If you are interested in pottery as a hobby or business, it will be important to know the different types of clay and their uses. Different types of clay will use different firing temperatures and techniques for finishing. The categories of pottery clay are common use clays, porcelain clay, fire clay, and ball clay. This article will explain each one.
Common use clays are pottery clays used most commonly among artists. Common use clays include earthenware, stoneware, and kaolin. Earthenware has a significant iron content and remains porous after firing. This clay is also fired at low temperatures in a kiln. Stoneware clay is very easy to manipulate and is made of a mix of several types of clay. It is non-porous when finished and fired at a high temperature. This type is common in dinnerware. Kaolin is a clay mineral that is very pure and white in color. It has to be fired at very high temperatures. It is often used along with other types of clay to finish projects.
Porcelain clay is composed of several types of clay and clay minerals. It is also referred to as china. This clay is difficult to shape and has to be fired at high temperatures. Its finished product is non-porous and white in color.
Fire clay is very stable during the firing process and is used to make pipes or sanitary items. The two types of fire clay available are flint clay and plastic fire clay. After firing, the finished product will have a rough textured finish. Ease of use when making your project can vary depending on the batch you receive.
Ball clay is a rare clay mineral found around the world. It gets its name from being stored and handled in a ball shape. This type of clay has a high degree of shrinkage after being fire. To reduce shrinkage it is often mixed with Kaolin clay.
Before choosing what type of clay you want to purchase, consider what type of project you want to complete. Also consider firing temperatures, shrinkage, and if you want your item to be porous or non-porous. This will help prevent you from choosing the wrong clay or ruining an important project.
