Can I finish a clay sculpture without firing it?

Answer by  Dixie82 (103)

This depends on the type of clay you are using. If you are using air-dry clay, then firing it will actually destroy it. If you are using polymer clay, it must be baked. Only if you are using traditional clay, such as earthenware, stoneware or kaolin, does it need to be fired.

Answer by  CatherineKlay (440)

Yes, but only if you use a special air-dry clay. Your final product will NOT be very durable -- don't get it wet. "Real" clay needs to be fired.

Answer by  jrr (46)

If your clay needs to be fired you can't permanently finish it, it has to be fired to cure entirely. You can, of course, let it dry, but it will not be waterproof in any way. There are air-dry clays, of course.

Answer by  Janer (205)

No, you need to bake the clay at a high temperature or else it will be soft and lose its shape.

Answer by  msbee (484)

Most clay requires being fired to finish, they will dry out over a few days or a week but will not be as durable. If you want to use clay but cannot fire the clay, there are many oven-bake clays available at art stores where you can bake your creations in your home oven!

Answer by  heatherbooboo (655)

Yes you can place it out side in the sun and it will finish it off a bit. It will be more fragile though,

Answer by  Jimbob (2275)

You can finish it off but it will not be hard and really finished until you have fired the clay.