Specialist Crafts Terracotta Earthenware Clay - 12.5kg

Specialist Crafts Terracotta Earthenware Clay is a highly plastic blend of red marls, offering excellent workability for pottery wheel throwing, general ceramic projects and domestic ware. Its smooth, pliable consistency makes it particularly suitable for shaping bowls, vessels and other traditional pottery forms.

The clay's natural iron content produces the warm, earthy colours associated with terracotta pottery. Firing towards the lower end of the recommended temperature range creates traditional terracotta tones, while higher temperatures develop a darker brown clay body. This makes it an interesting material for exploring how firing temperatures influence the colour and appearance of ceramics.

With a shrinkage rate of approximately 12.2%, this earthenware clay is suitable for pottery projects where dimensional changes can be considered during planning and construction. Its plasticity makes it especially useful for developing throwing skills and experimenting with ceramic form.

Supplied in a 12.5kg bag, it is a versatile choice for school and college pottery studios, ceramic workshops and traditional earthenware projects.

Key Features

Highly plastic terracotta earthenware clay

Made from a blend of red marls

Particularly suitable for pottery wheel throwing

Ideal for general domestic ware and pottery

Smooth, workable clay consistency

Fires to traditional terracotta or deeper brown tones

Firing temperature influences the finished clay colour

Shrinkage rate: approximately 12.2%

Bisque firing range: 1000–1040°C

Glaze firing range: 1040–1060°C

Supplied in a 12.5kg bag

Firing Temperatures

Bisque firing: 1000–1040°C

Glaze firing: 1040–1060°C

Shrinkage Rate: Approximately 12.2%

Best For

Pottery wheel throwing

Bowls, vessels and domestic pottery

Traditional terracotta ceramics

General earthenware projects

Developing pottery throwing techniques

Exploring natural clay colours and firing effects

GCSE, A Level, FE and HE ceramics

School and college pottery studios

Important Information

Staining: Terracotta clay contains iron oxides that can stain clothing and work surfaces. Protect clothing, tables and surrounding areas during use.

Firing colour: Fire towards the lower end of the recommended temperature range to achieve traditional terracotta colours. Higher temperatures produce a browner clay body.

Drying and firing: Allow clay work to dry thoroughly before kiln firing. Use compatible earthenware glazes within the recommended firing range.

Water resistance: Fired earthenware is not automatically waterproof. For pottery intended to hold liquids or be exposed to frost, apply a suitable glaze to reduce water absorption, ensuring the glaze is free from pinholes and crazing. Glazing does not guarantee complete impermeability or frost resistance.

Protecting surfaces: Always place vessels holding water on a protective mat to help prevent moisture damage to porous surfaces such as wood.