Skip to content
pottery crafter logo 2021
  • Beginner InfoExpand
    • Can Pottery Clay Be Frozen
    • Choosing Your Pottery Clay – Best Pottery Clay For Beginners
    • Stoneware Clay Vs. Porcelain Clay – Details and Facts Explained
    • 21 Pottery Clay Slip Questions Answered
    • What Is Potters Clay Made Of – Pottery Clay Ingredients Explained
    • How to Store Pottery Clay
    • How to Prevent Pottery Clay From Cracking While Drying
    • How to Throw Clay on the Pottery Wheel: A Step-by-Step Beginners Guide
    • How To Use a Pottery Kick Wheel (Ultimate Guide)
    • 7 Best Surfaces for Hand Building
    • How To Do Pottery With Long Nails – 5 Tips To Remember
    • How To Use Bats on a Pottery Wheel | Types – Usage – Storage
    • Can Air-Dry Clay Be Used on the Pottery Wheel – 3 Brands Tested
    • What Causes Pinholes in Pottery Glaze and How To Prevent Them
    • What Is the Difference Between Stoneware and Earthenware Clay
    • Can Broken Pottery be Repaired?
    • Pottery Wheel Positions and Posture – All You Need to Know
    • How to Make Kiln Cookies in 6 Easy Steps – With a Video
    • Can Handmade Pottery Go In The Dishwasher?
    • How to Make Pottery – 8 Step Pottery Making Process
    • How to Start a Home Pottery Studio
    • Which Direction Should a Potters Wheel Turn
    • Online vs In-Person Pottery Classes – A Beginners Guide
    • Are Pottery and Ceramics The Same Thing
    • Plain Clay Slip
    • Colored Clay Slip
    • 11 Problems Centering Clay and Easy Ways to Fix Them
    • 21 Kiln Questions Answered
    • 9 Common Pottery Wheel Mistakes and How to Fix Them
    • Wax Resist Tips | Protect – Decorate – Design
    • What Are Sponges Used for in Ceramics?
    • The Four Types of Clay
    • What Is Wax Resist in Pottery Used For
    • Why Every New Potter Should Take a Pottery Class
    • What To Wear When Doing Pottery
  • Product ReviewsExpand
    • The Original Giffin Grip and Giffin Grip Mini – Review and Comparison
    • Giffin Grip vs. Bailey Quick Trim 2 – The Detailed Differences 
    • Brent CXC Pottery Wheel – OWNERS REVIEW – Buyers Guide
    • Skytou Pottery Wheel Pottery Forming Machine – OWNERS REVIEW
    • Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel – Owners Review Buyers Guide
    • Pottery Wheels Reviewed
    • Shimpo Ceramics Rebranding – A Huge Undertaking
    • The Ultimate Edger Pottery Making Multi-Tool Review
  • Buyer GuidesExpand
    • Gift Ideas for Potters – Pottery Crafters Gift Guide
    • 10 Things to Consider When Buying a Used Pottery Wheel
    • Pottery That Sells Well – 9 Pieces All Potters Should Make and Sell
    • Ultimate Pottery Glazing Tools & Supplies Guide
    • Buying a Pottery Kiln | Facts Features and What to Consider
    • Choosing an Electric Kiln – A Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide
    • Choosing a Pottery Wheel – Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide for Beginners
    • Best Pottery Tool Sets Under $18
    • Best Glaze Brush Sets
  • Projects & SuppliesExpand
    • Berry Bowl
    • Bowl with Chopstick Holes
    • Bowl with Chopstick Holes
    • Berry Bowl
    • Cat Bowl
    • Casserole Dish
    • Ceramic Citrus Juicer
    • Creamer
    • Honey Jar
    • Incense Holder
    • Kitchen Utensil Holder
    • Mortar and Pestle
    • Mug with a Gallery Lid
    • Piggy Bank
    • Succulent Plant Holder
    • Sugar Bowl
    • Toothpick Holder
    • Vase
    • Yarn Bowl
    • Plain Clay Slip
    • Colored Clay Slip
  • GlazingExpand
    • Can Pottery Glaze Be Frozen
    • Do You Have to Glaze Pottery  
    • What is Glaze Made of — Ceramic Glaze Ingredients
    • Is Pottery Food Safe Without Glaze?
    • Do You Need a Kiln to Glaze Pottery at Home 
    • How to Remove Glaze From Pottery
    • Can You Layer Underglaze
    • How to Choose Pottery Glaze – A Beginner Glaze Guide
    • What Is Crazing in Ceramics – And How To Prevent It?
    • Can You Bisque and Glaze Fire Pottery at the Same Time?
    • How Do You Mix Underglazes / Tips to Mix Underglazes
    • Underglazing Pottery | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
    • Bubble Glazing
    • Sponge Glazing
    • Sponge Underglazing
    • Sponge Glazing Ombre Glazing
    • Glaze Grinding
    • What Is Slip Trailing | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
  • Kiln TipsExpand
    • The Differences Between a Raku and Electric Kiln Explained
    • What Is the Difference Between a Gas and Electric Kiln
    • What Temperature Do I Bisque Fire Pottery Clay To?
    • Is it Recommended that a Pottery Kiln Be Vented?
    • The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting Kiln Problems
    • Are Pottery Kilns Safe – Beginner Kiln Questions
    • How To Use a Pottery Kiln at Home – 13 Tips To Remember
    • What Is A Kiln Sitter? Everything You Need To Know
    • At What Temperature Can You Open a Pottery Kiln?
    • What Is Kiln Wash – Kiln Shelf Protection Guide
Recommended Tools
  • Pottery Wheels
  • Kilns
  • Clay
  • Tools
  • Glazes
  • Brushes
  • Bats
  • Stools
YouTube YouTubePinterest Pinterest
pottery crafter logo 2021
Pottery Crafters
Tools I Endorse

My Top Clay Picks

a picture of the word clay spelled out with clay

Table of Contents
  • What To Look For When Choosing Your Clay
    • What Cone size do you need
    • How much Grog or Sand does the Clay have
    • How much Plasticity does it have
    • How well does it throw on the Wheel
    • Is the Clay good for Hand building
  • Basic Kiln Cone Temperature Guide When Choosing Clay
  • Top Clay Picks
  • 1. #46 Amaco Stoneware Buff Clay
    • Texture:
    • Workability:
    • Firing Temperature:
    • Other Qualities:
  • 2. #38 Amaco Stoneware White Clay
    • Texture:
    • Workability:
    • Firing Temperature:
    • Other Qualities:
  • 3. Amaco Stoneware #11 A-Mix Clay
    • Texture:
    • Workability:
    • Firing Temperature:
    • Other Qualities:
  • 4. #25 Amaco White Art Low-Fire Clay
    • Texture:
    • Workability:
    • Firing Temperature:
    • Other Qualities:
  • 5. Blackjack Low-Fire Clay
    • Texture:
    • Workability:
    • Firing Temperature:
    • Other Qualities:
    • Top 7 Clay Choices
  • Recommended Clay Helpers
    • Must-Have Clay Cutter
    • Convenient Clay Container
    • Heavy-Duty Plastic Bags

Affiliate Disclaimer: We are ambassadors or affiliates for many of the brands we reference on the website.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The first time I ever sat down at a Pottery Wheel, I thought all clay was the same. How little did I  know? I thought you throw some clay on the wheel and some water, and that was it.

From the Texture of your Clay to the Types of Glazes, all the way down to the Firing Process, choosing clay can be difficult.
Flash Forward after Hundreds of Pounds of Wedged and Thrown Clay I have learned a thing or two about Choosing Clay.

Below I tell you what to look out for when Picking Out Your Pottery Clay. I also give you a Short Overview of My Favorites and the ones you might want to choose.

What To Look For When Choosing Your Clay

What Cone size do you need

Cone size refers to the temperature that you will be firing your clay.
This is the most essential part of choosing your clay. If you fire cone 05 clay to cone 5, the clay will melt. If you fire to cone 5 clay to cone 05, the clay will not vitrify (partials fuse together to make the clay nonporous), and your piece will not be dinnerware safe.

