before you start, find a well-ventilated area, especially if you’re using oil-based varnish. Lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth to protect your workspace.
Now, using a soft, clean brush, dip it into the varnish and apply a thin, even layer over your clay piece. I find that long, smooth strokes work best to avoid any bubbles or brush marks. Make sure to cover every angle and rotate your piece as you go.
Let the first coat dry for about 20-30 minutes, or however long the can instructions say. If you want a really high-gloss finish, I’d recommend adding a second or even third coat after the previous one is completely dry. Just make sure each layer is nice and thin, so it doesn’t end up too thick or sticky.
Once it’s fully dry, your clay piece will have a beautiful, shiny glaze that’s tough and long-lasting! It really gives your project a polished, professional look.
Glaze Air Dry Clay With Resin
Using resin to glaze air dry clay can give your project a stunning, glass-like finish, but honestly, I don’t recommend this method for most people. While the result is beautiful, resin is tricky to work with, expensive, and involves some toxic chemicals that require safety precautions.
If you do decide to try it, make sure your clay piece is fully dry and work in a well-ventilated area. Wear some protective gloves and avoid direct skin contact with uncured resin.
You’ll need to mix the resin and hardener according to the instructions (usually a 1:2 ratio) and stir slowly for 3-5 minutes to avoid bubbles and start an even reaction.
Once mixed, carefully pour the resin over your clay piece, using a brush or stick to spread it evenly. Resin will self-level, but it can drip, so make sure your piece is elevated and keep an eye on any excess. Resin usually has a honey-like consistency.
The biggest downsides are the fumes, the risk of drips, and the long curing time (around 24 hours).
Plus, resin can be messy and difficult to clean up. While it does create a durable, glossy finish, I find that other methods, like acrylic sealer or varnish, are much easier, more affordable, and safer to use—especially if you’re working on a DIY project at home.
Can you Make Air Dry Clay Waterproof?
Making air dry clay waterproof can help protect your creations, especially if they’ll be exposed to moisture or used as decor outdoors. To waterproof air dry clay, you can seal it with several coats of a clear, water-resistant sealant like acrylic sealer, polyurethane varnish, or resin.
Make sure your clay piece is completely dry before applying the sealant in thin, even layers. Each coat should dry fully before adding the next one.
While these methods make the clay more resistant to water, air dry clay is still not fully waterproof, so it’s best to avoid soaking or submerging it in water for long periods.
You can read more about making air dry clay waterproof right here.
