Reviving Dried Clay for Pottery: Methods and Techniques

For potters, having usable clay is incredibly important for creating beautiful pottery pieces. However, accidents and unexpected situations may lead to clay drying up. Can such clay be restored for reuse? Yes, it can be rehydrated and even used for making pottery. This guide will explore the methods to revive dried-up clay, ensuring your pottery creations remain productive and fulfilling.

Introduction

Clay that has been dried but hasn't been fired can still be revived and used for pottery. There are two primary methods, which can be adjusted based on the equipment you have available. This article will detail these methods and provide tips for ensuring your clay is properly rehydrated and ready for use.

Method 1: Rehydrating Clay in a Bag

The simplest method involves using a plastic bag. This technique is ideal for clay that has a manageable amount of water content. Follow these steps:

Add a quarter cup of water to 50 pounds of the clay and seal the bag tightly. Turn the bag every few days. Check the clay's pliability periodically, and add water as needed until the clay becomes workable. Once the clay is ready to use, wedge it carefully to remove air bubbles and prepare it for forming.

Method 2: Soaking Clay in Water

For larger quantities of clay, or smaller pieces that are too numerous to manage in a bag, consider this method:

Place the clay in a barrel or large container of water. Let the clay soak until it is totally saturated—this can take several hours or overnight. After it is saturated, pour off the excess water or scoop out the clay. For those with a pug mill, you can run the clay through it, adjusting the moisture content with the addition of a small amount of dry clay. Alternatively, you can place the clay on a plaster or cement table and let it dry, turning it occasionally until it is ready to work. Wedge the clay and use it carefully to maintain its shape.

Additional Tips and Considerations

Many potters save their leftover clay after trimming to avoid wasting valuable resources. However, this clay can dry out quickly before it has a chance to be used. There are various ways to rehydrate clay based on the amount, the duration it has been dry, and the size of the clay particles.

Small Amounts of Clay: For small amounts, such as what remains after trimming, you can add water, work the clay into a ball, and place it on a plaster stone for a few minutes. This helps to activate the clay and mix in the water. Then wedge it and return it to your bag of clay for future use. Large Amounts of Small Clumps: When you have a large amount of clay in small pieces, you can place them in a bag with enough water to cover them. Allow the clay to rest for a few hours or overnight. When the clay is soft, squeeze out any excess water, wedge it to remove air bubbles, and then reuse. Large Pieces or Large Balls of Clay: For large pieces or large balls of clay, the process is similar. Place the clay in a large bag, cover it with water, and seal the bag. Then put the bag in a sealed container and cover it with warm (not hot) water. Seal the container and let it sit overnight or a few days. Once it's ready, take the clay out of the bag and check its consistency. If it needs more water, add it gradually to achieve the desired consistency.

Once rehydrated, the clay can be used immediately for pottery, but it's important to handle it gently to avoid air bubbles and other imperfections. Proper rehydration ensures that your clay can be used for your next pottery project, minimizing waste and maximizing your creative potential.

Conclusion

By following these methods, potters can effectively rehydrate their clay and continue their work without interruption. Whether it's a small amount of clay left over from trimming or a large stock of dried clay, these techniques will help you restore your materials and keep your pottery studio running smoothly. Happy rehydrating and happy crafting!