Many different types of clay can be used for pottery, each with its unique properties. At The Pottery Whale, we are currently using white porcelain clay. Here are a few examples of other types of clay:
- Earthenware: This is a low-fire clay that is easy to work with and can be found in various colors, including red, white, and buff. Earthenware is porous, so it should be glazed to make it watertight.
- Stoneware: This is a higher-fire clay that is dense and stronger than earthenware. It is gray or brown and is often used to make large, heavy pottery such as bowls and mugs. Stoneware is also non-porous and can be used without glaze.
- Porcelain: This is a fine-grained, white clay that is highly sought after for its translucency and delicate appearance. Porcelain is fired at a very high temperature, which results in a hard, strong material that is also non-porous.
- Raku: This type of low-fire pottery is characterized by its unique surface textures and vibrant colors. Raku is typically made from a mixture of earthenware and porcelain clays and is removed from the kiln while still hot and placed in a container with combustible materials like sawdust to create crackling surface effects.
- Black clay: as the name implies, this type of clay is dark in color; it's primarily used for sculptural pieces. They are usually fired at lower temperatures than other types of clay, and the final fired piece can have a matte or glossy finish. Some of them are also suitable for functional pieces like plates and cups.
Each type of clay has unique properties, and potters will often choose the type that best suits the piece they are creating.
Pottery clay can also be blended with other materials like feldspar, quartz, and ball clay to adjust its properties and suit it for specific purposes like shrinkage, plasticity, and others.
All in all, the properties of the clay you choose will significantly affect the outcome of your pottery piece, and understanding the properties of the clay before starting can lead to better results.