Properties of Clay

Clay is a very malleable material. It can therefore be used in order to make a mould into which plaster can be poured. This is called a press mould.

Clay contains a lot of water. When the water evaporates the clay dries out. Try to handle the clay as little as possible when working with it in order to prevent it from drying out.

Keep the clay wrapped in plastic while you are still working on it. When you are finished working on your piece allow it to dry slowly before putting it into the kiln.

The clay must be bisque-fired first so that it doesn’t break.

It can be glazed after the bisque-firing and then it needs to be fired again at a higher temperature in order for the glaze to stick.