Glaze a clay project
Glaze a clay cup or figure using washable acrylic paints and a clear non toxic sealer, practicing brush techniques and color mixing with adult help.
Step-by-step guide to glaze a clay cup or figure
✨ How To Make DIY Air Dry Clay Glaze
Step 1
Spread newspaper or a protective surface on your work table.
Step 2
Put on your apron or old shirt to protect your clothes.
Step 3
Gently wipe your clay cup or figure with a dry soft cloth to remove dust.
Step 4
Squeeze a few paint colors onto your palette or paper plate.
Step 5
Practice brush techniques on scrap paper by making smooth strokes dry-brush texture and small dots.
Step 6
Mix two paints on your palette to make a new color and test it on scrap paper.
Step 7
Paint a thin base coat over the whole cup or figure using a medium brush.
Step 8
Wait for the base coat to dry completely before you do more painting.
Step 9
Add details and patterns with a small brush using the techniques and mixed colors you practiced.
Step 10
Let your painted details dry completely before the next step.
Step 11
Rinse your brushes with water until the paint washes out.
Step 12
Blot your brushes on a paper towel and let them air dry.
Step 13
Have an adult apply the clear non toxic sealer to your finished piece following the sealer label directions.
Step 14
Let the sealer dry fully according to the sealer instructions before touching the piece.
Step 15
Share a photo of your finished glazed clay creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we can't find the 'clear non-toxic sealer' listed in the instructions?
If you can't find the 'clear non-toxic sealer,' an adult can use a water-based clear acrylic craft sealer (for example Mod Podge or an acrylic spray) and apply it to your finished piece following the sealer label directions.
My paint smudged when I tried to add details—what should I check or do?
If details smudge, check that the base coat is completely dry as the instructions say to 'Wait for the base coat to dry completely,' and either let it air-dry longer or use a low-heat hair dryer and blot brushes on a paper towel before painting.
How can I adapt this glazing activity for younger or older children?
For younger kids use larger brushes or sponges, pre-squeezed paint on a plate, and have an adult apply the clear sealer, while older kids can practice the listed brush techniques on scrap paper and add finer patterns with a small brush from the 'Add details' step.
What are simple ways to personalize or extend my glazed clay piece?
To personalize your piece, follow the 'Mix two paints' step to create custom colors, add patterns or tiny dots using the 'Add details' step with a small brush or toothpick, and write your name on the bottom before an adult applies the clear non-toxic sealer.
Watch videos on how to glaze a clay cup or figure
How to Glaze Clay | Amaco Teacher's Palette Glaze Set
4 Videos
How to Glaze Clay | Amaco Teacher's Palette Glaze Set
How to glaze ceramic sculptures: step by step guide
How to Glaze Air Dry Clay Bowls
How to Glaze Clay Charms with UV Resin | Easy DIY Air Dry Clay Glazing Tutorial (2025)
Facts about clay crafts for kids
🎨 Acrylic paint dries fast and becomes water-resistant when dry — wash brushes while the paint is still wet!
🏺 People have been shaping and decorating clay for over 20,000 years — pottery is one of the oldest crafts.
🔥 True ceramic glazes melt and fuse to clay in a hot kiln, but washable acrylics let you get a shiny finish at room temperature with a sealer.
🖌️ Different brushes make different effects: round brushes for lines and dots, flat brushes for broad strokes, and fan brushes for texture.
🌈 Mix two primary colors (red, blue, yellow) to make new colors — and add white to tint them lighter.
