This video is all about clay.  
This video is all about clay.  

Hi, new potters are you ready to get  some of your clay questions answered?
Hi, new potters are you ready to get  some of your clay questions answered?

Hi, Marie here with another  info-packed video for you.  
Hi, Marie here with another  info-packed video for you.  

In today's video, I made up a list of 21  questions about clay that I've been asked  
In today's video, I made up a list of 21  questions about clay that I've been asked  

on this channel as well as my pottery crafters  website from what's the difference in terms of  
on this channel as well as my pottery crafters  website from what's the difference in terms of  

plasticity and elasticity in clay to why  are there so many clays to choose from.  
plasticity and elasticity in clay to why  are there so many clays to choose from.  

Yes, pottery clay is confusing. Follow along as I  answer some of the most frequently asked beginner  
Yes, pottery clay is confusing. Follow along as I  answer some of the most frequently asked beginner  

clay questions. There are 21 questions in this  video so if you feel like jumping around the  
clay questions. There are 21 questions in this  video so if you feel like jumping around the  

video for a specific answer there are timestamps  down below in the description for you. Okay, let's  
video for a specific answer there are timestamps  down below in the description for you. Okay, let's  

move on. The first question is from Art. He asks  is the clay harmful or toxic to humans or pets? 
move on. The first question is from Art. He asks  is the clay harmful or toxic to humans or pets? 

Yes and no. No commercial wet clays are not toxic  to humans or pets when you're working with them,  
Yes and no. No commercial wet clays are not toxic  to humans or pets when you're working with them,  

and yes clay can pose a risk  if you or your pet ingest it.  
and yes clay can pose a risk  if you or your pet ingest it.  

Keeping your food away from your work area is  always a good idea. Dry clay can also pose a  
Keeping your food away from your work area is  always a good idea. Dry clay can also pose a  

risk. Clay contains silica and clay dust can  become harmful to your lungs over time. As you  
risk. Clay contains silica and clay dust can  become harmful to your lungs over time. As you  

can see when you buy clay it says non-toxic on  the box and it gives a caution about clay dust.
can see when you buy clay it says non-toxic on  the box and it gives a caution about clay dust.

Is pottery clay food safe? Yes and no. The  clay has to vitrify. That's when the silica  
Is pottery clay food safe? Yes and no. The  clay has to vitrify. That's when the silica  

melts into the clay particles and becomes  glass-like, which forms a waterproof surface.  
melts into the clay particles and becomes  glass-like, which forms a waterproof surface.  

Some clays don't vitrify, like earthenware.  High fire clays like stoneware and porcelain  
Some clays don't vitrify, like earthenware.  High fire clays like stoneware and porcelain  

can be considered food safe when fired at cone 10  - 2345 degrees Fahrenheit or 1285 degrees Celsius.  
can be considered food safe when fired at cone 10  - 2345 degrees Fahrenheit or 1285 degrees Celsius.  

That's when the particles melt together and  become vitrified. To make your clay food safe  
That's when the particles melt together and  become vitrified. To make your clay food safe  

you need to apply glaze. Just make sure the  glaze label says food or dinnerware safe.
you need to apply glaze. Just make sure the  glaze label says food or dinnerware safe.

Does pottery clay stain clothes? Again yes and no.  The darker clays can stain if you have minerals  
Does pottery clay stain clothes? Again yes and no.  The darker clays can stain if you have minerals  

such as iron oxides in them. The light-colored  clays do not stain and wash right out.  
such as iron oxides in them. The light-colored  clays do not stain and wash right out.  

If you like darker clays and you're concerned  about the clay staining your clothes  
If you like darker clays and you're concerned  about the clay staining your clothes  

you can wear an apron which is highly  recommended when working with clay anyway.
you can wear an apron which is highly  recommended when working with clay anyway.

Alicia asks, why are there  so many clays to choose from?
Alicia asks, why are there  so many clays to choose from?

That's a good question. This can  be confusing to a new potter.  
That's a good question. This can  be confusing to a new potter.  

That's why in the beginning most  teachers will keep the clay selection  
That's why in the beginning most  teachers will keep the clay selection  

pretty simple. Several factors come into play as  to why there are so many clays to choose from.  
pretty simple. Several factors come into play as  to why there are so many clays to choose from.  

