CLAY

Different Types and their Uses

Some clays are formulated to be fired to a high temperature in the kiln; others to be fired to a relatively low temperature. Glazed high fire clay pots are more resilient than low-fire clay pots, but some glazed colors are only possible at low-fire temperatures. Low-fired glazes are more likely to craze. When thinking about what kind of glaze you would like on your pot, please remember that high-fire glazes are only suitable for high-fire clay bodies, low-fired glazes only for low-fired clay bodies.

Purchasing Clay

Clay may be paid for at the cashiers office near the candy counter on the 4th floor of Willard Straight Hall. The cashier will give you a red receipt. Make sure you specify on your receipt what kind of clay you are buying. Place receipts in "Receipt Box" in studio directly below the clock.

Clay will appear on the Clay Order Shelf, labeled with the students' name. Clay should be stored in the designated areas.

Clay Types

High-Fire

Stoneware is relatively easy to throw or to build with. It fires to a brownish-buff color, and is good for dinnerware because it doesn't mind being microwaved or being put in a dishwasher.

Porcelain is also good for dinnerware for the same reasons, but is arguably harder to throw with, and dislikes additions such as handles. It is more likely to crack in drying than stoneware which makes it a challenging choice for hand building. It is white before and after firing.

Recycled White is also good for dinnerware, and is easier to work than porcelain. It is gray before firing, and white after firing.

Low-Fire

Terra-cotta is a good clay for throwing and hand building, but because it contains iron, pots made from it become hot in a microwave oven. Please note there are fewer glazes available for Terra-cotta, as it is the only low-fire clay used in the studio.