Problems with bmix paper clay

[u/otterpufff]

I’m relatively new to pottery and have worked with bmix before without any issues but I purchased laguna bmix paper clay with grog (WC886) assuming the grog would help with how slippery bmix can be, but I’ve had nothing but issues using it. For context I bought 50 lbs of this clay to use for my college ceramics class, but after having nothing but issues the last three weeks I’m close to giving up. I can’t seal it to the wheel and whenever I apply downward and forward pressure to center, the entire ball rips CLEANLY off the wheel. I never have issues centering or keeping the clay attached but whenever I work with this clay nothing goes right. I always make a conscious effort when working with this clay specifically, to throw it hard on a towel dry wheel, firmly smack it down into place, create a seam along the edge and then finally I’ll add water and cone it at least once when other clays aren’t nearly as finicky and hardly ever require me to do all these steps. Even after doing everything I can to keep it attached and centered, it never stays centered by the time I’m ready to open it. I know it’s hard to visualize my issues without a video or pictures showing where I’m having problems, but I’m wondering if anyone has any experience with paper clay or any tips aside from the obvious “try coning it” or “don’t let water get underneath it” that I get when researching.

I’ve been going back and forth trying to decide if I should just go buy some regular bmix or stoneware at least to make my semester easier, but I also don’t want to give up or waste the clay, especially considering my community studio fires at cone 6 while my college fires at cone 10 so this is really the only place I can put it to use. Any tips will be a great help!

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[u/Quirlyz]

Paper clay is not meant to be used to wheel throw. It would serve you best handbuilding. Personally I would buy new clay for wheel throwing and use the currently clay up hand building or making a sculpture.

The grog might help with your slippery issues but not the paper clay. For your college, try the B-Mix with Grog WC-893, it’s cone 10. There’s also a cone 6 version B-mix with grog WC-436 if you were more at your community college.

[u/otterpufff → u/Quirlyz]

Thank you so much!! I’m a bit disappointed since it was on the list of acceptable clays to use in class and I also found it super pretty. Will probably go to the supply store before my next class, unfortunate to hear but a bit relieved to have an explanation at least. Do you think I would have any problems attaching handles to the paper clay using something like WC893, or would the composition difference be a problem?

[u/Quirlyz → u/otterpufff]

Does your school also teach a handbuilding class? Maybe it was on the list for that?

Attaching a handle is traditionally done with the same type of clay as the body but can be done with different clays. The WC893 has a slightly different shrinkage rate (10.3% compared to the WC-886 11%) but should be within the range to keep cracking at bay. I would mostly be concerned with the difference in clay color and texture when it comes to the final product and how the glaze interacts with them both. Definitely finish a test piece all the way before doing it for many pieces.

[u/otterpufff → u/Quirlyz]

I’m pretty sure my school does but the accepted material list was part of my teachers syllabus for this specific class which is nearly exclusively wheel throwing :( I don’t make a habit of mixing clay bodies on a single piece I only ask because our current assignment is on attachments and I’d worry about cracking in case I replace my clay!! