Jeff van den Broeck on thu 12 aug 99
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As a new subsriber I have the feeling it was the right time for me to join
CLAYART. The message by Michael Banks about =22the thixotropic symptoms=22 =
was
very welcome, although my problem is different from what has been discussed.
As a potter transplanted from Europe to the Philippines I have problems in
finding a good stoneware clay. A local shop sold me white stoneware
powderclay for casting. They don't sell clay powder without deflocculant. I
mixed and pugged some of the clay and tried to throw smaller items. The
firing in the testkiln was satisfactory. But now my question: can I reduce
the effect of the deflocculant by adding just vinegar and in what
proportions? Do I first have to make the clay liquid and then add vinegar
or can I mix the powder in my peter-pugger adding some vinegar (how much)?
It seems so simple that I'm a little bit suspicious, but I like to believe
in simple solutions if ever they exist. Many thanks for your reactions.
Yours - Vriendelijke groeten - Amiti=E9s
Jeff van den Broeck - P.O.Box 1099
Baguio City 2600 - Philippines
Tel. 00.63.74.442.76.14 - Fax idem after
8 p.m. Hong Kong time, 2 p.m. European time
Bill Campbell on fri 13 aug 99
I use precipetated calcium cloride in very small amounts to re floculate my
clay.
It is used in very small amounts like an oz to 500#. you would probably need
a little more.
USG makes a product that does the same job called SNOWWHITE.Both plaster and
epsom salts may be used to send your clay back up the deflocculation curve.
Watch your step or your clay will get too plastic.
Bill Campbell
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