Very soft, fine white clay, recommended for modelling, sculpting and pottery. Bake at 980 degrees C in a pottery kiln. Gedeo Oven-bake Clay is 100% natural (pottery clay). Ideal for modelling, sculpture and pottery. It keeps its vibrant colour after firing. It works exceptionally well with the ceramic enamels on the market. When the piece is finished, allow to air dry. We recommend firing in a kiln between 980 and 1050 degrees C (1800-1925 degrees F) and decorating with enamel. It stays stable in its original packaging.
If you're looking for natural firing clay for your modelling, sculpture or throwing projects, then Gedeo Firing Clay is the ideal option for you. This 100% natural potter's clay is available in two natural colours: white and red. It's practical and its clay-like nature means you can create very fine details when modelling. What's more, this clay has excellent resistance, hardness and strength after firing, retaining its natural colour. It performs exceptionally well with ceramic glazes on the market.
To waterproof clay containers without firing, you can use clay waterproofing, which is based on acrylic resin and has a yellow colouring to spot any gaps when applied. Transparent when dry, it's easy to use and perfect for this type of project.
To sculpt your clay, we recommend the set of 4 modelling tools including the mirette, the ebauchoir, the esteque and the cutting wire. These tools will help you sculpt clay with ease.
Instructions:
Applications:
- When the piece is finished, let it air dry. It is recommended to fire in a ceramic kiln between 980 and 1050oC (1800-1925 F) and to decorate it with glazes.
- Remains unaltered in its original packaging conditions for a minimum period of 2 years. If the packaging does not suffer from deterioration, it is an imperishable product.
- It is advisable to knead the Gedeo firing clay before starting work.
- If the clay loses its plasticity or breaks up during the work, you can recover it by slightly moistening your hands.
- If the clay dries completely, it can be recovered with water.
- Gedeo firing clay is very easy to model, modeling can be assisted by spatulas and other appropriate modeling tools. It can also be molded (we recommend plaster molds) and especially turned on a potter's wheel.
- To join two pieces of clay together, first scratch the parts to be joined with a spatula or a punch and with a brush, moisten with a slip (clay mixed with water until a liquid texture is obtained).
- In the case of angled joints, reinforce the joint with a small clay roller by spreading it along the angle and then press and smooth the joint with a spatula.
- To smooth and polish surfaces, use a damp sponge.
- To make hollow objects, rigid or flexible supports can be used.
- If the paste is used by wrapping rigid interior supports (of metal, plastic, wood or plaster), it is recommended that the support be covered with a layer of paper or canvas to promote the contraction of the clay during drying and prevent the appearance of cracks.
- When joining 2 pieces of clay together, try to have their moisture (hardness) similar. If not, the softer piece will contract more during the drying process and come off the harder piece.
Conservation:
- Once the package is opened, wrap the remaining Gedeo firing clay in plastic.
- If the clay dries completely, it can be recycled by mixing and kneading with water.
- During interruptions in work, cover the object with plastic or a damp cloth.
- Do not store at temperatures below 0 degrees C. If the product freezes, it will lose its elasticity.
Drying:
- Once the object is finished, let it dry evenly, avoiding direct heat sources and drafts. The slower it dries, the less chance there is of cracks appearing.
- It is recommended to let the object dry on a porous surface (paper, wood, porous ceramic, plaster or fabric).
- If the piece is larger or massive, it is recommended to delay the drying process by covering the piece with plastic with a slight opening to allow a slow evacuation of moisture.
- If the piece is completely flat (plate or tile), it is recommended to let it dry with a flat weight on top. This will prevent the piece from twisting or cracking from the inside if drying is rapid.
- The speed of drying of Gedeo firing clay will depend on the size of the piece, its shape and thickness, and the environmental conditions during drying (temperature and ventilation): drying between 2 and 5 days at room temperature.
- During the drying process, Gedeo modelling clay shrinks (drying shrinkage).
- The more water the clay contains, the greater the drying shrinkage.
Finishing:
Once dry, the object can be polished, tiled or drilled before decoration.
Baking:
Modelling Gedeo clay in a ceramic kiln at the following temperatures is optimal:
- 1000 degrees C for red firing clay
- 1050 degrees C for white firing clay
During the firing process, the object is subject to a slight reduction in size: shrinkage due to the firing process.
In the case of larger or massive pieces, it is recommended to perform a slow preheating between 150 degrees C and 200 degrees C with the kiln door slightly open (not tightly closed). This will help the drying moisture to evaporate completely.