Understanding the Different Clays – Your Ultimate Guide
If you’re someone who is fascinated by the art of pottery, then understanding the different clays used therein is of vital importance. Your life won’t depend on it, but since clay is the material potters use to create their wares, you really cannot be called a potter if you don’t know all about clays.
There are basically three categories you must know in understanding the different clays: kaolin, stoneware, and earthenware. They are three separate types of clay which are all great for pottery. Clay has a different method of handling, result, and method of being fired.
Kaolin is the purest kind of clay as it is closest to its original form. It easily breaks apart in its raw state because its particles aren’t as worn yet as with earthenware clay. It requires a very high temperature, reaching up to 2,550 degrees Fahrenheit to produce very smooth and shiny fine china and porcelain pottery pieces.
Stoneware clay is also hard clay which requires being fired at high temperatures between 2,100 and 2,350 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a spectrum of colors ranging from light gray to dark brown. It is often used for dinnerware and jugs.
Finally, earthenware clay is softer clay which is a byproduct of silt and clay traveling from afar via water bodies such as rivers. It contains many impurities and in its raw state may even have tiny rocks or sand particles. Lower temperatures are needed to fire it, ranging from 1,700 to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. It appears white or gray after firing, unless of course it was glazed. Roofing tiles and terra cotta pots are its common uses.
As you can see, understanding the different clays allows you to determine how to handle each one during the process of pottery. And now that you’ve done that, surely you can now appreciate your material more the next time you take a slab of clay to mold into your next pottery ware.
 |
 Handmade Polymer clay writing penrefillablewith charm  US $.99
|
 Clay Machine use w all types of modeling w Clay Free US $1.75
|
 DEEP ETCHED RUBBER 4 Polymer Clay Stamping 1PMC US $6.99
|
 DEEP ETCHED RUBBER 4 Polymer Clay Stamping 2 PMC US $6.99
|
 12 Unmounted Texture Rubber Art Stamps 4 Polymer Clay US $6.99
|
 DEEP ETCHED RUBBER 4 Polymer Clay Stamping 3 PMC US $6.99
|
 Oval Round Cookie Cutters Sculpey Fimo PMC Polymer Clay US $6.99
|
 Star Square Cookie Cutters Sculpey Fimo Polymer Clay US $5.99
|
 FRIENDLY CLAY by Amaco Polymer Clay Millefiori Cane NEW US $.99
|
 SILICONE MOLDS FOOD RESIN JEWELRY SCRAPBOOK WEDDING US $.99
|
 pink black kaleidoscope Kato polymer clay cane canes US $5.51
|
 copper black kaleidoscope Kato polymer clay cane canes US $5.00
|
 copper color kaleidoscope Kato polymer clay cane canes US $2.50
|
 red green kaleidoscope Kato polymer clay cane canes US $2.50
|
 pink green kaleidoscope Kato polymer clay cane canes US $2.50
|
 blue yellow kaleidoscope Kato polymer clay cane canes US $5.51
|
 aqua purple kaleidoscope Kato polymer clay cane canes US $2.75
|
 HEART Flower Cookie Cutters Sculpey Fimo Polymer Clay US $5.99
|
 Amaco Clay Poly Ruler US $.99
|
 THE ART OF POLYMER CLAY by Donna Kato US $6.00
|
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
|
 All New Packages Studio Oven Bake Clay US $8.00
|
 New Packages Of Studio Oven Bake Clay US $12.75
|
 New Packages Studio Oven Bake Clay Miniatures Books US $19.00
|
 Duncan Navy Blue Ceramic Glaze 1 new and 1 used once US $.99
|
 La Doll AIR DRY STONE CLAY Natural LK US $8.99
|
 70 Porcelain Powder China Paints Overglaze US $39.00
|
 210 viles of assorted china paint US $45.99
|
 china pieces ready to paint US $39.99
|
 Ceramic Glaze Paints 10 Jars 4 Fl Oz ea 10 colors US $5.99
|
 MARBLEX self harden modeling sculpture GREY CLAY box US $4.99
|
 LOT OF 167 VIALS PORCELAIN CHINA PAINTS RARE MISC COLOR US $58.50
|
 GARE GLOSS GLAZE 46 JARS OF 4ozEACH FOR CERAMICS US $46.00
|
 GARE UNDERGLAZE 55 JARS 2 oz each TO PAINT CERAMICS US $26.00
|
 NEW Lot of 16 Doc Holliday Color Ceramic Acrylic Paint US $29.98
|
 New FIMO Soft Modelling Material Clay LOT 27 Packages US $15.55
|
 Ceramic Mold Supply 30 Bisque Flyers Paint Tech FREE US $5.99
|
 Makins Professional Ultimate Clay Extruder US $19.43
|
 6 4oz jars GARE LINEN GLAZE 7135 Transparent Gloss US $5.99
|
 6 4oz jars GARE MILK GLASS GLAZE 7011 semi opaque US $5.99
|
 500 Asst colored pieces of PINLITES 7MM BALL ORNAMENT US $.99
|
| Powered by phpBay Pro |
|
|
11-piece Pottery / Sculpture Tool Set, Clay & Wax Carving Tools $5.60 An 11-Piece Set of Pottery and Sculpture Tools ideal for any creative project. The tools are made of metal, with wood handles for an easy grip. Each tool has two shaped heads (one on each end) providing a variety of different carving shapes to give you more flexibility for your designs. They are ideal for detail work in carving, sculpture, and jewelry making. Design your prototype and create model... |
|
|
Clay Dough Tools Set, 5 Piece, Assorted Colors (CKC9762) Category: Clay $4.25 Item #: CKC9762. Set consists of a Flower Roller, Round Cutting Roller, Zig Zag Cutting Roller, Double-sided Large Hobby Craft Tool and Plastic Blade for creative dough cutting. Customers also search for: 5 Piece Set; Assorted ;Chenille Kraft Company,Art,Craft Supplies,Supply,Dough Gadgets,Clay Tools,Sets, 021196097629... |
|
|
Crayola Model Magic 2 lb Bucket Assorted Colors $17.44 This modeling compound is clean, pliable, and air-dries to a firm resiliency in 24 hours! It's soft, lightweight, and extra easy to mold. Available in white or in a set of 4 primary colors; red, blue, white and yellow. (8 oz. each). 4-color pack.... |
|
|
Introduction to Handbuilding by Stephen Jepson This is "Introduction to Handbuilding," by Stephen Jepson. Content mostly instructive of ceramic slab (pottery) techniques, details several intriguing projects. Jepson introduces and employs the few simple tools used in the slab construction technique; some press mold constructions are also investigated. Program runs approximately 80 minutes.... |
|
|
Creating Vessels (Master Artisans: Polymer Clay) [VHS] $15.00 ... |