Vitraclay Toasted Clay

A mid to low firing stoneware/earthenware body, which contains as a base a terracotta clay mixed with other materials. This gives the clay a characterful toasted look like you might see in a reduction firing. It is an excellent throwing body, but it does have a very fine grog, so hand building is possible if made thinly.

Texture: Smooth

Unfired Characteristics: A red/brown smooth body, which is quite firm

Fired colour: Dark red to buff

Shrinkage: 13.4%

Ideal for throwing, hand building and raku.

Bisque: 999°C (cone 06)

Glaze Range: 1140°C to 1220°C (cone 2 to cone 6)

This versatile clay body has a blend of terracotta clay with other materials resulting in the occasional speckle or fleck. Colour may change from batch to batch as the terracotta ingredient will vary with the intensity of iron.

As the clay throws easily and is relatively cheap, it is very popular with beginners. However, the firing program needs to be sensitive to the clay’s unique ingredients. We advise not overworking the clay with long, slow climbs or ramps which will create too much ‘heat work’. Keep the clay to lower temperatures and use faster programs.

We have had a lot of success with drop and hold programs, for example - an average ware, 0-600 degrees at 100 degrees an hour, 600 -1222 at 180-200 degrees an hour, 1222-1180 at 180 degrees an hour,1180-1180 for 6 mins. This allows gas that comes from the body to reduce before the glaze melds and becomes solid.

Other tips that increase success in firing, are making your wares as thin as possible, less clay, and less gas coming out. Keep glazing simple, it does not like multiple glaze layering or underglazes with thick applications of a glaze.