Clay StagesClay StagesClay StagesClay Stages

Clay Stages - what?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 SlipStage 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 SlurryStage 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

Stage 3 PlasticStage 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 HardStage 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 wareStage 5 Green ware Dry, unfired work Lost weight and

shrunk Color has changed and

the clay can no longer be joined togetherCan 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!!!!!!!!

Stage 6 BisqueStage 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 MatureStage 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?

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