Use the correct type of clay

Different types of clay and their uses

In trade, for example in handicraft shops, but also in hardware stores, you can get different types of clay, which apparently only differ in color at first. However, this is a fallacy, because around the volume To give more stability, certain types of chamotte are added. This is already baked and ground clay, which is then worked into the fresh clay. So you have the choice between fine and coarse chamotte or fat types of clay that do not contain chamotte. The respective proportion of firebrick is indicated as a percentage on the packaging. The selection depends on which type of workpiece you want to manufacture and which technology is to be used.

• If you are a beginner with pottery and want to try out small workpieces first, It is best to use a bold clay that has either no or only a small amount of chamotte (20 percent). contains. This also applies to working with children. Because this clay is particularly fine and soft, so that it is easy to work with and also does not stress the skin.
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• Knead the clay well before molding and work the walls as thinly as possible. Workpieces that are thicker than two centimeters also have to be hollowed out inside, because the most common cause of unsightly cracks are air pockets in the clay mass. In the worst case, the workpiece can completely burst during the fire. However, it doesn't have to be if you carefully edit the sound beforehand. Alternatively, you can hit the tone, for example on a sturdy wooden table or the floor. This is often even more effective.
• As a beginner's piece, you can make a small bowl using the thumb technique. To do this, take a piece of prepared clay and shape it into a ball. Place the ball in one of your palms, then use the thumb of your other hand to make a recess in the clay ball. Gradually model the indentation so that a small shell is created. Make sure that the wall thickness is even. With a pointed object you can then work small holes in the clay bowl so that it can later serve as a tea light.

The right material for the build-up ceramic

• For build-up ceramics of larger workpieces, from around 15 centimeters, use clays with chamotte proportions of 25 to 40 percent. Because the solid nature ensures that your object does not collapse. These varieties are also available in white, black and red (terracotta) colors.


Pottery at home - this is how it works

If you enjoy the hobby of pottery in your own four walls at home, and ...

• Clay is a natural weathering product that can be found almost anywhere on earth, but can also vary greatly depending on the region. This also applies to the color, which is determined by the respective ingredients such as iron oxide or manganese. Dark brown to black types of clay are evidence of different manganese contents. Ocher to red-colored clays, on the other hand, contain iron, and white to gray pottery clays have very little or no fluxes such as manganese or iron.
• If you plan to glaze your workpiece later so that it becomes a waterproof, ready-to-use item, it is best to use a light shade. Because not all glazes are expressive on black and red clays.
• If you want your object to be of a certain size after completion, also be aware of the shrinkage of clay masses, as each type of clay shrinks during the drying and firing process. Depending on the type of clay and the firing temperature, the shrinkage is between 10 and 15 percent. In the case of commercially available clay masses, the firing temperature is also indicated on the packaging.

Always keep your clay in a sealed plastic bag or container after opening, in a cool place, preferably in the basement. Because it does not dry out and remains ready for use.