Elena Rossi
Salt dough is a popular DIY material for homemade crafts and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 170-250°F (120°C) |
| Baking time | 2 hours or until dry and hard |
| Baking time for handprints | 2-4 hours |
| Baking sheet | Line with parchment paper |
| Paint type | Acrylic, tempera, watercolors, glitter, Mod Podge |
| Sealer | Mod Podge, spray sealer, polyurethane |
| Storage | Avoid heat and humidity, wrap in wax paper |
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What You'll Learn
Salt dough ornaments
Preparing the Dough:
Start by measuring out the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir these dry ingredients together, then slowly add warm water while stirring. Once the mixture becomes too thick to stir with a spoon, use your hands to mix and knead the dough. Keep kneading until the dough is soft, smooth, and pliable. You can adjust the consistency by adding more flour if the dough is too sticky, or a little more water if it's too stiff.
Shaping the Ornaments:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. It's important to get the dough to an even thickness to ensure even baking. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes, and remove the excess dough. Use a straw or a skewer to make a hole in each ornament for hanging. If you want to make handprint ornaments, use a 4-5 inch round cookie cutter and press a handprint into the dough.
Baking the Ornaments:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the ornaments on a lined or ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 2 hours, or until dry and firm to the touch. The baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ornaments. Handprints may take longer, up to 3-4 hours. Check on them regularly, and remember that they should not feel squishy when done.
Decorating the Ornaments:
Let the ornaments cool completely before painting. You can paint the ornaments with acrylic paint or washable tempera paint, depending on the age of the children. If you want to add a background colour to a handprint ornament, do that first and let it dry before adding other colours. Try not to brush over wet paint to avoid lifting it off the ornament. Once the paint is dry, you can add glitter, glue, or other decorations.
Preserving the Ornaments:
To preserve your ornaments and prevent cracking, seal them with Mod Podge or a sealer spray. You can use Mod Podge Gloss or Mod Podge Sparkle to add a shiny finish. If using glitter, apply a thin coat of Mod Podge Matte first, then add the glitter while it's still wet. Let the ornaments dry completely before handling.
Storing the Ornaments:
To store your salt dough ornaments for the long term, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in a sturdy container to protect them from damage and moisture. Store them in a cool, dry place to avoid cracking or puffing. Enjoy your homemade ornaments for years to come!
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Painting salt dough
Preparing the Salt Dough
Salt dough is a simple mixture of flour, water, and salt. The dough can be mixed with food colouring before moulding to add a base colour to your creation. When preparing the dough, it's important to avoid adding too much water, as this can make the dough sticky and difficult to work with. If the dough becomes too sticky, you can knead in some additional flour. Conversely, if the dough is too dry, you can gradually add small amounts of water until you achieve the desired consistency.
Painting Techniques
When painting salt dough, you can use various types of paint, including acrylic paint, washable tempera paint, or watercolour. Acrylic paint is a popular choice for salt dough ornaments as it is water-based, making it easy to clean up. It also washes off hands easily and rinses out of brushes without much hassle. Washable tempera paint is another option, particularly suitable for younger children.
Watercolours are also a great option for painting salt dough, especially for preschoolers and older kids. Watercolours blend easily on the dough with a little added water, and they dry quickly, allowing for multiple coats to be applied in a short amount of time. This makes the painting process forgiving, as mistakes can be easily covered up.
When painting with acrylics, it's important to avoid brushing over wet paint, as this can cause the paint to lift off the ornament. Additionally, if you plan to use glitter to decorate your salt dough creations, it's recommended to use a clear acrylic medium or an acrylic sealer spray to keep the glitter in place and prevent it from shedding.
Baking and Drying
Before painting, some people choose to bake their salt dough creations to speed up the drying process. The baking temperature and duration depend on the thickness of your dough creations. Generally, baking at a lower temperature for a longer period can help prevent the dough from puffing up or curling. It's recommended to bake at around 250°F (120°C) for about 2 hours or until the dough is dry and hard. However, thicker creations may require a lower temperature and a longer baking time.
Alternatively, you can choose a no-bake option by letting your salt dough creations air dry for 4-7 days. This method is particularly suitable for classroom settings or when you want to avoid using an oven.
Once your creations are baked or dried, it's important to let them cool completely before painting. This ensures that the paint adheres properly and prevents smudging.