You have clay bodies that are fired at  different temperatures. Earthenware is  
You have clay bodies that are fired at  different temperatures. Earthenware is  

mainly a low fire clay, while stoneware and  porcelain clays range from mid to high fire.  
mainly a low fire clay, while stoneware and  porcelain clays range from mid to high fire.  

Different fluxes are added to clay, like feldspar,  boron, frits, and talcs, just to name a few.  
Different fluxes are added to clay, like feldspar,  boron, frits, and talcs, just to name a few.  

These fluxes lower the high melting  temperature of silica in the clay.  
These fluxes lower the high melting  temperature of silica in the clay.  

Different minerals are added to the clay,  like iron oxides to create different colors.  
Different minerals are added to the clay,  like iron oxides to create different colors.  

There are also many different percentages of  minerals you can add to achieve many different  
There are also many different percentages of  minerals you can add to achieve many different  

clay compositions which affects the workability,  shrinkage level, and durability of the clay.  
clay compositions which affects the workability,  shrinkage level, and durability of the clay.  

These are just a few reasons why there are so  many clays to choose from and as your skills  
These are just a few reasons why there are so  many clays to choose from and as your skills  

grow so will your clay selection. Who knows you  may even mix up your own batch of clay someday.
grow so will your clay selection. Who knows you  may even mix up your own batch of clay someday.

Alan asks what's the difference in the  terms plasticity and elasticity in clay  
Alan asks what's the difference in the  terms plasticity and elasticity in clay  

plasticity is when the clay can be shaped and  formed without returning to its original shape.  
plasticity is when the clay can be shaped and  formed without returning to its original shape.  

Elasticity is the opposite it's elastic. Like this  rubberband. It wants to move back to its original  
Elasticity is the opposite it's elastic. Like this  rubberband. It wants to move back to its original  

shape making it harder to shape and center  your clay. Many porcelain clays are like that.  
shape making it harder to shape and center  your clay. Many porcelain clays are like that.  

That's one of the reasons why they're  not recommended for beginner potters.  
That's one of the reasons why they're  not recommended for beginner potters.  

The next question comes from Tyler. Can  you pour clay wastewater down your drain?  
The next question comes from Tyler. Can  you pour clay wastewater down your drain?  

No, the clay particles will start to stick to the  pipes and will clog the pipes. You should have  
No, the clay particles will start to stick to the  pipes and will clog the pipes. You should have  

a bucket for your wastewater or install a sink  trap to catch the clay particles. It's totally  
a bucket for your wastewater or install a sink  trap to catch the clay particles. It's totally  

worth it in the long run. I left a link for the  sink trap in the show notes below. Trust me you  
worth it in the long run. I left a link for the  sink trap in the show notes below. Trust me you  

don't want to call a plumber. Bonnie wants to  know, should I get clay with or without grog?
don't want to call a plumber. Bonnie wants to  know, should I get clay with or without grog?

If you're not familiar with grog  it's fired clay that's ground up fine  
If you're not familiar with grog  it's fired clay that's ground up fine  

or coarse and used to help strengthen the clay,  reduce shrinkage rate, and help prevent cracking.  
or coarse and used to help strengthen the clay,  reduce shrinkage rate, and help prevent cracking.  

The use of grog would greatly depend  on what you're doing with the clay.  
The use of grog would greatly depend  on what you're doing with the clay.  

For hand-building yes using grog helps to keep  the clay stronger while you're working with it.  
For hand-building yes using grog helps to keep  the clay stronger while you're working with it.  

You will get less shrinkage and  it will help prevent cracking.  
You will get less shrinkage and  it will help prevent cracking.  

For throwing on the wheel, not so much. If your  hands can handle it go for it. For me, it was like  
For throwing on the wheel, not so much. If your  hands can handle it go for it. For me, it was like  

sandpaper. I couldn't do it my hands were hurting  after a while. That's why I recommend Amaco 46  
sandpaper. I couldn't do it my hands were hurting  after a while. That's why I recommend Amaco 46  

Buff or Amaco 38 white for throwing because  they stay up pretty good for not having grog.
Buff or Amaco 38 white for throwing because  they stay up pretty good for not having grog.

