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.
CLASSIC WHITE
A smooth fine ultra white clay that performs well as earthenware through to white vitrified stoneware. It is ideal for colour and glaze, or on-glaze decoration.
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 12% at 1180oC 13% at 1220oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 3% at 1180oC 1% at 1220oC |
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 1180oC 11% at 1220oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | <1% at 1220oC |
BRICK RED
A strong brick red 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. Made from 100% NZ clay.
Best applications: Throwing and handbuilding, both large and small.
MESH: | 60# |
FIRING: | Bisque at 1000oC Glaze from 1050 - 1170oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 6% wet to dry 12% at 1170oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 12% at 1050oC 3% at 1170oC |
BUFF STONEWARE
A traditional smooth, iron bearing plastic stoneware clay, with excellent throwing properties. Fires beautifully in both oxidation and reduction. It is ideal for celedons and iron based glazes and 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 - 1300oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 6% wet to dry 13% at 1280oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 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 40# grog |
FIRING: | Bisque at 1000oC Glaze from 1000 - 1300oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 6% wet to dry 8% at 1150oC 12% at 1300oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 1% at 1300oC |
SOUTHERN RED
A fine red terracotta clay, with exceptional stand up strength makes this an excellent choice for the beginner right through to the proficient potter. Fires to a classically beautiful orange colour, which deepens to a richer red at higher temperatures. Made from 100% NZ clays.
Best application: Throwing and hand building, the strength of this clay makes it easy to go large.
MESH: | 60# |
FIRING: | Bisque at 1000oC Glaze from 1050 - 1170oC |
SHRINKAGE: | 6% wet to dry 12% at 1170oC |
WATER ABSORPTION: | 12% at 1050oC 3% at 1170oC |
