Can you paint air dry clay while it's still wet?

Some colorants can be applied to polymer clay before heating, but not usually paints (acrylic paint mostly) and since the clay hardens so fast that wouldn't be a concern for you anyway. You also don't say what it is you're making with the clay, but since you're using polymer clay you should at least be aware that it should never be thicker at any one spot than 1 1/4" or it could crack during heating. read more

If there is still moisture on the outermost layer of the clay, then your paint may not properly adhere to the surface. Furthermore, if you use a plastics-based paint (i.e., acrylic paint), you’re essentially sealing in the moisture of the clay and it will eventually grow mold from the inside out. read more

You can also use a glue gun, however you must paint both surfaces, allow to dry, then glue gun them together. After the glue sets, paint again. PLEASE NOTE Glue will stick to painted surfaces but NOT to the bare clay surface. read more