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use of molochite in a claybody

updated tue 25 nov 03

 

Llewellyn Kouba on sun 23 nov 03


I read somewhere that Molochite would be a good addition to stoneware tiles
(outdoor in cold frost and freeze climate). I see it listed by my clay
supply company as 30 mesh or 200 mesh. Which would be the best way to
go? I have a design with pretty fine detail but also want durability,
permanence and longevity to this particular tile project.

Llewellyn Kouba
Abbey Pottery

Snail Scott on mon 24 nov 03


At 04:02 PM 11/23/03 -0700, you wrote:
>...Molochite...listed by my clay
>supply company as 30 mesh or 200 mesh. Which would be the best way to
>go?


The fine size (200) is used a lot like calcined
kaolin. The large size (30) is used like grog.
My preference would be to use the 30. Since
your tiles are to be press-molded, the surface
texture will not be affected by the grit, but
you will gain more even drying and reduced
shrinkage. (Reduced shrinkage - sounds like an
oxymoron...) ;)

-Snail

David Beumee on mon 24 nov 03


Llewellyn Kouba wrote:
> I read somewhere that Molochite would be a good addition to stoneware tiles
> (outdoor in cold frost and freeze climate). I see it listed by my clay
> supply company as 30 mesh or 200 mesh. Which would be the best way to
> go? I have a design with pretty fine detail but also want durability,
> permanence and longevity to this particular tile project.

I have used up to 10% 30/80 mesh molochite in white stoneware recipes, and I
do not recommend it's use if you are trying to do fine detail in your tiles.
It's too coarse. Try percentage additions of 200 mesh Molochite, and let us
know the recipe when you find what works.

David Beumee
Lafayette, CO
> I read somewhere that Molochite would be a good addition to stoneware tiles
> (outdoor in cold frost and freeze climate). I see it listed by my clay
> supply company as 30 mesh or 200 mesh. Which would be the best way to
> go? I have a design with pretty fine detail but also want durability,
> permanence and longevity to this particular tile project.
>
> Llewellyn Kouba
> Abbey Pottery
>
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