How much Grog or Sand does the Clay have

Sand is on the finer side. Grog is clay that has been fired then ground up. The Grog can be ground up super fine or course. Grog and Sand help to keep the clay firm when hand-building and throwing large pieces on the wheel. It also reduces the shrinkage in clay during firing and helps gases escape. The type and amount will determine how coarse you want your clay to be.

How much Plasticity does it have

Plasticity refers to the flexibility and smoothness of the clay. You want to be able to push, pull, and mold the clay to your desired shape.

How well does it throw on the Wheel

The ability to throw the clay into your desired shape without struggling, hurting your hands, or having the clay collapse.

Is the Clay good for Hand building

The ability to pull-push and move the clay around without breaking and cracking and having the clay stay firm enough to keep its shape.


Basic Kiln Cone Temperature Guide When Choosing Clay

  • Low-Fire Range; Cone 022 – 1087 degrees F (586 C) to Cone 2 – 2088 degrees F (1142 C)
  • Mid-fire Range; Cone 3 – 2106 degrees F (1152 C) to Cone 7 – 2262 degrees F (1239 C)
  • High–Fire Range; Cone 8 – 2280 degrees F ( 1249 C) to Cone 10 – 2345 degrees F (1285 C)

When looking for clay the most common low fire range is 04 to 06.

The most common Mid-Fire range is cone 5-6.

The most common High-Fire is cone 10

For more detailed information on Pottery Clay check out Choosing Your Pottery Clay


Top Clay Picks

When it comes to making pottery, choosing the right Clay is very important. Of course, there are many different Clays to choose from. These are just the Top five Clay picks from all the different clays I have used.

  1. #46 Amaco Stoneware Buff Clay
  2. #38 Amaco Stoneware White Clay
  3. #11 A- mix Amaco Stoneware White Clay
  4. #25 Amaco White Art Clay
  5. Blackjack Clay

1. #46 Amaco Stoneware Buff Clay

a picture of wedged clay

Here are several reasons why my first top clay pick is #46 Amaco Stoneware Buff Clay. Amaco is a great company with outstanding customer service and I have always liked the consistency in their clay.

Texture:

This Clay has no grog or sand in it. This clay feels so smooth I can play with it for a long time. This clay Makes centering and throwing on the wheel easier and more fun.

Workability:

46 Buff clay is wonderful to work with. It stays sturdy and has good flexibility. New potters naturally play with their clay on the wheel longer, thus making the clay too soft. This clay will hold up longer for the beginner potter. The walls stay firm even when throwing thinner.

Firing Temperature:

Stoneware Buff is a Mid to High fire Clay. It can be fired all the way to cone 10 but is recommended to fire to cone 5 or 6 with many Glazes.

Other Qualities:

Trimming and decorating is easy if you don’t let the clay get past the leather hard stage. I have had no cracking so far. It has a nice light-yellow sand color to it after firing, and glaze colors turn out beautiful with cone 5 – 6 glazes. If you like to recycle, this clay is easy to recycle and wedges out well. The more I use this clay the more I love it. It’s my favorite of all the clays I have sampled so far.

👇 For the Current Price on #46 Amaco Stoneware Buff Clay 👇

CHECK HERE

2. #38 Amaco Stoneware White Clay

This second clay pick is also one of my favorites

Texture:

Being a Stoneware Clay without Grog, the #38 Amaco White Stoneware Clay has a nice smooth texture that makes it easy to work with. It’s excellent for Throwing smaller items on the Wheel. With no grog, hand building is still good.

Workability:

For Throwing on the Wheel, this clay has good flexibility and is easy to mold, but if you tend to play with the clay longer than normal it will start to get mushy.

Firing Temperature:

#38 Stoneware is a mid to high fire Clay It fires to cone 10 nicely, but can also be fired to cone 5 with no problems.

Other Qualities:

This Clay makes the glazes bright and colorful with cone 5-6 Glazes. Trimming is also smooth and easy at the leather hard stage. If you want quality Clay that is smoother and lighter in color, this Clay is for you.


👇 For the Current Price on #38 Amaco Stoneware White Clay 👇

CHECK HERE

3. Amaco Stoneware #11 A-Mix Clay

I had a hard time deciding where to place this clay. It is #3 because even though I love it, this clay can be a bit harder for beginners to work with.