Should I recycle my clay or just throw my scraps  away? Recycling your clay makes total sense. Why  
Should I recycle my clay or just throw my scraps  away? Recycling your clay makes total sense. Why  

waste? The amount of scrap clay an average potter  goes through is totally worth reclaiming it.  
waste? The amount of scrap clay an average potter  goes through is totally worth reclaiming it.  

Especially beginner potters. I have a video on an  easy less messy way to recycle your bone dry clay.  
Especially beginner potters. I have a video on an  easy less messy way to recycle your bone dry clay.  

There's a link for you in the show notes below
There's a link for you in the show notes below

Robert wants to know can I mix  different clay bodies together?
Robert wants to know can I mix  different clay bodies together?

When you mix clay bodies together  you're creating a new clay body  
When you mix clay bodies together  you're creating a new clay body  

therefore you'll have to do your own  testing for shrinkage and fit to the glazes  
therefore you'll have to do your own  testing for shrinkage and fit to the glazes  

there's no way to determine  beforehand if this is going to work.  
there's no way to determine  beforehand if this is going to work.  

That's why it's suggested that beginner potters  do not mix two or more clay bodies together until  
That's why it's suggested that beginner potters  do not mix two or more clay bodies together until  

they learn the nature of clay and they're able to  test fire with their own favorite glazes first.
they learn the nature of clay and they're able to  test fire with their own favorite glazes first.

Jessica wants to know, why do you have to wedge  your clay when it comes in pre-pugged bags.  
Jessica wants to know, why do you have to wedge  your clay when it comes in pre-pugged bags.  

For those of you who aren't  familiar with the term pre-pugged,  
For those of you who aren't  familiar with the term pre-pugged,  

it's clay that's gone through the wedging  machine called a pug mill before it's packaged.  
it's clay that's gone through the wedging  machine called a pug mill before it's packaged.  

Even with pre-pugged bags of clay, you  can run into problems. You don't know how  
Even with pre-pugged bags of clay, you  can run into problems. You don't know how  

long it's been in the bag and you can still  get hard spots and air bubbles in the clay  
long it's been in the bag and you can still  get hard spots and air bubbles in the clay  

if your clay isn't wedged properly. You will  run into problems as you're molding your clay.  
if your clay isn't wedged properly. You will  run into problems as you're molding your clay.  

Re-wedging helps to align the clay particles  
Re-wedging helps to align the clay particles  

making the clay more workable. Gives you more  consistent moisture throughout. And will get  
making the clay more workable. Gives you more  consistent moisture throughout. And will get  

rid of any air pockets that may be lurking in your  clay. What's a good surface to wedge and work on?
rid of any air pockets that may be lurking in your  clay. What's a good surface to wedge and work on?

A good surface to work on is wood. It doesn't  absorb as much water and the clay doesn't stick  
A good surface to work on is wood. It doesn't  absorb as much water and the clay doesn't stick  

to the surface. And it's easy to clean. You can  work and wedge on surfaces like cement granite  
to the surface. And it's easy to clean. You can  work and wedge on surfaces like cement granite  

plaster or even canvas. The plaster can absorb  too much water from the clay, and clay dust can  
plaster or even canvas. The plaster can absorb  too much water from the clay, and clay dust can  

accumulate under canvas. These are things to be  aware of when you're choosing your work surface.  
accumulate under canvas. These are things to be  aware of when you're choosing your work surface.  

The next question is from Sarah. Which clay is  used to make dinnerware like plates or cups?  
The next question is from Sarah. Which clay is  used to make dinnerware like plates or cups?  

Dinnerware can be made from most any type  of clay, but hands down stoneware clay  
Dinnerware can be made from most any type  of clay, but hands down stoneware clay  

is the best. It's nice and plastic and  it's more durable than other clays.
is the best. It's nice and plastic and  it's more durable than other clays.

This one is from Simone. Can you dry  your greenware clay for a few weeks  
This one is from Simone. Can you dry  your greenware clay for a few weeks  

then glaze it and single fire it.
then glaze it and single fire it.

Yes, you can, but this is done more with the  season potters that make their own glazes and are  
Yes, you can, but this is done more with the  season potters that make their own glazes and are  

skilled with the firing process of kilns. They  program them properly for this type of firing.  
skilled with the firing process of kilns. They  program them properly for this type of firing.  

