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Can Crayola Modeling Clay be hardened, baked, or painted?

Crayola® Modeling Clay is intentionally designed to retain its pliability, ensuring endless hours of creativity. It's not suitable for hardening, baking, or painting as it's formulated exclusively for molding and shaping. Embrace its versatility, with a range of assorted colors, for continuous artistic adventures!


Discover more about Crayola modeling compound options on the Crayola modeling compounds page.


Have questions? Our team is here to help. Call or text us at 1-800-Crayola or visit the Crayola Contact Us page to send an email.

If you have additional questions, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to call or text us at 1-800-CRAYOLA weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time. If you would prefer to send us an email, visit our contact us page.

Related Questions

Explore answers to common questions, helpful stain removal tips, and creative ideas for making the most of our art supplies and free resources!

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    Crayola® Air-Dry Clay  

    • This clay gradually hardens into a durable solid over time, gaining strength. Explore various crafts using Crayola Air-Dry Clay at Crayola.com.  

    Crayola Model Magic®

    • An air-drying modeling compound, Crayola Model Magic remains lightweight and retains some flexibility even after drying. Discover fun crafts with Crayola Model Magic at Crayola.com

    Crayola No-Bake Sculpting Clay

    • No Bake Sculpting Clay dries fully within 72 hours, is silky smooth and blendable, retains high detail, adheres to various surfaces and can be used in multiple ways (rolling, stamping, etc.)
    Crayola Modeling Clay

    • Unlike Air-Dry Clay and Model Magic, this is a non-drying modeling compound, allowing for sculpting, squishing, and reuse for endless creative enjoyment.  
    Curious about our collection?

    Discover our vibrant range of modeling compounds at Crayola.com.
    Got Questions?

    We're here for you! Call or text us at 1-800-272-9652 on weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time. Text charges may apply. If you prefer, visit our contact us page to send us an email.
  • Crayola® Air-Dry Clay can be sealed once your piece is completely dry after 72 hours. Once dry, we suggest using an acrylic varnish. Make sure to test its compatibility with the varnish before applying it to a finished piece.


    Sealing your work will not waterproof it. Exposure to water and outdoor elements will have a negative effect on the Air-Dry Clay, so we recommend displaying your sculpture indoors.


    If you have additional questions, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to call or text us at 1-800-272-9652 on weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time. If you would prefer to send us an email, visit our Crayola Contact Page.

  • Crayola® Air-Dry Clay is similar to a porcelain clay body when wet and can be thrown on a potter's wheel by intermediate and advanced students. However, it should never be fired in a kiln or painted with traditional glazes.


    If you have additional questions, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to call or text us at 1-800-272-9652 on weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time. If you would prefer to send us an email, visit our contact us page.

  • Because Crayola Marker components are securely sealed during the manufacturing process, we don't recommend trying to remove the marker nib and reservoir to recycle the barrel. The marker caps can be recycled at facilities that accept #5 plastic.

    Green is more than just a color to us! Learn more about Crayola's sustainability initiatives.

  • While we love finding new ways to create with our modeling compounds, at Crayola, the safety of our artists is our top priority.


    Crayola modeling compounds are not meant to be made into candlesticks or similar items that would come in contact with open flames and high heat sources. For that reason, we do not recommend using Crayola modeling compounds, wet or dry, near an open flame, in an oven, microwave, or kiln. Exposure to high heat sources may cause drying out, cracking, and browning.


    We are always here to help! Feel free to call or text us at 1-800-272-9652 on weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Time. If you would prefer to send us an email, visit our contact us page.

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