Selecting the right pottery clay is essential for getting the right look and feel on pottery or sculpture. There are various clays and clay types and proper selection depends mainly on the type of pottery to be made. Also the versatility of the clay is a consideration as some clays are more difficult to work with than others. Another factor to consider when choosing clay is moist or powder. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Regardless proper clay choice can lead to wonderful looking pottery and sculpture.
The first consideration is the the type, moist or powder. Powder clay comes in a powder form and is ready to be mixed with water to form a moist clay. The main advantage to powder clay is storage and the fact that only the amount needed has to be mixed up. The main disadvantage is the mix must be made correctly or it will not hold its shape. Furthermore, consistency can be an issue if more clay has to be made up, in order to finish a project as separation can occur should the clay be left to sit in storage.
As opposed to powder clay, moist clay is easier to work with and is consistent. As long as a person takes pains to keep the bag closed when not in use it does not dry out quickly so it is storable but just takes up space.
After deciding powder or moist, the next choice is the specific type of clay. There are porcelain clays, stoneware clays, air dry clay, modeling clay and other lesser known types. Air dry clay and modeling clay are typically not used for pottery and therefore should not be selected. Porcelain and Stoneware of the two best types for pottery and come in various shades and amounts.
Porcelain clay is a stronger bond clay but requires a higher temperature to fire. It does not accept additives as well as Stoneware but has a better ability to accept and hold glazes. Stoneware, while strong but not as strong as porcelain, is good for making vases and other items but tends to be heavier after firing. It also does not accept glazes as well. When talking about accepting glazes, the range of colors and mixes are less numerous for stoneware as opposed to porcelain.
The main advantage of stoneware over porcelain is the fact that it is easier to throw on the wheel and is more forgiving when having to adjust the various parameters. Admittedly it is not as strong a bond between the clay elements as porcelain it is still good for making excellent and sturdy pottery. It also tends to be less expensive than porcelain.
Potter’s clay comes in various forms and types and the right selection is necessary only based on the specific design and need of the potter. Almost any clay can be used to make pottery but what the potter has in mind will eventually dictate the type of clay used. Regardless, the two best types are stoneware and porcelain and both give excellent results.
