When you are working with clay, it can be tough to know what types of paint will stick to it. There are several different kinds of clay and several different kinds of paint, so making sure you use the right paint is important for your overall project.
If you are a fan of oil paint, you probably want to incorporate it into your art projects other than a canvas. So, does oil paint work on clay? You will be pleased to know that you can use oil paint on clay. Oil paints tend to dry slower than other paints, but it can still be used on clay and pottery.
While you are able to use oil paints on clay, there are options available that will give you better results and a faster drying process. If the dry time is not a problem for you, oil paint will be the perfect paint for your next clay project. In this article we go over everything you need to know to get started on your clay project, so let’s get to it!
Can You Oil Paint Air Dry Clay?
There are two ways that you can use oil paint with air dry clay. The first way is to add some of the paint to the clay before it dries as a way of dying it. Oil paints are going to provide a nice base color to your clay, but the mess will be a little hard to clean up.
The second way you can use oil paint with air dry clay is by painting it after the clay has dried. The clay will need to be completely dry before you start painting to avoid any smearing and to prevent the paint from running.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Oil Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
Due to the fact that oil paint takes a very long time to dry, it might not be the best option for your paint project unless you are able to cure it. You can get faster drying time results from acrylic paints, but if drying time isn’t a problem, oil paints work beautifully on clay and other pottery. Below we go over how to speed up the dry time of your oil paints.
How Long Does Oil Paint Take to Dry on Clay?
Oil paint is known for being a slow drying paint, which makes it possible to work on a project for a longer period of time than most paint. Oil paint dries through oxidation. This means that when the oil is exposed to the air, a chemical process begins, and the paint starts to harden.
Since this process takes so long, it can be several days before the oil paint is dry to the touch. In addition to the oxidation process, the environment of your studio will also have an impact on how long it takes the oil paint to dry on clay. You can see dup the dry time of oil paints by curing it in the oven, or exposing it to natural sunlight.
Craftsmart Natural Air Dry Clay is my top pick for air dry clay. It comes as a 10 lbs block, and its non-toxic.
If you live in a climate that is dry and warm, your oil paint might dry on the clay a little bit faster. In some cases, the paint might even be dry to the touch in as little as 24 hours. It is more likely to take around 48 hours to be dry to the touch, but it could take even longer.
If you live in a climate that is cold or humid, you will notice that it takes oil paint much longer to dry on clay than a warm climate. It is possible for the paint to take just a couple of days to dry to the touch, but it is more likely to be closer to 4 or 5 days.
Can You Use Oil-Based Paint on Polymer Clay?
You can use oil-based paint on polymer clay as long as you choose the right kind. When looking for an oil paint to use, choose one that has a linseed oil base and not a petroleum base. Linseed oil will work better with the polymer clay because it is more natural.
I highly recommend MagicFly Oil Paints if you want to paint on polymer clay. I have used MagicFly on plain white polymer clay, and they stained really well without smearing. I cured the oven afterwards to fully dry my project.
It is also important to test out oil paints with the clay before using them for your whole project. This will give you an idea of how the paint will work on the polymer clay and give you an idea of how long it will take to dry. Paint a small piece of cured clay with the oil paint first and set it aside to monitor it.
If the oil paint stays sticky and tacky on the polymer clay for a few months, you should try a different brand of oil paint. If the oil paint dries after a few days, then it will be fine to use on the polymer clay. Testing the paint first will make sure that you use the right kind.
You can also use oil paint to tint the clay or create a marble effect. You can do this by just mixing some oil paint into the polymer clay before you start your sculpture. Mixing oil paint in the polymer clay will add a nice touch of individuality to your piece.
Do You Need to Prime Clay Before Painting?
Priming clay before painting is not necessary, but your project will benefit from it. Priming before painting is not just a way to seal the clay, it also works as a stable surface for your paints to stick to. You can use an acrylic primer or another water-based primer under oil paints.
I use Sargent Art Gesso Primer as a base for all my oil paint projects. This ensures that the paint adheres to the surface, and it also protects your paint from chipping.
Priming gives you a smooth surface to work with. When you add primer to your clay, the primer will fill in any dimples or cracks that might be in the clay. This will give you a smooth surface to paint on without worrying about your paint being uneven.
Using a primer will also seal your clay and work as a moisture barrier. It is recommended to use about three layers of primer if you are going to use oil paint. Since oil paint can be corrosive, this just provides an extra protection barrier to your clay.
The most underestimated benefit of priming your clay is the strength it provides. Primer adds some extra reinforcement to your project which is important for fragile clay. If your clay would fall, the primer will help minimize the damage.
Can You Dry Oil Paint with a Hair Dryer?
Using a hair dryer to dry your oil paint quicker might seem like a good idea, but it won’t actually do you any good. Oil paints dry through oxidation, the evaporation of water from the heat of the hair dryer will not speed up the process of drying. It might even damage your work by causing cracks.
Using a hair dryer might make it possible for the mineral spirits and paint thinners to evaporate more quickly, leaving just the paint. However, this will increase the amount of solvent fumes that are released into the air that can be a health hazard.
Do You Need to Seal Air Dry Clay Before Painting?
Air dry clay is a moisture absorbing clay. This means that if it comes into contact with water, the clay will start to soften again. Using a sealer before painting on air dry clay will act as a moisture barrier. This will protect your clay from water and moisture, which is extra important if you are using a water-based paint.
Sealing air dry clay before painting will also help the paint stick to the surface better. This will prevent your colors from running into each other and will keep your design looking exactly how you imagined. After the clay has dried, about 72 hours, you can seal it to protect it.
I use Venus Creator Varnish to seal my painted clay. This sealer also works for wood and fabric surfaces, and its highly recommend.
Do You Paint Clay Before or After Baking?
When you are using clay that needs to be baked, are you supposed to paint before or after it goes through the baking process? Specifically talking about polymer clay, unbaked clay will likely create a stronger bond between the clay and the paint.
It is also important to remember that polymer clay does not expand or shrink during the curing process. That means it will be the same size when you take it out that it was when you put it in. You can paint on the clay before baking and not worry about your design being messed up.
Check out this article that talks about Baking Oil Paint in the Oven. It’s a must read if you plan on curing your painted project.
When you bake clay with paint on it, the paint won’t burn or bubble. However, you should keep in mind that the baking process might alter the color slightly. If you are very specific with how your colors look, you should use a paint that is heat resistant and won’t change color in the oven.
A good way to determine what kind of paint to use is with a test. Use a small amount of clay to test out different paints on. This will give you an idea of what will happen to the paint color when the clay is baked, allowing you to make changes before you paint your project.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right type of paint for your clay project can be a bit tricky. When working with clay, you can definitely use oil paint on it, and you can safely bake it in the oven to cure it.
Oil paint takes a while to dry, so if you need your project finished quickly, it is recommended to use a fast-drying paint such as acrylics. If you do not need your project finished quickly, oil paints will work just fine on both air dry and polymer clay.
Don’t forget to check out my other articles for all you painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!