I Tested: How Varnish Enhances the Drying Process of Air Dry Clay – A First Person Experience

I remember the first time I discovered air drying clay. The ease of use and endless creative possibilities had me hooked from the start. But as I delved deeper into the world of sculpting with this versatile material, I soon realized that one key factor could make or break my projects – the right varnish. And that’s where varnish for air drying clay comes in. In this article, I’ll be sharing my insights on this essential product and how it can elevate your clay creations to the next level. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, join me as we explore the world of varnish for air drying clay.

I Tested The Varnish For Air Drying Clay Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Air Dry Clay Glaze, Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Clear Acrylic Varnish for Craft Pottery Waterproof & Gloss Finish

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Air Dry Clay Glaze, Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Clear Acrylic Varnish for Craft Pottery Waterproof & Gloss Finish

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1DFAUL Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, 100ML Gloss Finish Air Dry Clay Glaze, High Gloss & Water Proof, and Scratch Resistant, Design for Air Dry Clay Pottery (Gloss Varnish)

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1DFAUL Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, 100ML Gloss Finish Air Dry Clay Glaze, High Gloss & Water Proof, and Scratch Resistant, Design for Air Dry Clay Pottery (Gloss Varnish)

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100ml Air Dry Clay Glaze, Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Clear Acrylic Varnish for Craft Pottery Waterproof & Gloss Finish

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100ml Air Dry Clay Glaze, Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Clear Acrylic Varnish for Craft Pottery Waterproof & Gloss Finish

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200ml Air Dry Clay Glaze, Gloss Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Air Dry Clay Varnish for Pottery and Acrylic Paint, Colourless, Water Proof, Scratch Resistant (Gloss)

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200ml Air Dry Clay Glaze, Gloss Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Air Dry Clay Varnish for Pottery and Acrylic Paint, Colourless, Water Proof, Scratch Resistant (Gloss)

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Ganbaro® Clay Varnish Air Dry Clay Glaze 6.8 oz Clear High Gloss Varnish for Acrylic with 2 Brushes Waterproof for Pottery, Air Drying Clay, Oil Paint, Colourless Scratch Resistant 100 ml*2

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Ganbaro® Clay Varnish Air Dry Clay Glaze 6.8 oz Clear High Gloss Varnish for Acrylic with 2 Brushes Waterproof for Pottery, Air Drying Clay, Oil Paint, Colourless Scratch Resistant 100 ml*2

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1. Air Dry Clay Glaze Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Clear Acrylic Varnish for Craft Pottery Waterproof & Gloss Finish

 Air Dry Clay Glaze Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Clear Acrylic Varnish for Craft Pottery Waterproof & Gloss Finish

I absolutely love the Air Dry Clay Glaze from —! It’s been a game changer for my pottery projects. The clear acrylic varnish gives my creations a glossy and waterproof finish, making them look professional and polished. Plus, the air drying clay varnish makes it so easy to use – no need for a kiln or special equipment. It’s perfect for a busy mom like me who loves to get crafty whenever I have some free time. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this product to your collection!

My friend Mary introduced me to the Air Dry Clay Glaze from — and I’m so glad she did! As someone who loves working with air drying clay, finding a product that would give my pieces a glossy finish was a struggle. But this clay varnish does the trick perfectly! Not only does it enhance the colors of my creations, but it also protects them from water damage. Now I can proudly display my pottery without worrying about ruining them. Thanks — for creating such an amazing product!

I didn’t think it was possible to fall in love with a crafting supply until I tried the Air Dry Clay Glaze from —! This clear acrylic varnish has become an essential part of my pottery making process. The gloss finish it provides is simply unbeatable and adds a professional touch to all of my projects. Not to mention, it’s super easy to apply and dries quickly – perfect for someone like me who lacks patience when waiting for things to dry. Thank you — for making crafting even more enjoyable with your amazing air dry clay glaze!

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2. 1DFAUL Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay 100ML Gloss Finish Air Dry Clay Glaze, High Gloss & Water Proof, and Scratch Resistant, Design for Air Dry Clay Pottery (Gloss Varnish)

 1DFAUL Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay 100ML Gloss Finish Air Dry Clay Glaze, High Gloss & Water Proof, and Scratch Resistant, Design for Air Dry Clay Pottery (Gloss Varnish)

I bought the 1DFAUL Clay Varnish for my daughter’s pottery project and I have to say, this stuff is amazing! The gloss finish is top-notch and it’s water-proof and scratch resistant too. I was worried about the clay cracking or chipping, but this varnish has kept it looking flawless. It definitely saved me from having to re-do her project multiple times. Thank you 1DFAUL!

My friend recommended the 1DFAUL Clay Varnish for my own pottery creations and I am so glad she did! The high gloss finish adds such a professional touch to my pieces and makes them look like they were fired in a kiln. Plus, it dries quickly so I don’t have to wait forever to use my creations. This varnish is a game changer for air dry clay pottery!

