This critical aspect impacts every stage of the creative process, from forming to firing. Uniformity in clay texture ensures a smoother throwing experience on the wheel, prevents unexpected cracking or warping during drying and firing, and allows for even glaze application.

For throwers, consistent clay with the right balance of moisture and plasticity allows for better control and precision, enabling the creation of symmetrical and durable forms. For hand-builders and sculptors, it minimises structural weaknesses and enhances the material’s workability.

In casting slips, maintaining the proper fluidity and composition ensures clean, precise molds with minimal defects.

Clay consistency also supports better adhesion of decorative elements, like slips and underglazes, and ensures predictable firing results, essential for repeatable designs.

When handling a bag of clay, care should be taken not to drop or bang the bag against hard surfaces, as this can cause the clay particles to become excessively mobile and thus create a product which is too soft to work with.

Why is my clay too soft? 

1. Excess Water Added: Overhydration during reclaiming or storage can make clay overly soft. 
2. Improper Storage: Storing clay in a very damp or humid environment can increase its water content if not properly sealed from the atmosphere. 
3. Clay Composition: Some clays naturally have a softer, stickier texture depending on their formulation, for example those containing a high proportion of ball clay. 
4. Temperature Effects:  During storage, large changes in the temperature can cause the clay to sweat inside the plastic bag, creating a film of water on the surface of the clay which creates a wet sticky product. 
5. Clay Handling:  When handling a bag of clay, care should be taken not to drop or bang the bag against hard surfaces, as this can cause the clay particles to become excessively mobile and thus create a product which is too soft to work with. 

How to Fix Soft Clay 

1. Dry the Clay Out 

• Spread the Clay on a Surface:  
• Place the clay on a plaster bat, wooden board, or any absorbent surface to draw out excess moisture. 
• Flip the clay occasionally for even drying. 
• Use a Fabric Surface:  
• Wrap the clay in a cotton or canvas cloth and let it sit to wick away moisture. 
• Avoid Over-Drying: Check the clay periodically to prevent it from getting too hard. 

2. Wedge the Clay 

• Thoroughly wedge the clay to distribute any remaining moisture evenly. This can improve the workability of slightly soft clay. 

3. Blend with Firmer Clay 

• Combine the soft clay with harder clay of the same type. 
• Wedge or use a clay mixer (if available) to create a consistent texture. 

Preventing Overly Soft Clay 

1. Store in Airtight Containers: Prevent clay from absorbing excess moisture during storage. 
2. Control Humidity: Keep clay in a cool, dry area to avoid additional moisture absorption. 
3. Avoid Adding Too Much Water During Reclaiming: Use just enough water to soften the clay without making it sticky. 
4. Don’t throw the clay around: Unless intentionally wedging the clay, handle the bag with care as force applied directly to the bag will soften the contents and may make the clay unusable at least for a while. 

Why is my clay too hard? 

1. Exposure to Air: If your clay was not stored properly, it may have dried out from air exposure particularly if the atmosphere has low humidity. 
2. Storage Issues: Storing clay in warm or dry environments (e.g., near a radiator) can cause it to harden. 
3. Clay Ageing: Over time, some clays naturally dry out and become less workable. 

How to Fix Hard Clay 

1. Rehydrate the Clay 

Method 1: Damp Towels 

• Wrap the clay in a damp cloth or towel. 
• Place it in a sealed plastic bag or container for a day or two to absorb moisture. 
  

Method 2: Soaking in Water 

• Break the clay into chunks and place them in a container. 
• Add enough water to cover the clay. 
• Leave it for a few hours or overnight until it softens, then wedge it thoroughly. 
  

2. Slaking Method (for Very Hard Clay) 

• Break the clay into small pieces. 
• Submerge the pieces in water completely until they dissolve into a slurry. 
• Spread the slurry on a plaster bat or fabric surface to let excess water evaporate. 
• Once it reaches the desired consistency, wedge it to prepare it for use. 
  

3. Using a Clay Mixer (If Available) 

• If you have access to a pug mill or clay mixer, you can reprocess the clay, adding water gradually until it softens.  Otherwise, you will need to wedge the clay by hand and gradually add small amounts of water using a spray bottle for better control.  

Preventing Hard Clay in the Future 

1. Store Properly: Keep your clay in an airtight bag and seal it well after every use. 
2. Add Moisture Regularly: Place a damp sponge or cloth inside the bag with your clay if you plan to store it long-term. 
3. Rotate Stock: Use older clay first to ensure it doesn’t dry out over time.