Sealing and Preservation
After painting, you can seal your salt dough creations to protect them and ensure their longevity. Various sealing options are available, including Mod Podge, spray sealers, or oil-based polyurethane. Mod Podge comes in different finishes, such as matte, gloss, or sparkle, allowing you to add shine or glitter to your creations. To seal with Mod Podge or a spray sealer, apply a thin coat to both sides of the creation, letting it dry thoroughly before applying the second coat.
For oil-based polyurethane, apply about 3-4 coats to each side, allowing each side to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next. Sealing your creations will help preserve them for years to come and prevent cracking.
Storage
When storing your painted and sealed salt dough creations, it's important to wrap them carefully and keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid heat and humidity, as these can damage the dough. You can wrap each ornament in wax paper or bubble wrap and store them in sturdy containers to protect them from breakage.
Creative Ideas
With salt dough, you can create various shapes, ornaments, handprints, and sculptures. You can use cookie cutters to cut out festive shapes or create handprint ornaments by pressing a hand into a flattened ball of dough. Adding personal touches, such as a child's handprint, makes these creations heartfelt gifts for loved ones or keepsakes.
Overall, painting salt dough is a versatile and enjoyable activity that can be tailored for different age groups. With some simple ingredients and creative techniques, you can make lasting art pieces and cherished holiday decorations.
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Baking temperature
The ideal baking temperature for salt dough varies across sources, with some recommending a temperature of 250°F (120°C) for about 2 hours, while others suggest a lower temperature range of 170-200°F for a longer duration of about 12-15 hours.
The key factor is to avoid excessively high temperatures, as this can cause the dough to puff up. Thus, if your ornaments are puffing up, you can try reducing the baking temperature and cooking them for a longer duration.
It's important to note that the baking time may vary depending on the thickness and size of your creations. For example, handprints may require a longer baking time than smaller ornaments. Therefore, it's recommended to check on your creations periodically and continue baking until they are firm to the touch.
Additionally, if your ornaments still feel soft after the initial baking time, you can extend the baking duration or let them air dry to ensure they are completely hardened.
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Sealing salt dough
Allow the Dough to Dry:
Before sealing, ensure that your salt dough creation is completely dry. You can air-dry the dough for 4-7 days or bake it in the oven at a low temperature, usually around 250°F, for about 2 hours or until all moisture is gone. It is important to note that thicker pieces of dough may take longer to dry or bake.
Choose a Sealer:
There are several options available for sealing salt dough. You can use a spray sealant, a paint-on sealant, or a brush-on resin coating. Spray sealants are quick and easy to apply, providing an even coat. Paint-on sealants offer more variety in finishes, such as gloss or matte, and some are rated for outdoor use or high-moisture areas. Mod Podge, a popular craft sealant, is often used and comes in various finishes like Mod Podge Gloss, Mod Podge Sparkle, and Mod Podge Matte. You can also try a UV (light) cure resin as a top coat, but you may need multiple coats and adequate drying time between them.
Apply the Sealer:
When using a spray or paint-on sealant, it is recommended to apply two or more coats for thorough protection. If using Mod Podge, you can coat both sides, allowing one side to dry before coating the other. If you have used alcohol inks, watercolours, or acrylic paint, a light spray sealant as the first coat is recommended to seal the colour and prevent bleeding or smearing.
Storage:
After sealing, store your salt dough creations in a sturdy and well-sealed box. Place the items between sheets of wax or parchment paper to protect them. Avoid using paper towels, as they can absorb moisture and cause moulding or warping. Choose a cool, dry location, such as a closet or basement, for storage.
By following these steps, you can effectively seal and preserve your salt dough creations, ensuring they last a lifetime.
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Storing salt dough
Salt dough is susceptible to moisture, and it will pull moisture from the surrounding air, so it's important to store it in a cool, dry place. Opt for a sturdy container for the best protection. To store ornaments from year to year, wrap them in bubble wrap and place them in a container that won't be exposed to excess moisture.
Before storing, it's best to seal your salt dough creations. This will prevent them from becoming moldy and stop them from cracking or crumbling. There are a few ways to seal salt dough:
- Spray with an acrylic-based sealant.
- Paint on an outdoor sealant.
- Coat with Mod Podge.
If you want to store salt dough before it has been shaped into anything, it can be kept in a baggie, but make sure it doesn't get damp.
Finally, if you're storing finished salt dough creations, be aware that they can take on smells from their environment. To avoid this, some people add cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you should let the paint dry completely before putting your salt dough creation in the oven. Acrylic paint is the best for painting on salt dough.
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Bake the salt dough for about 2 hours, flipping the ornaments several times as they bake to ensure they dry out evenly.
You will know the salt dough is done when it is dry and
