Written by First of all, pottery making has been known and practiced for centuries and people still get fascinated by it. Mugs and bowls, vases, utensils, and other forms of pottery are functional items made of clay that artists can transform into beautiful figures or other shapes. Another important material required for the trade is modeling clay also referred to as pottery clay. But to be successful it is important to choose the correct type and find a correct manufacturer.
Clay Types and Characteristics
There are several major categories of pottery clays, each with their own unique qualities:There are several major categories of pottery clays, each with their own unique qualities:
- Earthenware Clay – Clay that needs to bisque and fires at a relatively low temperature of about 2100°F. In its natural state, it is as porous and as frail as a piece of glass in its natural state. There are different types, such as red and brown earthenware clays that are widely used. They are easy to control because their pore size is large; thus, making them ideal for beginners in pottery.
- Stoneware Clay – This clay is in the mid-range of firing temperatures and the bisque temperature range is from 2200F to 2345F thus making it less porous than earthenware. It is stronger and better than earthenware at preventing chips. They include the grey, brown and white colors. Suitable for producing functional ceramics and recommended for the advanced levels of pottery making.
- Porcelain – Fine-grained, high-fired clay body for stoneware and porcelain that matures at 2390°F and above, with a vitreous interior that is non-porous, very strong, highly translucent, and bright white in color. It is also important to note that due to the very small particle size of porcelain, it is both strong and has low absorption rates. Recommended for expert potters due to its high shrinkage factor that results to shrinking and cracking of pots.
- Accents Clays – The possibilities for blended clays are countless, for example, light clays adapted for making big sculptures, clay that can be molded into paper and be as flexible as paper, and porcelain clay with added color for ornamental purposes. Test small amounts first.
Choosing Local Suppliers
From large chains to family pottery shops, sourcing modeling clay from local suppliers has many advantages:From large chains to family pottery shops, sourcing modeling clay from local suppliers has many advantages:
- Take time to look at them before making a purchase.
- The resources such as clay and other materials that are used in making the toys should be available immediately.
- They inform a potters about which clay type to use based on the intended project and skills of the Potter.
- Maintain healthy and long-term working relationships with the small business owners
- Support local community
During a visit to suppliers, it is a good idea to already have in mind what the intended use of the pottery will be, the level of expertise, and the firing capacity and budget. Inquire whether they provide entry-level clay kits with general-use tools and glazes to reduce the struggle for newbies. Also ask about potential ceramics classes so that you can develop your skills over time more effectively.
Online Merchant Options
Online stores such as Amazon. com and specialty stores like The Ceramic Shop make acquiring pottery clays and other ceramics quite easy and there is ample choice as well. Benefits include:
- Gigantic 24/7/365 Online stocks of millions of pieces of clay of all types and brands name
- Buy only what is required for specific purposes or orders
- In this regard therefore, any product that is made of clay is allowed to be sold through a website, advertised and even offered at a cheaper price.
- Additionally, get more information about products and their quality from the sellers and other users.
- Pottery can be brought to the studio in clay form
At first sight, an array of various pottery clay products offered for sale on the Internet seems rather impressive. List down what specific characteristics of clay would one want like firing capability, consistency, colour and sachet size. This leads to the reduction of a general search on the wide range of available clays to one that is relevant to your pottery goals before making various products in your cart for comparison.
In view of this, there are a number of considerations that one should take into account while sourcing clays as described below.
No matter where beginner potters source their supplies, following essential tips ensures the best clay selection:No matter where beginner potters source their supplies, following essential tips ensures the best clay selection:
- Consult experienced potters
- Begin with small quantities that are already packaged to avoid the risk or spreading germs.
- This means that one should work on problems and challenges within his or her competency level and with the available machinery.
- As much as possible, it is recommended that customers initiate contact with the clay samples present in store before purchasing them.
- Encase it in the following: Relative elasticity, firing range, porosity
- Source clay appropriate for the particular pottery items planned
- Be sure to get your supply of clays from good quality merchants that you can vouch for.
There are always so many choices in clay for every kind of pottery that a new artisan might feel enthusiastic in doing more to help their creative side. The best advice for beginners is to give much thought prior to selecting appropriate potter’s clays supplier, which set the right course for years of throwing bowls and other ceramics.
