Specialist Crafts Buff School Clay - 12.5kg

Specialist Crafts Buff School Clay is a reliable, all-purpose ceramic clay developed for school and college pottery projects. Suitable for both earthenware and stoneware work, it offers the versatility needed for teaching a wide range of pottery and hand-building techniques.

Containing 10% sand grog, the clay has a slight 'tooth' that adds texture to the working body. It is suitable for wheel throwing, slab building and coil construction, allowing students to explore different methods of shaping and constructing ceramic forms.

From simple pinch pots and coiled vessels to thrown bowls and decorative pottery, Buff School Clay is a practical choice for introducing ceramic techniques and developing more advanced skills. Its versatility also makes it suitable for general domestic ware and creative classroom projects.

With a shrinkage rate of approximately 11%, this clay allows students to consider dimensional changes during drying and firing. Supplied in a 12.5kg bag, it is a useful everyday material for school art departments, college ceramics studios and pottery workshops.

Key Features

General-purpose buff ceramic clay

Developed for school and college pottery projects

Contains 10% sand grog for a slight textured 'tooth'

Suitable for earthenware and stoneware work

Good for pottery wheel throwing

Suitable for slab building and coil construction

Can be used for general domestic ware

Versatile clay for beginners and more experienced students

Shrinkage rate: approximately 11%

Supplied in a 12.5kg bag

Firing Temperatures

Bisque firing: 1120–1180°C

Glaze firing: 1040–1060°C

Grog Content: 10% sand

Shrinkage Rate: Approximately 11%

Best For

General school pottery and ceramics

Pottery wheel throwing

Slab building and coil construction

Pinch pots, bowls and ceramic vessels

Domestic and decorative pottery

Exploring hand-building techniques

Earthenware and stoneware projects

GCSE, A Level, FE and HE ceramics

School and college pottery studios

Important Information

Firing temperatures: The supplied specifications list a bisque firing range of 1120–1180°C and a lower glaze firing range of 1040–1060°C. These temperatures should be confirmed before kiln firing.

Drying: Allow clay work to dry thoroughly before firing.

Shrinkage: Allow for approximately 11% shrinkage when planning the dimensions of finished ceramic pieces.

Water resistance: Kiln-fired clay is not automatically waterproof, even when fired to stoneware temperatures. For pottery intended to hold liquids or be exposed to frost, apply a suitable glaze to reduce water absorption, ensuring the glaze is free from pinholes and crazing. Glazing does not guarantee complete impermeability or frost resistance.

Protecting surfaces: Always place vessels holding water on a protective mat to help prevent moisture damage to porous surfaces such as wood.