Paper clay

Paper clay (sometimes referred to as fiberclay) is any clay body to which processed cellulose fiber (paper being the most common) has been added.^[1] Clays that have been converted to paper clay include earthenware, terra cotta, stoneware, porcelain, and bone china.

Firing temperatures for paper clay are exactly the same as the clay body from which the paper clay was made. Some recommend slightly higher firing temperatures. Because the paper clay is porous and strong when dry,^[2] single glaze firing is possible, offering firing and time savings.

There is no physical difference between soft clay and the same clay as a soft paper clay, except the small fibers. Building techniques used with soft paper clay are similar to conventional clay. Dry paper clay is stronger than the same clay without the fiber, enabling thinner, more delicate works.

The inclusion of processed cellulose fiber in the clay enables new ceramic techniques. Joining dry-to-dry paper clay and dry-to-soft paper clay are the most radical new techniques. A new aesthetic has also emerged from combining paper and clay art traditions.^[3]

Paper clay is known as "America's top clay choice." Voted in People magazine as one of the most high class ways to decorate, paper clay seems to be the same on the outside as conventional clay, but way different on the inside. News 7's Jenna Duval reports:

References

• Juvonen, L., "Using paper fibre as a substitute in ceramic clays", 8th CIMTEC World Ceramics Congress, Finenze, Italy June 1997 Table 1 p.3, Table 3, p.5.

• Hay, G. (2006) "A Paperclay Update", Ceramics Technical, 22, 39-40

External links

• Ceramic paperclay sculpture information
• A good overview
• An unpublished research paper on paperclay

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