Reclaiming Dry Clay
If you're a pottery enthusiast (or maybe coming back from a clay hiatus), you might have found yourself in a situation where you have an old bag of clay that you haven't used in a while. Before you throw it out for being unusable- try reclaiming your clay instead! Reclaiming clay is a cost-effective way to reduce waste and bring your clay back to a pliable, workable state.
On this page, we'll also answer some common questions so you can get back to your project with confidence in no time.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO REHYDRATE CLAY
- Start by breaking the dry clay into small pieces, roughly one inch or less in size. This will help to ensure that the water can penetrate the clay evenly. If you can not break the clay into pieces because it is too hard or dry- no problem! This process will still work but will just a take a bit longer than usual.
- Place the pieces of clay along with a bit of warm water into a sealed, waterproof bag (try not to add too much water at first- around 100-200ml for a 25-27 lb bag usually works well) Then place the bag into a large container or bucket, making sure the container is large enough to hold all the clay pieces, with extra room for water.
- Pour enough water into the container to cover the bag of clay pieces completely. Use room temperature water or slightly warm water, as hot water may cause the clay to break down.
- Allow the clay to soak in the water for several hours, or preferably overnight. During this time, the clay will absorb the water and once again become soft and pliable.
- Use a sieve or your hands to gently remove any excess water from the clay. If you use your hands, be careful not to squeeze the clay too hard, as this can change its consistency. If the clay still has large, hard pieces, you can use a chopstick or brush handle and push down as far as you can into the clay to make holes about 1” apart. This will allow the water to soak into the center of the clay body more easily.
- Once all the clay is somewhat pliable, knead the clay to ensure it has formed back to the right consistency. Start by folding the clay in half, then pressing down with the heel of your hand, and repeat.
- If the clay is still too dry, you can repeat soaking, creating holes, and kneading until it reaches the desired consistency.
FAQ
Q: What is pottery clay?
A: Pottery clay is made up of different ingredients, the main one being clay. Depending on the style of clay, there can be varying compositions of metal oxides, organic material, and water as well. Different types of clays contain different compositions of particles and phyllosilicate minerals.
Q: Why does clay become dry?
A: Clay can become dry for a variety of reasons, including exposure to air, low humidity, or simply being left out for an extended period without being used.
Q: What is the best way to hydrate dry your clay?
A: There are several ways to hydrate dry pottery clay, but the most common method is to add water to the clay and let it soak for a period of time until it becomes pliable and workable again. See the step-by-step guide above for more a detailed explaination.
Q: How long should I soak my dry clay in water?
A: The amount of time needed to hydrate dry your clay will depend on the type of clay and how dry it is. As a general rule, you should soak the clay for at least several hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the water to fully penetrate the clay and soften it thoroughly.
Q: Can I use a clay mixer or pug mill to hydrate dry clay?
A: Yes, a clay mixer or pug mill can be used to hydrate dry pottery clay. These machines are designed to easily mix and knead clay, which can help rehydrate dry clay and make it more workable. However, using a mixer or pug mill is unnecessary for small amounts of clay and these machines are not as accessible to the average potter compared to other options.
Q: Can I add wet clay to dry clay to help rehydrate it?
A: Yes, if the dry clay is somewhat moldable you can add wet clay to the dry clay to help rehydrate it. Simply mix the wet and dry clay together until the dry clay has absorbed enough moisture to become workable again.
Q: Can I use a spray bottle to hydrate dry my clay?
A: Yes, a spray bottle can be used to hydrate dry clay- simply spray the clay with water and knead until it becomes pliable and workable again. However, this method is best suited for ‘slightly-dry’ clay and may not be as effective as soaking the clay completely in water.
Q: How can I tell if my clay is hydrated enough?
A: Hydrated clay should be pliable and easy to work with. It should not be too wet or too dry and should hold its shape when formed. If the clay is too wet, it may be difficult to work with and may lose its shape. If it is too dry, it may crumble or crack when formed.
Q: My clay is too wet, what can I do?
A: Simple- just leave your clay out to air dry naturally (preferably in the sun). As it air dries you will want to work the clay in such a way as to expose all sides to the sunlight. You can also add a small amount of dry clay to help rebalance the moisture content, if you have any available.
Q: Can I reuse clay that has been hydrated and then dried out again?
A: Yes, clay that has been hydrated and then dried out again can be reused, however it may be more difficult to work with than freshly hydrated clay and may require additional water or kneading to become pliable again.
Q: How should I store hydrated pottery clay?
A: Hydrated clay should be stored in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag or container with a lid, to prevent it from drying out again. The container should be labeled with the type of clay and the date it was hydrated, to help keep track of its age and quality. It's also a good idea to store the container in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or cupboard, to help maintain the clay's moisture content.