Would You Recommend Buying Slip Clay Already Made or Making It Yourself?

Slip is a mixture of clay suspended in water, used widely in ceramics for various purposes such as slip trailing, decorating, and dipping. The consistency of slip can range from thin, similar to coffee, to thicker, resembling pudding, with most potters preferring a consistency akin to paint. It's a versatile tool in a potter's arsenal that allows for intricate designs and finishing touches.

How to Make Slip Clay

Slip is easy to make at home. Start by mixing dry clay with water. Adjust the amount of water to achieve the desired consistency. Most potters find that a consistency similar to paint works well. You can experiment with different consistencies to find what suits your needs best. Colorants can be added, but the correct percentages should be consulted in a pottery text.

For beginners, here’s a simple recipe: mix up a batch of clay with a small amount of water, adjusting the ratio until you reach the desired consistency. Store the slip in a container and let it sit for a few days to allow the clays to settle. Once settled, strain the slip through a sieve to remove any lumps or debris.

Practical Tips for Making and Using Slip

When deciding whether to make slip clay or purchase it, several factors come into play. The primary consideration is the purpose of your project.

Buying Slip Clay

If you are slipcasting a few items, it might be more practical to buy the slip from a pottery supply store. It's often less expensive and easier to use pre-made slip. However, if you plan to slipcast large quantities, making your own slip can become cost-effective.

Making Slip Clay

For everyday use, such as slip trailing, decorating, and dipping, making slip from scratch is a viable option. You have complete control over the quality and composition of the clay used. To make homemade slip, simply cut up a portion of dry clay into small pieces, add water, and mix until the desired consistency is reached.

After a few days, the slip can be sieved with a brush to refine its consistency. Adding a small amount of frit (such as 3134) can help prevent cracks during firing.

Benefits of Making Your Own Slip Clay

There are numerous advantages to making your own slip clay:

Better Control: When you make slip yourself, you have full control over the clay and its fluidity. Recycling: Making slip from clay remnants helps to recycle clays that would otherwise be wasted. Customization: You can tailor the slip to fit specific clay bodies, enhancing the final product.

For projects where slip is applied to leather-hard pots, the homemade method works well. For dry or bisque-fired pots, a specific recipe is recommended to account for shrinkage during the firing process.

Conclusion

The choice between buying slip clay and making it yourself depends on your specific needs and the quantities involved. While homemade slip offers more customization and control, purchasing pre-made slip can be more practical for smaller projects. Experiment with both methods to find the approach that best suits your creative vision and production requirements.