Expert: stephen - 10/2/2009

Question
QUESTION:  This artic white clay seems just a step over cement. I am havng a hard time w/ it. I glazed it and it looks grainy and slightly darker than the pure white of the other clay. Can I start w/ a white paint or primer to achieve the colors better?

ANSWER: hi i dont know the clay body that ou are using.
If you want white then apply a white slip (50% ball clay, 50% china clay)that will give you a white body to start with.

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QUESTION: I am not sure what you mean by clay body. I have already bisqued fired it and would like to glaze it now. I do not work w/ slip. I will not use this clay again, but what I do hve fired i need to glaze.

Answer
I am really not sure what it is that you are trying to do. Are you trying to get a white base that you then want to apply a glaze? or do you want a grey base? if the piece is bisc then you can still apply a white(or grey) slip or engobe. Then refire to bisc then apply your glaze.
You can use paint but it will burn away in the kiln. U can use a white underglaze but I dont theink they are great. Amaco make the best underglaze.

clay body is the clay that you use. Some clays fire whiter than others porcelain for example.

you should always check the labels before use. The shop i use only uses numbers to identify products. my clay is 10832, it can get quite confusing.