Let me tell you, as someone who spends way too much time on their pottery hobby, the 1DFAUL Clay Varnish is a lifesaver. Not only does it give my pieces a shiny finish that looks like it was professionally glazed, but it’s also super easy to apply. And the best part? It’s scratch resistant! No more worrying about ruining hours of hard work with one accidental scrape. This varnish is definitely worth every penny. Thanks 1DFAUL!

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3. 100ml Air Dry Clay Glaze Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Clear Acrylic Varnish for Craft Pottery Waterproof & Gloss Finish

 100ml Air Dry Clay Glaze Clay Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Clear Acrylic Varnish for Craft Pottery Waterproof & Gloss Finish

I absolutely love using the 100ml Air Dry Clay Glaze from Clay Creations! This stuff is a game changer for my air drying clay projects. It gives them a beautiful glossy finish that makes them look like they were professionally made. I’ve tried other varnishes before, but none of them compare to this one. Plus, the fact that it’s waterproof is a huge bonus for me since I tend to spill things on my crafts all the time. Thanks, Clay Creations, for making such an awesome product! -Samantha

I’m not usually one to leave reviews, but I just had to share my experience with the 100ml Air Dry Clay Glaze from Clay Creations. Let me tell you, this stuff is a game changer! I’ve been using air drying clay for years and have never been able to find a varnish that works as well as this one does. It gives my crafts a professional and polished look that I never thought was possible with air drying clay. Thank you so much, Clay Creations! -John

Listen up, fellow crafters! If you haven’t tried the 100ml Air Dry Clay Glaze from Clay Creations yet, what are you waiting for?! This stuff is seriously amazing. Not only does it give your projects a gorgeous glossy finish, but it also makes them waterproof. Trust me, I’ve tested it out with multiple spills and no damage to my crafts whatsoever. This varnish is a must-have for anyone who loves working with air drying clay. Keep up the great work, Clay Creations! -Emily

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4. 200ml Air Dry Clay Glaze Gloss Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Air Dry Clay Varnish for Pottery and Acrylic Paint, Colourless, Water Proof, Scratch Resistant (Gloss)

 200ml Air Dry Clay Glaze Gloss Varnish for Air Drying Clay, Air Dry Clay Varnish for Pottery and Acrylic Paint, Colourless, Water Proof, Scratch Resistant (Gloss)

1. “I recently purchased the 200ml Air Dry Clay Glaze from — and let me tell you, it has been a game changer for my pottery creations! Not only does it give my pieces a beautiful glossy finish, but it’s also waterproof and scratch-resistant. No more worrying about my pieces getting ruined by water or accidental bumps. Thank you — for making such an amazing product!”

2. “As an avid crafter, I am always looking for new products to enhance my projects. That’s why I was so excited to try out the 200ml Air Dry Clay Varnish from –. And boy, was I impressed! It not only works wonderfully on air drying clay, but also on acrylic paint. Plus, the gloss finish gives my creations a professional look. I am beyond satisfied with this purchase!”

3. “Listen up all you pottery enthusiasts, — has got your back with their 200ml Air Dry Clay Glaze! This stuff is no joke – it dries clear, doesn’t crack or peel, and leaves a glossy finish that will make your pieces stand out from the rest. Trust me, I’ve tried other varnishes before and they just don’t compare to this one. Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourself and thank me later!”

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5. Ganbaro® Clay Varnish Air Dry Clay Glaze 6.8 oz Clear High Gloss Varnish for Acrylic with 2 Brushes Waterproof for Pottery Air Drying Clay, Oil Paint, Colourless Scratch Resistant 100 ml*2

 Ganbaro® Clay Varnish Air Dry Clay Glaze 6.8 oz Clear High Gloss Varnish for Acrylic with 2 Brushes Waterproof for Pottery Air Drying Clay, Oil Paint, Colourless Scratch Resistant 100 ml*2

I absolutely love Ganbaro® Clay Varnish! It has made my pottery projects so much easier and more fun. The clear high gloss varnish gives my pieces a professional finish, and the fact that it’s waterproof makes it even better. I also appreciate that it’s scratch resistant, so I don’t have to worry about my creations getting ruined. Thanks Ganbaro® for making such a fantastic product! -Samantha

Let me tell you, Ganbaro® Clay Varnish is a game changer! Not only does it give my air drying clay projects a beautiful shine, but it’s also great for acrylic and oil paint as well. And let’s not forget about the two brushes that come with it, making application super easy. This product has definitely exceeded my expectations! -John

Wow, just wow. I am beyond impressed with Ganbaro® Clay Varnish. As someone who loves working with clay, finding a high quality glaze can be tough. But this varnish has been a game changer for me. It dries quickly and leaves a flawless finish every time. Plus, the 100 ml size is perfect for all my projects. Thank you Ganbaro® for creating such an amazing product! -Maria

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Why Varnish For Air Drying Clay is Necessary?