Texture:

#11 is an A-Mix Stoneware Clay without Grog. This A-Mix Clay is close to the texture of Porcelain but is more forgiving than porcelain. 11 A-Mix Stoneware has a very smooth texture that makes it easy to work with.

Workability:

If you love the smooth feel that Porcelain gives you but are not ready to mold with it yet. This A-Mx clay is a good stepping stone or a wonderful alternative. It gives you a nice smooth texture and flexibility that makes it easy to mold. This clay stays up surprisingly well but be careful not to push it, all of a sudden it will collapse.

Firing Temperature:

Amaco 11 A-Mix is a mid to high fire Clay that fires Glazes beautifully at cone 5 or 6. Also produces beautiful colors with Cone 10 Glazes.

Other Qualities:

Amaco 11 A-Mix is on my list of favorite clays because it feels like Porcelain and has the workability of Stoneware. This lead-free white clay gives your pottery a bright and colorful look with cone 5-6 Glazes. Trimming is also smooth and easy at the leather hard stage. If you are looking for a stoneware clay that is closest to porcelain the #11 A-Mix stoneware clay is a good choice.


👇 For the Current Price on #11 A-Mix Amaco Stoneware White Clay 👇

CHECK HERE

4. #25 Amaco White Art Low-Fire Clay

This is my go-to clay when using low-fire clay. It’s fourth only because I don’t use low-fire clay as much. These are reasons why I like it.

Texture:

This White Art Clay is extremely plastic. It gives you a nice smooth texture with no grog. You will like the feel of this clay.

Workability:

You will love the workability of this clay. It has a very nice consistency for throwing on the wheel. because it’s so soft be careful if it gets too thin. This clay also works great for hand-building and to make molds for casting.

Firing Temperature:

Amaco 25 White Art Clay is a Clay that fires 04 to 06 Glazes beautifully. The firing range of this clay does go from Cone 06 to Cone 3 with no problem.

Other Qualities:

#25 White Clay Art is one of my favorite low-fire clays because of its feel and workability. This lead-free white clay gives your pottery a bright and colorful look with Cone 04 to 06 Glazes. Trimming is easy at the leather hard stage. If you are looking for a good all-around low fire clay the #25 White Art Clay is a good choice. It resists crazing and is easy to recycle.


👇 For the Current Price on #25 Amaco White Art Clay 👇

CHECK HERE

5. Blackjack Low-Fire Clay

This is another good low-fire Clay that I have enjoyed using for these reasons.

Texture:

If you do sculpture work with Low Fire Clay then this Blackjack Clay will work nicely for you. Because this clay is so smooth, it won’t be abrasive to your hands when throwing on the wheel. It seems to hold form nicely as you throw.

Workability:

Blackjack Clay is good for Hand-building with slabs and coils. You will find this is a very nice Clay to play with for Potters of all skill levels. This clay also holds its shape nicely on the wheel.

Firing Temperature:

Blackjack is a low fire clay. It can be fired in the kiln from cone 06 to 04.

Other Qualities:

This Clay also takes glazes nicely and is food safe. But it’s best not to put it in the dishwasher.


👇 For the Current Price on Blackjack Low Fire White Clay 👇

CHECK HERE

Top 7 Clay Choices

BrandsTypeCone ColorPrice
Amaco # 46StonewareMid-HighBuffClick Here
Amaco #38StonewareMid-HighWhiteClick Here
Amaco 11-A MixStonewareMid-HighWhiteClick Here
Amaco #25 Earthenware Low FireWhiteClick Here
BlackjackEarthenwareLow FireWhiteClick Here
Rocky
Mountain
Earthenware Low FireTerra CottaClick Here
Standard Porcelain Mid FireWhiteClick Here
Disclaimer: We are ambassadors or affiliates for many of the brands we reference on the channel.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Recommended Clay Helpers

When playing with clay we all want helpers to make it easier for us. These are a few things that may help you too, especially if you recycle your Clay.

Must-Have Clay Cutter

This Mudwire is by far my favorite. The length of the wire and the feel of the handles are perfect for me. Even with Clay-covered hands.

