Is it necessary to wedge clay?

Wedging prepares the clay for optimal use. Wedging makes the clay more pliable, ensures a uniform consistency, and removes air pockets as well as small hard spots in the clay before you use or reuse the clay for a project. Wedging the clay before throwing makes the clay more supple.

Do you need to wedge porcelain?

Sure porcelain can be a challenging clay body to work with, but by keeping some important tips in mind, you can have success when getting started with it. Always wedge clay from a few hours to up to a day before using it to make sure that the water content is evenly distributed throughout the clay ball.

What surface should you wedge clay on?

The most common are plaster, plaster covered in canvas, and plywood covered in canvas. Other possibilities are concrete, granite, masonite, concrete board and hardibacker board. The simplest wedging surface is a piece of canvas. It can be put on a table, slab roller top, or chair.

What needs to happen to the clay before it can be fired?

The first step is the evaporation of water from between the clay particles. Pots must be completely dry before firing, otherwise the steam escaping could cause them to explode.

Why are bubbles in clay bad?

Air bubbles in clay items are dangerous because they can cause explosions in the kiln. The air bubble dilates due to heat and forces the clay to crack or explode and shatter the ceramic piece. The risk of explosion increases with the temperature in the kiln.

What should I wedge my clay on?

Every potter needs a surface to wedge clay on, and there are many different types. The most common are plaster, plaster covered in canvas, and plywood covered in canvas. Other possibilities are concrete, granite, masonite, concrete board and hardibacker board. The simplest wedging surface is a piece of canvas.

What happens if clay is fired too high?

Firing clay too high can cause it to deform or even melt, too low and it will not be durable. Firing glazes too high can cause run-off on the pot, too low and they will be dry and rough. To fire to the right temperature, pyrometric cones are used.