{"id":28468,"date":"2026-01-15T15:40:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T15:40:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cursist-home.maarevenonline.nl\/can-different-types-of-clay-be-mixed\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T11:39:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T11:39:53","slug":"can-different-types-of-clay-be-mixed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cursist-home.maarevenonline.nl\/en\/can-different-types-of-clay-be-mixed\/","title":{"rendered":"Can different types of clay be mixed?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Each type has its own unique characteristics and properties. But what if we could combine these characteristics? <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Why mix different types of clay?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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There are many reasons to mix different types of clay. One reason is to combine clay in different colours to create beautiful patterns. This technique is called nerikomi, or millefiori in Italian, and agateware in English. <\/p>

This allows you to achieve all kinds of beautiful colour combinations, ranging from a marble effect to more complex patterns.<\/p>

Another reason is to change the composition of your clay. For example, you can add ball clay, which is a highly malleable clay sold in powder form, to make your clay more workable. Alternatively, you can add fire clay to increase the firing temperature of your clay. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Finally, you can recycle leftover clay from previous projects by combining it with new clay. However, this can be risky if you are unsure what type of clay it is. In such cases, it is better to test the clay remnants first by firing them at a low temperature. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What should you definitely take into account?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Combining two types of clay always carries risks. If they are not compatible or are not mixed sufficiently, your piece may crack, fall apart or even explode in the kiln. To maximise your chances of success, there are a number of factors to consider: <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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<\/p>