You have to slow the rate of heat at certain times  during the firing. Most commercial glazes are made  
You have to slow the rate of heat at certain times  during the firing. Most commercial glazes are made  

for bisque pottery. Making single firing a  little more difficult. Again as your skills  
for bisque pottery. Making single firing a  little more difficult. Again as your skills  

grow you'll be able to make your own glaze to fit  your greenware it sure is more energy efficient.
grow you'll be able to make your own glaze to fit  your greenware it sure is more energy efficient.

Terry wants to know how do I prevent  my clay from cracking as it's drying?
Terry wants to know how do I prevent  my clay from cracking as it's drying?

There are several ways that you can prevent  this. The first is to compress the clay particles  
There are several ways that you can prevent  this. The first is to compress the clay particles  

so the platelets align. If they're  not aligned they look like this.
so the platelets align. If they're  not aligned they look like this.

And then they separate as the clay dries.  
And then they separate as the clay dries.  

When your clay is aligned they look like  this and come together when it dries.
When your clay is aligned they look like  this and come together when it dries.

When throwing on the wheel you're  already compressing the sides  
When throwing on the wheel you're  already compressing the sides  

so you just have to compress  the bottom and the rim.
so you just have to compress  the bottom and the rim.

When hand building you need to compress  and smooth out both sides of the clay  
When hand building you need to compress  and smooth out both sides of the clay  

this aligns the platelets  and smooths out the clay.
this aligns the platelets  and smooths out the clay.

The second is to dry your clay out slowly and  tenting is one of the best ways to do this.
The second is to dry your clay out slowly and  tenting is one of the best ways to do this.

Cover your clay with plastic  for at least one to two days.
Cover your clay with plastic  for at least one to two days.

I do both of these things  and my pottery only cracks  
I do both of these things  and my pottery only cracks  

if I rush the process by  not compressing or tenting.  
if I rush the process by  not compressing or tenting.  

If you're getting any value from this video hit  the like button at any time during the video.
If you're getting any value from this video hit  the like button at any time during the video.

If you have high fire clay, can  you fire it with a low fire glaze?
If you have high fire clay, can  you fire it with a low fire glaze?

Yes, you can fire high fire  clay at a lower temperature.  
Yes, you can fire high fire  clay at a lower temperature.  

The only problem you may run into is  your glaze may not fit to your clay.  
The only problem you may run into is  your glaze may not fit to your clay.  

The glaze needs to expand and contract with your  clay. If you do it it's best to test-fire first.
The glaze needs to expand and contract with your  clay. If you do it it's best to test-fire first.

Randy asks does clay expire or go bad? No, you  can hold on to clay as long as you want without it  
Randy asks does clay expire or go bad? No, you  can hold on to clay as long as you want without it  

expiring. Clay can get mold on it, but you can cut  away the moldy parts or you can mix it right into  
expiring. Clay can get mold on it, but you can cut  away the moldy parts or you can mix it right into  

your clay. If you're not allergic to mold it'll  actually make your clay more plastic or workable.
your clay. If you're not allergic to mold it'll  actually make your clay more plastic or workable.

What's a good way to store clay?
What's a good way to store clay?

Good question. Use a thick plastic bag or  even double or triple your bag and seal it  
Good question. Use a thick plastic bag or  even double or triple your bag and seal it  

really tight. Make sure there are no holes, so  the air doesn't get in. Then place it in a plastic  
really tight. Make sure there are no holes, so  the air doesn't get in. Then place it in a plastic  

container. Like this. Storing clay like this works  really well. This question is from Vicki. Can you  
container. Like this. Storing clay like this works  really well. This question is from Vicki. Can you  

fire low fire clay to a higher temperature?  If so how much higher can you fire it?  
fire low fire clay to a higher temperature?  If so how much higher can you fire it?  

When you think of melting in the kiln you think  of glaze. Clay can also melt in the kiln because  
When you think of melting in the kiln you think  of glaze. Clay can also melt in the kiln because  

it contains silica Low fire clays contain fluxes  that lower the melting point of the silica that's  
it contains silica Low fire clays contain fluxes  that lower the melting point of the silica that's  

in the clay making low fire clays more sensitive  to higher temperatures. For most commercial clays  
in the clay making low fire clays more sensitive  to higher temperatures. For most commercial clays  

the recommended firing temperature is cone 04 -  1945 degrees Fahrenheit or 1063 degrees Celsius.  
the recommended firing temperature is cone 04 -  1945 degrees Fahrenheit or 1063 degrees Celsius.  

