November 9, 2001, Newsletter Issue #63: Paperclay

Tip of the Week

Paperclay
Over the millennia, the techniques of ceramics have not changed that much: clay is basically still dug from the ground, although we might buy it pre-packed; work is still fired in kilns that are not that far removed from those of our ancestors. While we now have electric kilns, woodfiring, anagama, raku and even pit-firing are still widely popular.

In the search for new techniques, paperclay is possibly an ´insiders´ tip. Just what is paperclay? Paperclay is a mixture of clay and paper pulp. This mixture has many improved qualities over normal clay: it is lighter, as the paper burns away; it is very strong, both in the green state and after firing, due to the fiberous structure of the changed clay particles; it does not crack very easily -even when adding fresh clay to green ware, or even to bisqued ware (I have witnessed this myself!); waste paper can be utilised for the purpose. Get some detailed instructions how to make your own paperclay.

But, it is not just a matter of adding paper pulp to clay. There are some questions to be considered: what type of paper is best? (in my experience newspaper is actually quite good); how much should be added? (This question must be answered through experimentation, but up to 50% is feasible). The Department of Ceramics and Glass Design of the University of Finland offers some answers to these questions.

You can easily make paperclay yourself by mixing paper pulp with clay slip and then drying it out or by wedging in the pulp with the clay body. One can also purchase ready-made paperclay in some craft shops. There is even a product on the market called Creative Paperclay which doesn´t need to be fired, but this is, perhaps, really moving too much away from the traditions of ceramic art. Still, it is a new and different technique that could be checked out.

How to make Paperclay
Paperclay is a wonderful material for making ceramic sculptures. It has improved qualities over normal clay. When fired the paper burns away, leaving a lightweight but strong ceramic structure behind.

Here´s How:
Soak about 200 gms newspaper per kilo clay.
Make some clay slip from your favorite earthenware or mid-fire clay.
Mix the two with a ratio of about 1:4 parts paper pulp and clay slip with a drill mixer attachment.
Put up some boards on a large plaster bat to contain larger amounts of slip.
Pour the slop mixture onto the plaster bat or table for drying.
When ready, wedge.
Store in thick plastic bags.

Tips:
Shredded paper is ideal for making paperclay.
Paperclay is suitable for handbuilding, not throwing.
Mold in stored paperclay will improve its workability.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.