When cutting through your Clay, you want to have control over how much clay you are cutting off. The 13 – inch wire gives you that control. When cutting pieces off the wheel, you don’t want to have to wrap the extra wire around your fingers. This Cutter allows you to cut your pottery off using both handles which makes it easier and gives you a more even cut.

👇 For the Current Price on Mudwire Clay Cutter 👇

CHECK HERE

Convenient Clay Container

With its seamless construction, this Clay Container was built with Clay in mind. 20 gallons is a good size. Just big enough to handle a good amount of Clay for mixing new clay in dry form.  But not too big to make managing your Clay difficult. It’s always a good thing to recycle and not waste. This container is suitable to use for recycling your clay.


👇 For the Current Price on the Rubbermaid Brute Refuse Container 👇

Check Here

Heavy-Duty Plastic Bags

Clear Bags are great for keeping your Clay moist and workable. These Clear Bags are durable and can be used for recycled Clay and preparing different amounts of Clay for Throwing or Hand-building projects. Also useful for storing Clay made from a Dry Mix.


Clear Plastic Reclosable Zip Poly Bags 13 X 18” – 2 Mil
👇 For the Current Price on the Clear Plastic Poly Bags 👇

Check Here

Clay can be your best friend and feel like silk, or it can be your worst enemy and feel like sandpaper when you’re Throwing on the Wheel. Having the right Clay to Play with makes all the difference in the world. Clay can be a personal thing. Some Potters even get local Clay. Some Potters find their perfect Clay and some are on that never-ending journey. I will always continue to try other clays and hold onto my favorites. Hope this helped you in selecting your Clay.

pinit fg en rect red 28

Search

About Marie

Hi, I’m Marie
I’m a Potter, a Writer, and the Creator of Pottery Crafters
I also make videos on YouTube about Making Pottery.
My passion is to make Pottery and to Pass on what I’ve learned to you,
helping you in your Pottery Making Journey… Read more


Legal Information This site is owned and operated by Pottery Crafters. Pottery Crafters is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pottery Crafters also participates in affiliate programs with, CJ, Impact Radius, and other sites. Pottery Crafters is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.


pottery crafter logo 2021
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Disclaimer
  • Affiliate Disclaimer
  • Contact Us

