Can I mix two or more clays together?

In the majority of cases the answer to this question is yes, it is possible to mix clays together to produce a composite clay with intermediate properties. However, ceramics is complex science and whilst this is what makes it interesting, it can throw up some unusual combinations which do not behave as you might expect. For example, the maturing temperature might be increased or decreased even if the two clays had the same range and if a higher firing clay is mixed with a low firing clay it is quite likely that it will not mature at a point exactly between the two. If you can, it is important to test before going into production.

If you intend to inlay one clay within another it is essential that the two bodies have the same or a very similar thermal expansion and shrinkage. It is best to use the same body as a base and use colouring pigments, to avoid a mismatch.