can i paint playdough?

Question

So my tutoring student and I are making a lizard. I tried the crayola clay and it was awuful. Such a mess. So i was thinking of using play-dough, not the kind you make but the pre-made stuff form play-dough brand. I just don't want it to crack and break when it dries. Any ideas? We would also like to paint it using acrylic. Is this possible?

Answer 1

There are air-dry clays availalbe at craft stores like Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Here is a recipe you can make at home. I've tried this one and I really like it; it's very smooth and dries nicely. Do not try to speed up the drying time, though, even at low oven temperatures it burns.

1 c. corn starch

2 c. baking soda

1 ¼ c. cold water

Mix the cornstarch and baking soda in a saucepan.

Add water.

Turn heat to medium.

Stir for 5 minutes until thick.

Remove from heat.

Put on a sheet of waxed paper and knead for 5 minutes (when cool enough).

Form into flowers, animals, etc or cut with cookie cutters

Takes 48 hrs to 1 week to dry.

Paint with acrylic or tempera paint (acrylic coats better, but doesn't wash out of clothes).

Answer 2

You can't paint it, it will crack off. You can add food colouring to the playdough though, and varnish it. It works, i did it in A level sculpture :D