A Guide to Choosing the Right Pottery Clay for Your Creations
Being a pottery artisan requires good skills and lots of practice. There will always be some mistakes while crafting your skills, but the second thing that matters besides skills is the material used in the process. Some people dedicate their work to creating household items, while others focus on delicate artworks for decoration.
Depending on your niche or specific pottery project, you need a suitable pottery clay to help you achieve the desired results. You need to understand the various types of this material because it can significantly impact the quality, durability and aesthetics of your creations.
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What Kind of Clay Is Used for Pottery?
There are various types of pottery clay available, each with its unique properties which make them suitable for different pottery applications. Knowing which one to use, means, you must first learn the differences between each type and what type is suitable for your specific project.
Earthenware
One of the oldest types that’s still present and widely used today is earthenware. It fires at a temperature range of 1,000°C to 1,150°C, with a signature red-to-brown hue. It’s porous and relatively soft, which makes it very easy to work with.
If you’re just a beginner, earthenware will make your process into pottery much easier and seamless as it’s easy to practise with and create various decorative pieces. This type of ceramic clay is commonly used for decorative purposes and everyday dinnerware but requires glazing to hold liquids due to its porosity.
Stoneware
Stoneware is highly durable and versatile. Firing temperatures are between 1,200°C and 1,300°C which results in a non-porous, strong and chip-resistant material. Its colour varies between grey and brown and is ideal for creating mugs, plates, bowls and bakeware. Its suitability for this type of pottery is due to its higher firing temperatures as it helps create items that can withstand daily use and frequent washing.
Its durability and natural aesthetic appeal make these ceramics clay a favourite among potters as it can serve both functional and decorative purposes.
Fire
Fire clay for ceramics is highly refractory which means it can withstand very high temperatures without melting or deforming. It typically fires over 1,500°C and it’s often used in combination with other clays to increase the temperature resistance of ceramic products.
It is usually used in the production of firebricks, kiln linings and industrial ceramics that require high thermal stability. Its excellent refractory properties come from its high alumina content which makes it essential for various industrial applications where extreme heat resistance is needed.
Porcelain
Porcelain is one of the most cherished materials to ever be used. Its fine and luxurious structure just makes everything better. Therefore, porcelain clay is widely used in the production of delicate and high-quality items such as fine china, vases or intricate structures. Its smooth, plastic-like nature allows for detailed work and a refined finish.
Porcelain fires at very high temperatures between 1,200°C and 1,400°C and is often white or off-white in colour. Its fine texture, strength and translucent quality come through when it’s thin. As such, it’s highly prized not only for its appeal but durability and the ability to achieve a glass-like surface when glazed.
Ball
This is a highly plastic and fine-graded clay that is often used alongside other types to enhance tier workability and strength. Its colour ranges between grey and brown and has excellent forming properties.
It has fine particles that can significantly improve the plasticity and binding properties of clay bodies, making it an essential component in ceramic formulations. As such, it is mostly used for producing tiles, pottery and sanitary ware.
Slip
Slip is often referred to as casting clay because is a liquid mixture used primarily in the slip-casting process. Therefore, slip clay is ideal for creating complex shapes that would otherwise be difficult to achieve with traditional hand-building or wheel-throwing techniques.
When in liquid form, it’s poured into moulds to form various ceramic products such as intricate decorative pieces to functional pottery. Its liquid consistency allows for precise replication or designs and is often used in the mass production of ceramics.
Paper
Paper is an unconventional type that’s used a bit less than the other types, but it’s also easier to work with than the the rest of clays. It’s an innovative material that combines traditional clays with paper fibres. This results in a lighter and more flexible mixture, which is inherently easier to work with.
It’s ideal for creating thin, delicate pieces that are less prone to cracking and warping. It’s mostly used for sculptural work, repairs and mixed-media projects. During the firing process, the added fibres burn away, leaving the final piece lighter and often stronger. Its unique properties are for those who are looking to push the boundaries of traditional ceramics.