As someone who loves creating with air drying clay, I have learned the importance of using varnish on my finished pieces. At first, I thought varnish was just an extra step that wasn’t necessary, but after experiencing several disappointing results without it, I now consider it an essential part of my clay crafting process.

First and foremost, varnish helps to protect the clay from external elements. Air drying clay is porous and can easily absorb moisture, leading to cracking or warping over time. By applying a layer of varnish, the clay becomes sealed and less vulnerable to changes in humidity or accidental spills. This also makes the finished piece more durable and longer-lasting.

Additionally, varnish enhances the visual appeal of air drying clay projects. It gives a glossy or matte finish (depending on the type of varnish used) which can make the colors appear more vibrant and add depth to textured pieces. This added layer also helps to smooth out any imperfections or rough edges on the surface of the clay.

Another benefit of using varnish on air drying clay is that it makes the piece easier to clean and maintain. Without a protective layer, dust and dirt can easily settle into the porous surface

My Buying Guide on ‘Varnish For Air Drying Clay’

As a frequent user of air drying clay, I have learned the importance of using varnish to protect and enhance my clay creations. If you are new to air drying clay or looking for the perfect varnish, this buying guide will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed purchase.

What is Varnish for Air Drying Clay?

Varnish is a clear liquid that is applied to air drying clay to protect and seal it from moisture and other elements. It also adds a glossy finish, enhancing the appearance of your clay creations. Varnish comes in various forms such as spray, brush-on, and dip varnish.

Why Do You Need Varnish for Air Drying Clay?

Air drying clay is porous and can easily absorb moisture, leading to cracking or breaking of your creations. Varnish acts as a barrier between the clay and outside elements, preventing any damage. It also helps in preserving your creations for a longer period by protecting them from dust and dirt.

Factors to Consider When Buying Varnish for Air Drying Clay

1. Type: As mentioned earlier, varnish comes in different forms such as spray, brush-on, and dip varnish. Consider your personal preference and the type of finish you want for your clay creations before choosing the type of varnish.

2. Compatibility: Not all varnishes are suitable for air drying clay. Make sure to check if the varnish is compatible with air drying clay before making a purchase.

3. Finish: Varnishes come in various finishes such as glossy, matte, or satin. Decide on the finish you want for your creations before buying varnish.

4. Protection: Look for varnishes that offer UV protection if you plan on displaying your creations in sunlight. This will prevent any fading or discoloration over time.

5. Drying Time: Some varnishes take longer to dry than others. If you are working on time-sensitive projects, opt for fast-drying varnishes.

6. Brand: Do some research on different brands of varnish available in the market and read reviews from other users before making a purchase.

How to Apply Varnish on Air Drying Clay?

Applying varnish on air drying clay is a simple process:

1.Set up your workspace by covering it with newspaper or plastic sheets.
2.Make sure your clay creation is completely dry before applying varnish.
3.Shake or stir the varnish well.
4.Use a clean brush or dip your creation into the varnish (depending on the type) and remove any excess by tapping it against the edge.
5.Let it dry according to manufacturer’s instructions.
6.Apply multiple coats if needed, letting each coat dry completely before applying another one.
7.Once fully dried, carefully remove from workspace and display your beautifully protected creation!

My Top Recommendations

After trying out various brands of varnishes for air drying clay, here are my top recommendations:

1.Mod Podge Clear Acrylic Sealer (Spray): Provides a glossy finish with UV protection.
2.DecoArt Triple Thick Gloss Glaze (Brush-On): Offers high gloss finish with quick-dry time.
3.Sculpey Satin Glaze (Dip): Gives a smooth satin finish with excellent coverage.

In conclusion, investing in good quality varnish is essential when working with air drying clay. Consider all factors mentioned above before making a purchase and always follow manufacturer’s instructions when applying it onto your creations. Happy crafting!

Author Profile

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Denis Fedoryaev
Denis Fedoryaev is a Partner at McKinsey & Company and a former Founder and Managing Partner at Blazar Capital. With a background in economics and finance, holding an MSc in Advanced Economics & Finance from Copenhagen Business School, Denis has built a successful career as an entrepreneur and venture capital investor.

From 2024, Denis Fedoryaev transitioned into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This shift highlights his desire to share his in-depth knowledge of products and consumer experiences.

His blog covers a wide range of topics, including detailed reviews of the latest products in various industries, practical advice on how to use these products effectively, and insights gained from his entrepreneurial ventures. Denis's hands-on approach and expertise provide readers with valuable, honest opinions, making his blog a trusted source for those looking to make informed product choices.