How to Fix a Broken Air-Dry Clay Figurine

Written By: Rhea Matsumoto

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How to Fix a Broken Air-Dry Clay Figurine

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 - 3 days

Introduction

Air-dry clay figurines are fragile and can be easily broken through accidental falls and careless holding. This guide aims to instruct crafters on how to fix broken air-dry clay ornaments. Through the guide steps, you will learn how to put clay fractures back together and restore to its original state.

Caution: This guide uses a hot glue gun and blow dryer (optional). Please be careful when handling the equipment and unplug them when you finish the specific steps.

Tools

Step 1

Collect the air-dry clay fractures.

Step 2

Brush out the clay debris from the clay piece's surface.

Step 3

Preheat the hot glue gun.
Apply the hot glue onto the cracked surface.
Try to work quickly on this step. The hot glue dries and hardens very fast.

Step 4

Attach the corresponding fractured pieces. Press and hold the clay for at least 10 seconds to allow the clay to set.
Strip away excess hot glue to avoid potential additional damage.
If there are multiple cracks, repair one fractured area at a time to prevent hassle.

Step 5

Place a small amount of air-dry clay on the paint palette.
Apply some water to the air-dry clay and mix them with a brush or your fingers.
Add water gradually to avoid over-moisturizing the paste.
Continue mixing until the paste reaches a jam-like consistency.

Step 6

Grab some clay paste and apply it along the cracked surface.
Smooth out the paste with your fingers or a brush.

Step 7

Choose one of the following steps that fits the best:
Wait for the air-dry clay to fully dry and harden. This step takes at least 2 days.
Use a blow dryer to speed up the drying process. This step is optional, but the dry time can be shortened to 15 minutes.
Rushing to the next step without allowing the ornament to fully dry may result in additional damages.