Tip 2: Choosing Clay When Starting Pottery
There are many different types of clay to choose from. The first question to ask yourself is whether to use air-dry clay or kiln-fired clay.
Air Dry Clay
As the name suggests, air-dry clay can dry naturally without the use of a kiln. There are various types of air-dry clay available, including some made from polymers that have a plastic-like texture, ideal for crafting toys and decorations. However, if you're interested in making pottery, you'll need clay that closely resembles traditional pottery clay.
You can find air-dry clay that has the look and feel of pottery clay. Typically, this type of clay is regular pottery clay reinforced with fibers, allowing it to dry hard without the need for firing.
Some types of air-dry clay can be used similarly to pottery clay. For instance, it can be used on a pottery wheel.
Limitations of Air-Dry Clay
Not all types of air-dry clay are suitable for both air drying and kiln firing. Items made from air-dried clay have limited applications, as they are not safe for food use or waterproofing due to their porous nature, even after hardening. While it's possible to seal air-dry clay to improve its waterproofing, achieving complete non-porosity is challenging.
Additionally, air-dry clay tends to be less durable compared to pottery clay. Firing clay in a kiln results in ceramic that is significantly harder, making it more resilient and longer-lasting.
Ceramic Clay
Unlike air-dry clay, pottery clay is fired in a kiln. When it's fired in the kiln, it becomes ceramic. This means it can no longer dissolve in water.
There are three main types of pottery clay. They are:
Earthenware
Stoneware
Porcelain
For beginners in pottery, the variety of clay types available can be overwhelming.
To simplify your choices, I'd recommend steering clear of porcelain when you're starting out with your pottery hobby. While porcelain is exquisite and some artisans excel in working with it, it's not the most beginner-friendly clay option.
If you're up for a challenge, porcelain might be worth considering. However, if you prefer to ease into pottery making, starting with earthenware or stoneware is advisable.
When fired, ceramic pottery made from stoneware is tougher and less porous compared to earthenware. Nevertheless, for those venturing into pottery, either earthenware or stoneware is suitable.
Choosing Clay When Starting Pottery
If you're using a pottery wheel to throw clay, it's advisable to work with a clay body that's smooth. Some clay bodies contain fine particles of sand, grit, or grog mixed in, which enhances the clay's strength and facilitates shaping and molding.
However, these additives can be harsh on your hands, particularly when working on the pottery wheel. They can feel gritty and abrasive, causing the clay to slip through your fingers. Therefore, it's preferable to choose a smoother clay option. Any of these would be suitable for wheel throwing:
On the other hand, if you've opted for hand-building, it might be a good idea to select clay with a small amount of grog. Grog or sand provides mechanical strength to the clay, allowing it to maintain its shape better during construction. A suitable option could be something like the 105 White Clay – Standard Clay, 105G White with Grog, or 104 Red with Grog.