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If you've just created a Play-Doh masterpiece, you'll want to admire it for days and weeks to come. Unfortunately, Hasbro doesn't advise using Play-Doh for permanent creations, as the compound tends to crack over time.[1] While it's not officially recommended by the company, there are a few at-home methods you can use to preserve your Play-Doh creation for a longer amount of time.

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 200 °F (93 °C). You don't need to toss your Play-Doh into a kiln for it to dry. Some Play-Doh hobbyists recommend using a low oven temperature to preserve your creations.[2]

    • This method works best with small, thin keepsakes, like holiday ornaments.

  2. 2

    Bake your Play-Doh for 5-10 minutes. Set your Play-Doh creation on an oven-safe tray, and set a timer for at least 5 minutes. Then, check on the baked clay to see if it's hardened. If the clay is firm and hard to the touch, you can display your Play-Doh masterpiece around your home![3]

    • If your Play-Doh isn't quite hardened, you might have more luck sealing it.

  3. 3

    Check the Play-Doh with a toothpick and let it cool. Gently press a toothpick against the clay to check the hardness. If the Play-Doh feels soft, leave it in the oven for a couple more minutes. If your Play-Doh creation is hardened, pull it out of the oven so it can cool off.[4]

    • If your Play-Doh sculpture is pretty thick, it might need a little more time in the oven.

  1. 1

    Air-dry the Play-Doh for 1-3 days before sealing it. Play-Doh is meant to be reused, so the compound is naturally moist and flexible. Before sealing your creation, place it in an open area for at least 1 day so it can air-dry. You might see a white crust forming on the dough—this is totally normal, and is just the salt in the Play-Doh rising to the top. Don't worry about fixing this, since it isn't very noticeable.[5]

    • You'll only be air-drying your Play-Doh for a short amount of time, so it shouldn't start cracking.

  2. 2

    Seal your Play-Doh creation in sections to prevent sticking. Apply your sealant of choice to the top and sides of your creation first. Then, let the sealant try completely.[6] At this point, coat the other side of your Play-Doh creation with sealant.

    • Some people only seal the parts of their creation that will be visible to the naked eye.[7]

  3. 3

    Coat the Play-Doh with school glue as an easy, non-toxic solution. Pour 1⁄2   tsp (2.5 mL) or so of water into a small cup. Then, mix 2 drops of school glue into the water. Dip a small, clean paintbrush into the glue mixture and spread it all over your Play-Doh creation. Let the first layer of glue dry completely, and then add a second layer for good measure.[8]

    • If the glaze seems too runny, add another drop or 2 of glue into the mixture.
    • This glue takes about an hour to set, and a full day to cure.[9]

  4. 4

    Spread a layer of Mod Podge on your creation so it looks glossy. Coat a small paintbrush with extra glossy Mod Podge, and paint it over the surface of your Play-Doh. Wait 3 days for your Play-Doh to dry, and then add 2 more coats, giving each layer another 3 days to air-dry.[10]

  5. 5

    Cover the Play-Doh with clear nail polish for a fast-drying option. Grab a bottle of clear nail polish and spread a thin layer over your clay creation. Check the side of the bottle for the recommended drying time.[11]

    • This is a better solution for smaller projects.
    • If your finished project doesn't look very glossy, you might want to add a second coat of nail polish.[12]

  6. 6

    Paint on 1 coat of polyester resin to make your Play-Doh extra shiny. Dip a small paintbrush into a jar of clear resin. Spread a thin coat of the product all over your Play-Doh, so it's protected with a nice, hard coating. Scan over the resin bottle to see what the recommended drying time is.[13]

    • Resins are made with a lot of strong chemicals. Always work in a well-ventilated area, and consider wearing a respirator.[14]

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  • Hasbro recommends using oven curable clay for your long-lasting creations instead of Play-Doh.[15]

  • Always secure the lid on your Play-Doh once you're done playing with it. This will keep it fresh for weeks to come![16]

  • To be extra safe, bake your Play-Doh first to harden it and then seal it.[17]

  • Some hobbyists recommend coating your project with a traditional varnish. Don't use a spray varnish, though—some of the chemicals might damage your Play-Doh creation.[18]

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  • Don't use a clear, protective paint to seal your Play-Doh, like a special effects paint. This won't stick very well to your creation.[19]

Things You'll Need

  • Oven-safe tray
  • Toothpick
  • School glue
  • Water
  • Cup
  • Clear nail polish
  • Mod Podge
  • Polyester resin
  • Paintbrush

References

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