As the clay goes past the temperature  it will start to bloat, then bubble,  
As the clay goes past the temperature  it will start to bloat, then bubble,  

and then melt. It's best not to fire your  clay past cone 04. Especially beginners.  
and then melt. It's best not to fire your  clay past cone 04. Especially beginners.  

Sharon wants to know, how do  you determine which clay to use?
Sharon wants to know, how do  you determine which clay to use?

There are five things you want to look for when  choosing your clay. What type of clay earthenware,  
There are five things you want to look for when  choosing your clay. What type of clay earthenware,  

stoneware, porcelain? What do you want  to make decorative or dinnerware items?
stoneware, porcelain? What do you want  to make decorative or dinnerware items?

Then there's texture. What do you want your  clay to be? Smooth coarse or in between?  
Then there's texture. What do you want your  clay to be? Smooth coarse or in between?  

Cone size. What temperature are you, your class,  or studio firing to. Color. What effect are you  
Cone size. What temperature are you, your class,  or studio firing to. Color. What effect are you  

looking for? Would you like your pottery to  be buff, white, brown, red, or even black?
looking for? Would you like your pottery to  be buff, white, brown, red, or even black?

And price. What's a good price point for you? For  more information, you can check out my Video or  
And price. What's a good price point for you? For  more information, you can check out my Video or  

Post on choosing your clay. I left  links for you in the show notes below.
Post on choosing your clay. I left  links for you in the show notes below.

This question is from Mary Jean.  
This question is from Mary Jean.  

What process do you use when making a wet piece to  ensure the final piece will be the size you want.  
What process do you use when making a wet piece to  ensure the final piece will be the size you want.  

When making your piece you want to be aware of  the shrinkage rate. Measuring your clay when wet  
When making your piece you want to be aware of  the shrinkage rate. Measuring your clay when wet  

and then after the final fire will give you the  most accurate measurement for future pieces. For  
and then after the final fire will give you the  most accurate measurement for future pieces. For  

example if you want your mug to be six inches tall  and three and a half inches across you want to  
example if you want your mug to be six inches tall  and three and a half inches across you want to  

make it ten percent larger, which is a little over  six and a half inches high and four inches across.  
make it ten percent larger, which is a little over  six and a half inches high and four inches across.  

As a rule, I go for 10 percent  larger when I'm crafting my clay.
As a rule, I go for 10 percent  larger when I'm crafting my clay.

Mohini asks, what happens to the clay in the  kiln. As the temperature of the kiln slowly rises  
Mohini asks, what happens to the clay in the  kiln. As the temperature of the kiln slowly rises  

the water molecules slowly evaporate. And then  the chemically bonded water molecules evaporate.  
the water molecules slowly evaporate. And then  the chemically bonded water molecules evaporate.  

Then the organic materials burn off. The clay will  shrink as it bonds together permanently hardening  
Then the organic materials burn off. The clay will  shrink as it bonds together permanently hardening  

the clay. The heating and cooling of the clay  needs to happen gradually or your piece will crack  
the clay. The heating and cooling of the clay  needs to happen gradually or your piece will crack  

from the pressure put on it during the process.  For more detailed information on clay don't  
from the pressure put on it during the process.  For more detailed information on clay don't  

forget to check out the links that I left for  you in the show notes, and hit the like button.
forget to check out the links that I left for  you in the show notes, and hit the like button.

Today I went through 21 beginner clay  questions and hopefully cleared up  
Today I went through 21 beginner clay  questions and hopefully cleared up  

the confusion so that your next pottery  making project will be a little easier.  
the confusion so that your next pottery  making project will be a little easier.  

Looking for more pottery making tip videos? You  can check out these two next. 21 Brush Glazing  
Looking for more pottery making tip videos? You  can check out these two next. 21 Brush Glazing  

Tips and Beginner Kiln questions. If you do I  get to play with more clay. Let's stay dirty.
Tips and Beginner Kiln questions. If you do I  get to play with more clay. Let's stay dirty.