salt dough minus toxic coating

[reducereuserecycle]

I really wanted to make some keepsake handprints in salt dough. Although, every recipe says to spray or paint it with varnish. I really wanted it to be something that would last a while. Will it still last if I don't coat it with varnish or paint?

[formerluddite]

i accidentally know a bit about this. i made a "gingerbread man" from salt dough for a christmas ornament, and it sat around (kitchen counter ---> top of microwave ---> top of fridge) waiting to be painted for a year or 2, and recently got knocked to the ground and broke.

the part that broke off seemed to have a large cavity (air bubble?) in it, so it was weaker. it was ?1/8" thick.

so it might last a good long time if it's thicker and rounded, and doesn't get dropped onto the floor.