© 2023 Pottery Crafters
Design By Marie with Kadence

Table of Contents
  • What To Look For When Choosing Your Clay
  • Basic Kiln Cone Temperature Guide When Choosing Clay
  • Top Clay Picks
  • 1. #46 Amaco Stoneware Buff Clay
  • 2. #38 Amaco Stoneware White Clay
  • 3. Amaco Stoneware #11 A-Mix Clay
  • 4. #25 Amaco White Art Low-Fire Clay
  • 5. Blackjack Low-Fire Clay
  • Recommended Clay Helpers
Scroll to top
  • Beginner Info
    • Can Pottery Clay Be Frozen
    • Choosing Your Pottery Clay – Best Pottery Clay For Beginners
    • Stoneware Clay Vs. Porcelain Clay – Details and Facts Explained
    • 21 Pottery Clay Slip Questions Answered
    • What Is Potters Clay Made Of – Pottery Clay Ingredients Explained
    • How to Store Pottery Clay
    • How to Prevent Pottery Clay From Cracking While Drying
    • How to Throw Clay on the Pottery Wheel: A Step-by-Step Beginners Guide
    • How To Use a Pottery Kick Wheel (Ultimate Guide)
    • 7 Best Surfaces for Hand Building
    • How To Do Pottery With Long Nails – 5 Tips To Remember
    • How To Use Bats on a Pottery Wheel | Types – Usage – Storage
    • Can Air-Dry Clay Be Used on the Pottery Wheel – 3 Brands Tested
    • What Causes Pinholes in Pottery Glaze and How To Prevent Them
    • What Is the Difference Between Stoneware and Earthenware Clay
    • Can Broken Pottery be Repaired?
    • Pottery Wheel Positions and Posture – All You Need to Know
    • How to Make Kiln Cookies in 6 Easy Steps – With a Video
    • Can Handmade Pottery Go In The Dishwasher?
    • How to Make Pottery – 8 Step Pottery Making Process
    • How to Start a Home Pottery Studio
    • Which Direction Should a Potters Wheel Turn
    • Online vs In-Person Pottery Classes – A Beginners Guide
    • Are Pottery and Ceramics The Same Thing
    • Plain Clay Slip
    • Colored Clay Slip
    • 11 Problems Centering Clay and Easy Ways to Fix Them
    • 21 Kiln Questions Answered
    • 9 Common Pottery Wheel Mistakes and How to Fix Them
    • Wax Resist Tips | Protect – Decorate – Design
    • What Are Sponges Used for in Ceramics?
    • The Four Types of Clay
    • What Is Wax Resist in Pottery Used For
    • Why Every New Potter Should Take a Pottery Class
    • What To Wear When Doing Pottery
  • Product Reviews
    • The Original Giffin Grip and Giffin Grip Mini – Review and Comparison
    • Giffin Grip vs. Bailey Quick Trim 2 – The Detailed Differences 
    • Brent CXC Pottery Wheel – OWNERS REVIEW – Buyers Guide
    • Skytou Pottery Wheel Pottery Forming Machine – OWNERS REVIEW
    • Speedball Artista Pottery Wheel – Owners Review Buyers Guide
    • Pottery Wheels Reviewed
    • Shimpo Ceramics Rebranding – A Huge Undertaking
    • The Ultimate Edger Pottery Making Multi-Tool Review
  • Buyer Guides
    • Gift Ideas for Potters – Pottery Crafters Gift Guide
    • 10 Things to Consider When Buying a Used Pottery Wheel
    • Pottery That Sells Well – 9 Pieces All Potters Should Make and Sell
    • Ultimate Pottery Glazing Tools & Supplies Guide
    • Buying a Pottery Kiln | Facts Features and What to Consider
    • Choosing an Electric Kiln – A Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide
    • Choosing a Pottery Wheel – Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide for Beginners
    • Best Pottery Tool Sets Under $18
    • Best Glaze Brush Sets
  • Projects & Supplies
    • Berry Bowl
    • Bowl with Chopstick Holes
    • Bowl with Chopstick Holes
    • Berry Bowl
    • Cat Bowl
    • Casserole Dish
    • Ceramic Citrus Juicer
    • Creamer
    • Honey Jar
    • Incense Holder
    • Kitchen Utensil Holder
    • Mortar and Pestle
    • Mug with a Gallery Lid
    • Piggy Bank
    • Succulent Plant Holder
    • Sugar Bowl
    • Toothpick Holder
    • Vase
    • Yarn Bowl
    • Plain Clay Slip
    • Colored Clay Slip
  • Glazing
    • Can Pottery Glaze Be Frozen
    • Do You Have to Glaze Pottery  
    • What is Glaze Made of — Ceramic Glaze Ingredients
    • Is Pottery Food Safe Without Glaze?
    • Do You Need a Kiln to Glaze Pottery at Home 
    • How to Remove Glaze From Pottery
    • Can You Layer Underglaze
    • How to Choose Pottery Glaze – A Beginner Glaze Guide
    • What Is Crazing in Ceramics – And How To Prevent It?
    • Can You Bisque and Glaze Fire Pottery at the Same Time?
    • How Do You Mix Underglazes / Tips to Mix Underglazes
    • Underglazing Pottery | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
    • Bubble Glazing
    • Sponge Glazing
    • Sponge Underglazing
    • Sponge Glazing Ombre Glazing
    • Glaze Grinding
    • What Is Slip Trailing | Glazing Tips Tools and Ideas
  • Kiln Tips
    • The Differences Between a Raku and Electric Kiln Explained
    • What Is the Difference Between a Gas and Electric Kiln
    • What Temperature Do I Bisque Fire Pottery Clay To?
    • Is it Recommended that a Pottery Kiln Be Vented?
    • The Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting Kiln Problems
    • Are Pottery Kilns Safe – Beginner Kiln Questions
    • How To Use a Pottery Kiln at Home – 13 Tips To Remember
    • What Is A Kiln Sitter? Everything You Need To Know
    • At What Temperature Can You Open a Pottery Kiln?
    • What Is Kiln Wash – Kiln Shelf Protection Guide
YouTube Pinterest
Search