Oven-Dry Clay

• 1). Check the recommended temperature for the clay that you are using. For most polymer clays, the ideal baking temperature is between 215 and 325 degrees Fahrenheit. For most clays, 300 degrees is a suitable temperature.
  
  
• 2). Place an oven thermometer inside the oven to test the temperature. Preheat the oven. When the oven reaches the desired temperature, check the thermometer inside the oven to read the actual oven temperature. Adjust the temperature as necessary to reach the appropriate temperature.
  
  
• 3). Place the clay on a flat piece of oven-safe glass. Cover the glass with aluminum foil. For round items, crumple up pieces of aluminum foil and rest the un-dried clay on the foil to retain the rounded shape. Cook the clay 30 minutes for every 1/4 inch thickness of clay. Measure drying time for the thickest part of any clay item.
  
  

Air-Dry Clay

• 1). Place the clay object onto a smooth, flat surface. Place the clay in a well-ventilated area that receives plenty of light and air-flow.
  
  
• 2). Allow the clay to dry for 10 to 15 days before painting or adding varnish to the clay. The clay may feel dry on the outside after one or two days, but the inside of the clay is still wet.
  
  
• 3). Dry the clay with a hair dryer to speed up the process. Move the hair dryer around the clay object while it dries. Keep the heat on the clay for four or five hours. You can also place the clay in a low-heat oven or warming oven, set to about 120 degrees to fully dry the clay within five or six hours.