Reclaiming/Recycling Clay

Reclaiming/ recycling clay is a great way to minimize clay waste and give your scrap clay a new life! There are many methods of recycling clay so please do some research to figure out which method will work best for you/your clay needs. 
We recommend using a wet reclaim method as it is both easier to collect all moisture levels of clay and is much safer to work with. If you are using a dry reclaim method (collecting dry trimmings and working them down without water) we ask that you use a proper respirator and only work your dry clay in the glaze room with the small exhaust fan on. 

Wet clay collection:
- Safer due to minimal dust exposure/production
- Allows you to collect more clay (fresh, trimmings, clay water, bone dry)

Florian Gadsby 
https://youtu.be/KmosgAAiiok?si=H3P5Ud1BUoGclxtd

Old Forge 
https://www.oldforgecreations.co.uk/blog/how-to-reclaim-clay

Sue Mcleod
https://suemcleodceramics.com/a-low-tech-system-for-recycling-clay-scraps/

Dry clay collection method:
- Keep dry clay in container with lid to minimize dust
- Wear a respirator mask (P100)
- Must work with dry clay exclusively in the glaze room with the small exhaust fan on to minimize silica dust exposure to yourself and others in the space

Matt M-H
https://www.thestudiomanager.com/posts/how-to-reclaim-and-recycle-clay-in-a-small-studio

Plaster

  • We do not allow plaster making in the studio as it poses a high inhalation risk and can severely damage the plumbing. 

  • We have a variety of communal plaster molds and bats available around the studio, which can be found in 2 drawers in studio A, in the studio tool area in Main and on the metal shelves in studio D. 

  • You are welcome to make your own plaster bats at home and bring them into the studio to use. 

It is vital that you ensure no plaster gets mixed into your reclaim clay as its moisture absorption can lead to some dramatic issues such as PINGING!

Despite its cute sounding name, pinging or “lime popping” refers to the expansion that small bits of plaster can undergo if they are accidentally incorporated into the clay body. In minor cases, pinging can cause a bubble to protrude from the clay; however in more serious cases, pinging can cause a piece to shatter or even explode entirely. Since it is caused by the absorption of moisture from the air, pinging can occur after bisque or glaze firing, even occurring months down the line.

More information on pinging: