Joining two pieces of clay together is an essential skill for any potter or sculptor. It can be tricky to achieve a strong bond between the clay, but with some practice and patience, you can learn how to do it properly. In this article, we will explain how to attach two pieces of clay together in order to make sure that your project stays secure and intact.
We’ll cover how to prepare the surfaces of the clay, what type of adhesive works best for different types of projects, and how to ensure a strong bond between the two pieces. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to join two pieces of clay successfully every time!
What to Know Before Attaching 2 Pieces of Clay
When you attach two pieces of clay together, it is important to have wet clay. This is because the wetter the clay is, the easier it will be for the pieces to move around and blend together.
When joining two pieces of clay together, they need to be equally wet. That way, the clay won’t shrink too much when it dries. If one part is wetter than the other, it will shrink more and it could break apart from the other piece.
Thanks, Sam Scott for these tips!
How to Attach 2 Pieces of Clay Together
If you want to join two pieces of clay together, there are two main techniques you can use: scoring and slipping, and using a small clay coil.
Scoring and slipping involves marking the surfaces of the two pieces of clay where they will be joined together with a serrated scraper, fork, pin tool, knife, or other sharp tool. This creates tiny grooves in the surface which helps hold the clay together when it is pressed together.
You then apply slip – a mixture of water and clay – to both pieces before pressing them firmly together.
Alternatively, you can use a small clay coil to reinforce the joints between two pieces of clay.
To do this, roll out a thin piece of clay into a coil shape and press it gently onto the joint between the two pieces.
This helps to strengthen the bond between them without needing to score or slip them first.
No matter which technique you use, make sure that you apply firm pressure when joining your pieces of clay together for a strong bond.
See Also: Top Glues for Fixing Pottery
Tools That Can Be Used for Scoring Clay
Scoring clay is an important step in hand building and sculpting with clay. Scoring tools are used to scratch the surface of two pieces of clay before joining them together with clay slip.
There are a variety of scoring tools available, including Kemper Feather Texture Brushes, Xiem Scoring and Joint Smoothing Tools, Potter’s Cutoff Needles, Potter’s Needle Heavy Duty, MudShark Piercing Tools, and more.
Each tool is designed to provide precision and depth when scoring the surface of the clay. For example, the Xiem Retractable Scoring Tool provides an ergonomic solution for scoring and storing with its 6 sharp tines that ensure accuracy when making marks on the clay. Additionally, the Ceramic Shop offers a simple but effective scoring tool that has been a favorite among potters for years.
Clay Planet also offers a plastic tool with metal teeth for scoring the edges of pieces that need to be joined.
No matter which type of scoring tool you choose, it is important to remember that this step will help create strong joins between pieces of clay when building or sculpting with it.
Using Vinegar to Join Clay
Using vinegar to join clay is a simple and effective way to create a strong bond between two pieces of clay. The acidity of the vinegar breaks down the clay, making it sticky and easier to work with. To use vinegar for joining clay, simply apply it directly to both surfaces and press them together.
The vinegar acts as a flocculant, which means that the clay particles will be electrically attracted to each other. Additionally, the acid in the vinegar helps to neutralize sodium ions from water or leaching feldspars, making it an even stronger joining agent.
Vinegar vs Slip
Vinegar and slip are both commonly used as joining agents for clay, but they have some key differences. The main advantage of using vinegar instead of slip is that it is more effective at creating a strong bond between two pieces of clay.
This is because the acidity of the vinegar breaks down the clay, making it easier to work with and causing the clay particles to be electrically attracted to each other. Additionally, since vinegar is a natural acid, there are no toxic fumes from harsh chemical glues needed for joining your clay pieces.
On the other hand, slip can sometimes create a weaker bond than vinegar due to its lack of acid content.
Wrap Up
No matter which technique you choose to join two pieces of clay together, it is important to remember that the key is applying firm pressure and creating a strong bond. We have discussed several options for joining clay such as scoring with tools like Kemper Feather Texture Brushes or Potter’s Cutoff Needles, using slip, and even vinegar.
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages so make sure to do your research before getting started!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create beautiful sculptures out of clay with ease!