Sio-2 ARGILA Red Clay

Sio-2 ARGILA Red is a 100% natural composition clay (potter's clay), finely ground and with very well-balanced plasticity for the best performance in modelling, drying and firing. Its fresh and pleasant feel makes it ideal for both educational and creative use as well as professional ceramic applications, retaining its characteristic red colour after firing.

Technical specifications

What it is used for

Sio-2 ARGILA Red clay is a general-purpose potter's clay suitable from the classroom to the professional workshop. Its fine grind and balanced plasticity make it particularly well suited for:

• Freehand modelling: figures, reliefs and decorative sculptures
• Wheel throwing on a ceramic wheel
• Small and medium-format sculpture
• Making functional pieces (cups, bowls, vases) suitable for firing
• Educational use in schools, art workshops and occupational therapy
• Prototypes and models to be fired and glazed
• Decorative applications with ceramic glazes once the piece is fired

How to use it

1. Conditioning: Open the vacuum packaging and knead the clay thoroughly by hand until it is homogeneous and free of air bubbles. This step is especially important if you are going to throw on the wheel.
2. Modelling: Work the clay directly by hand, with modelling tools or on a ceramic wheel. Keep the piece moist while working by adding water with a sponge if necessary.
3. Drying: Allow the piece to dry in the air slowly and evenly (cover it with plastic if drying is too fast) to prevent cracks. Drying time varies depending on the thickness of the piece.
4. First firing (bisque): Fire the dry piece in a ceramic kiln between 970 and 1050 °C. Make sure the piece is completely dry before placing it in the kiln.
5. Glazing: Apply the desired ceramic glazes to the bisque-fired piece.
6. Second firing: Fire again according to the instructions of the ceramic glaze used to set the finish.
7. Storing leftover material: Wrap any unused clay in airtight plastic or return it to its original packaging to prevent it from drying out.

Usage tips

Avoid air bubbles

Air bubbles inside the clay can cause breakage during firing. Knead thoroughly (using the "spiral kneading" technique or by slamming the clay against a table) before modelling, especially if you are going to subject the piece to high temperatures.

Uniform thickness for crack-free drying

Try to keep the walls of your pieces as uniform in thickness as possible. Differences in thickness create stresses during drying that can cause cracks. For bulky pieces, consider hollowing out the inside before the final drying.

Optimal material storage

If the clay has hardened due to air exposure, you can revive it by gradually adding water and kneading. To keep it in perfect condition between sessions, wrap it in a damp cloth and then in a tightly sealed plastic bag. The 1.5 kg packaging comes vacuum sealed, which guarantees it arrives in optimum plasticity conditions.

Frequently asked questions