Clay Stages

Clay Stages - what? The nature of clay changes with it’s moisture content. It’s physical properties and possibilities change progressively as it dries. Unprepared clay in it’s natural state is called raw clay

Stage 1 Slip Clay and water mixed to produce a liquid More water added = more shrinkage Sometimes used as a decoration: Colored Slips Engobes Can be poured

Stage 2 Slurry Very thick slip Used as a glue for sticking two pieces of leather hard clay together Not thin enough to be poured, but thick enough to stick to your fingers

Sufficiently hard and dry to allow modeling and manipulation Stage 3 Plastic Sufficiently hard and dry to allow modeling and manipulation “Right out of the bag” Does not stick to your fingers and can be manipulated. This clay has the consistency of bread dough

Stage 4 Leather Hard Partly dry clay Feels solid, yet may be cut, carved, stamped, and stuck together with slurry Can not be manipulated like bread dough, but can still have more clay attached to it

Stage 5 Green ware Dry, unfired work Lost weight and shrunk Color has changed and the clay can no longer be joined together Can no longer have more clay attached to it, but will dissolve and turn to slip This is the last stage of clay that can be recycled!!!!!!!!

Will not dissolve in water, but will let water pass through it Stage 6 Bisque First kiln fire Complete change in nature and color Retains shape in water and is now porous Can now be decorated with glazes Will not dissolve in water, but will let water pass through it

Stage 7 Mature Second, glaze fire Hard, rock-like Vitrified Water will not pass through it

Clay Stages, why is knowing about them important to potters?