Types of Clay

Clays vary widely, from ceramic types like earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain (defined by firing temps) to modeling clays such as air-dry, polymer, and oil-based, plus industrial clays like kaolin, ball clay, and bentonite, each distinguished by plasticity, particle size, and firing behavior, serving purposes from pottery and construction to cosmetics and drilling. We work with ceramic clays in the studio. Here is a list of the clay bodies that we carry in the studio.

Ceramic & Pottery Clays (require firing)

  • Earthenware: Low-fire, porous, soft, retains color, needs glazing for waterproofing (e.g., terracotta).
  • Stoneware: Mid-to-high fire, dense, durable, versatile, often waterproof when fired.
  • Porcelain: High-fire, pure white, fine-grained, translucent when thin, very strong.
  • Ball Clay: High plasticity, fine particles, often blended with other clays for workability.
  • Fire Clay: Refractory (heat-resistant), used for industrial applications like firebricks. 

Modeling & Craft Clays (vary in curing)

  • Air-Dry Clay: Hardens at room temp, no kiln needed, good for crafts.
  • Polymer Clay: Oven-bake (household oven), great for detailed jewelry and figures.
  • Oil-Based Clay: Never dries, reusable, used for sculpting prototypes (e.g., Plastilina).
  • Silk Clay: Lightweight foam clay that air-dries, pre-colored.