MACS MUD CLAY RANGE
The Macs Mud range comprises six clay bodies, each with their own unique characteristics. On this page you will find useful visual and technical information for selecting a clay body.
Please use the information as a guideline only. As a material from nature, clay characteristics may vary slightly between batches and we recommend you do your own testing.
CLASSIC WHITE
A smooth fine ultra white clay that performs well as earthenware through to white stoneware. It is ideal for colour and glaze, or on-glaze decoration. An excellent choice for domestic ware.
Best applications: Throwing and general handbuilding, where a fine white finish is required.
MESH: | 100# |
FIRING: | Bisque at 1000oC Glaze from 1150 - 1280oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 6% wet to dry 8% at 1150oC 10% at 1180oC 13% at 1220oC 14% at 1280oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 11% at 1150oC 8% at 1180oC 4% at 1220oC 2% at 1280oC |
SPECKLED BUFF
A superb buff coloured clay, with a white/grey/black speckle (fine-medium grog). Most suitable for handbuilding and sculptural applications, but with the grog being fine enough that throwing on the wheel is still possible. Made from 100% New Zealand clay.
Best applications: Handbuilding and sculptural work. Grog content allows for throwing.
MESH: | 60# |
FIRING: | Bisque at 1000oC Glaze from 1050 - 1280oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 6% wet to dry 10% at 1150oC 12% at 1180oC 13% at 1220oC 14% at 1280oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 5% at 1150oC 4% at 1180oC 1% at 1220oC < 1% at 1280oC |
BRICK RED
A strong brick red clay with a long history of popularity in New Zealand. This clay uses a very fine sand to add tooth and strength. The clay stands up well and alters forgivingly. Fires to a rich terracotta red. a great clay for the beginner right through to experienced potter. Made from 100% NZ clay.
Best applications: Throwing and handbuilding, both large and small.
MESH: | 60# with a 20/40# grog |
FIRING: | Bisque at 1000oC Glaze from 1050 - 1180oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 6% wet to dry 8% at 1050oC 9% at 1100oC 11% at 1150oC 12% at 1180oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 11% at 1050oC 9% at 1100oC 5% at 1150oC 2% at 1180oC |
BUFF STONEWARE
A traditional smooth, iron bearing plastic stoneware clay, with excellent throwing and handbuilding properties. Fires beautifully in both oxidation and reduction. Has a good colour response in wood firing. Made from 100% NZ clays
Best application: Throwing and handbuilding, large and small
MESH: | 60# |
FIRING: | Bisque at 1000oC Glaze from 1150 - 1280oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 6% wet to dry 10% at 1150oC 12% at 1180oC 13% at 1220oC 14% at 1280oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 6% at 1150oC 3% at 1180oC <1% at 1220oC <1% at 1280oC |
WHITESTONE
A superb clay for a full range of hand building applications from raku through to stoneware temperatures. Containing a medium grog, it retains excellent plasticity making it suitable for larger work. A very wide firing range. Excellent greenware strength and great thermal qualities. Made from 100% NZ clays.
Best applications: Great working properties for coiling, slab work, handbuilding
MESH: | 60# with a 20/40# grog |
FIRING: | Bisque at 1000oC Glaze from 1000 - 1300oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 6% wet to dry 8% at 1150oC 9% at 1180oC 11% at 1220oC 12% at 1280oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 10% at 1150oC 7% at 1180oC 5% at 1220oC 3% at 1280oC |
NORTHERN REDSTONE
A terracotta clay which extraordinarily holds an orange/red colour from earthenware right through to stoneware temperatures. Includes 5% fine sand which helps provide excellent stand up strength, and a minor 'rustic' iron speckle to fired clay and glazes. High silica content so test for glaze fit and take care on cooling. Made from 100% NZ clays.
Best application: Throwing and general hand building.
MESH: | 60# with 5 percent 20-40# sand |
FIRING: | Bisque at 1000oC Glaze from 1050 - 1280oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 9% wet to dry 12% at 1100oC 13% at 1180oC 14% at 1220oC 15% at 1280oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 14% at 1150oC 8% at 1180oC 5% at 1220oC 3% at 1280oC |
