White Stoneware Clay & Porcelain Clay

If you're struggling with choosing the right clay body for your project, it's key to understand the differences between stoneware, earthenware, and porcelain. 

Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures and is porous unless it is glazed. This soft modelling clay is perfect for decorative, functional pieces that have vivid glaze finishes. Stoneware clay, on the other hand, is more durable and is fired at higher temperatures. It's strong, dense, and suitable for functional pieces. Porcelain clay is far more delicate and known for its refined, smooth texture. It requires precision, but rewards the artist with a beautiful end result.

Versatile White Stoneware Clays

Our stoneware clays include best-selling options prized for being good for throwing and offering great plasticity. Designed for both functional and decorative ceramics, the White Stoneware clay has a smooth body that throws well and fires to an off-white colour. Another option is the Draycott White, which is suitable for throwing and modelling both small and large items. 

There are also sanded and grogged versions available, like the White Grogged Stoneware, which provides a coarser, more rustic texture.

Fine White Porcelain Clays

Our porcelain clays are suitable for high-precision modelling and work at the potter's wheel. They are perfect for creating usable wares and fine decorative pieces. The range is formulated from carefully selected raw materials to support ceramic artistry at the highest possible level. With a kiln firing range between 1220 and 1300°C, these best-selling clays fire to a classic white tone that is as strong as it is intricate. Find options based on the original David Leach recipe, and options from brands like Aneto that perform well with other coloured porcelain clays.

Manufacturing Methods of Prepared Clay Bodies

Items marked with P have been finished by a panmilling technique. This method of production offers excellent control over grog and water contents, but also increases the likelihood of larger or extraneous particles arising in the ingredients during processing. Panmilled clay generally produces better moisture control in grogged products.

Clays marked with S are sliphoused. These are prepared in large batches, in slip form, which is finely sieved before or just following the addition of grog. The purified casting slip is then pumped into presses for dewatering, before the pugging process. Sliphousing ensures the clay offers greater uniformity and virtually guarantees freedom from contamination. Grog is more difficult to control in these bodies due to settling from suspension and moisture content. Sliphousing is the best technique for smooth textured clay.

Clay marked with PB has been produced by a plastic blending process which yields bodies offering the purity and cost effectiveness of a sliphoused product, together with the tight control of grog additions that is offered by the panmilling process.

Find a range of quality clays like earthenware and Laguna Clay at Potclays. We're proud to offer a range of materials and products that are perfect for every potter - from just-getting-started beginners to experienced hobbyists looking for their next major project. We have a number of tools and accessories and offer pottery machinery and equipment to help the creation of sculptures, vessels, and more.

With over 90 years of pottery experience and expertise, we're on hand to help ceramic artists with any questions they might have. Get in touch with us today. Whatever the query, we're happy to help.