azmater.com Paper clay offers lightweight, porous properties ideal for decorative tableware, while stoneware clay provides durability, strength, and heat resistance suited for everyday functional dishes. Stoneware's vitrified surface ensures food safety and longevity, contrasting with paper clay's fragile nature.
Table of Comparison
| Property | Paper Clay | Stoneware Clay |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Clay mixed with cellulose fibers (paper pulp) | Natural clay with minerals like kaolinite and feldspar |
| Weight | Lightweight due to paper content | Heavier and denser |
| Strength | High green strength, flexible before firing | Strong after firing, less green strength |
| Drying | Better resistance to cracking, slower drying | Prone to cracking if dried too fast |
| Firing Temperature | Low-fire: typically cone 04-06 (about 1828-1945degF / 998-1063degC) | High-fire: cone 5-10 (about 2167-2345degF / 1186-1285degC) |
| Porosity | Moderate porosity, often requires sealing | Low porosity, naturally more vitrified |
| Finish | Matte to semi-matte, good for textural effects | Smooth, suitable for glossy glazes |
| Durability in Tableware | Less durable post-firing, best for decorative or light-use pieces | Highly durable, ideal for functional everyday tableware |
| Cost | Generally lower cost, easier DIY preparation | Higher cost, often requires professional processing |
Understanding Paper Clay and Stoneware Clay
Paper clay is a lightweight, porous material made by mixing cellulose fibers with traditional clay, enhancing its strength and allowing for thinner, more delicate tableware that dries faster and is less prone to cracking. Stoneware clay, a dense and durable ceramic material fired at high temperatures between 1,200degC and 1,300degC, offers excellent strength and resistance to chipping, making it ideal for everyday use tableware. Understanding the composition and firing properties of paper clay and stoneware clay helps potters optimize the functionality and aesthetics of their ceramic tableware creations.
Composition Differences: Paper Clay vs Stoneware Clay
Paper clay incorporates cellulose fibers, such as paper pulp, mixed with traditional clay minerals to enhance pliability and reduce drying shrinkage, making it ideal for lightweight, strong tableware. Stoneware clay primarily consists of refractory clay and feldspar, fired at high temperatures to produce dense, durable, and vitrified ceramics suitable for everyday functional pottery. The fiber content in paper clay distinguishes it from stoneware clay by improving workability and repairability before firing, while stoneware's mineral composition contributes to its strength and water resistance post-firing.
Strength and Durability for Tableware Use
Stoneware clay offers superior strength and durability for tableware due to its high firing temperature, resulting in a dense, non-porous finish that resists chipping and cracking. Paper clay, while lightweight and easier to manipulate when wet, typically fires to a less dense state and may be more prone to breakage under regular use. For long-lasting, daily-use dishes, stoneware clay is the optimal choice, providing robust performance and resistance to wear.
Workability and Sculpting Flexibility
Paper clay offers enhanced workability and sculpting flexibility compared to stoneware clay, thanks to its lightweight nature and added cellulose fibers that improve moisture retention and reduce cracking. Stoneware clay, while sturdier and more durable after firing, tends to be denser and less forgiving during detailed sculpting or forming delicate shapes. Artists working with intricate tableware designs often prefer paper clay for its ease of manipulation and ability to support complex textures.
Drying and Shrinkage Comparison
Paper clay contains paper fibers that reduce drying time and minimize cracking by retaining moisture longer compared to traditional stoneware clay. Stoneware clay typically experiences higher shrinkage rates, averaging around 12-15%, whereas paper clay shrinkage ranges from 5-8%, resulting in more dimensional stability during drying and firing. These characteristics make paper clay ideal for delicate or complex tableware pieces where controlled drying and reduced warping are critical.
Firing Temperatures and Techniques
Paper clay typically fires at lower temperatures, ranging from cone 06 to cone 04 (about 1828degF to 1940degF), making it ideal for hand-building and sculptural tableware that requires less durability but more detail. Stoneware clay fires at higher temperatures, usually between cone 6 and cone 10 (about 2232degF to 2381degF), resulting in dense, durable, and non-porous tableware suitable for everyday functional use. The firing techniques for paper clay often include bisque firing before glazing to maintain structural integrity, while stoneware benefits from high-temperature glaze firings that vitrify the clay body for strength and chip resistance.
Porosity and Water Absorption in Tableware
Paper clay exhibits higher porosity and water absorption compared to stoneware clay, making it less ideal for functional tableware that requires durability and water resistance. Stoneware clay, fired at higher temperatures, produces a dense, vitrified surface with low porosity, ensuring minimal water absorption and enhanced strength suitable for everyday use. The reduced porosity of stoneware clay improves hygiene and longevity in tableware, whereas paper clay's porous nature may necessitate additional glazing or treatment to prevent water damage.
Glazing Results: Surface and Color Effects
Paper clay offers a unique porous surface that absorbs glaze differently than stoneware clay, resulting in softer, matte finishes with subtle color variations. Stoneware clay's denser body promotes glazes that develop richer, more vibrant colors and smoother, glossy surfaces due to higher vitrification. The interaction between glaze chemistry and clay type significantly affects the final appearance, making paper clay ideal for textured, muted tableware and stoneware preferable for durable, polished pieces.
Cost and Availability for Ceramic Artists
Paper clay is generally more affordable and widely accessible for ceramic artists due to its lightweight composition and lower material costs, making it ideal for budget-conscious creators. Stoneware clay, while often more expensive, offers greater durability and is readily available through specialized art suppliers, catering to professionals requiring robust tableware. Availability of paper clay may vary locally, but its ease of use and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced artists focusing on functional ceramics.
Choosing the Best Clay for Handmade Tableware
Stoneware clay offers durability and a stone-like finish, making it ideal for everyday handmade tableware that withstands frequent use and washing. Paper clay, infused with cellulose fibers, provides enhanced flexibility and lighter weight, allowing for intricate designs and thinner forms in artistic tableware pieces. Selecting between paper clay and stoneware clay depends on the desired balance of strength, texture, and aesthetic detail in the final handmade tableware product.
Infographic: Paper clay vs Stoneware clay for Tableware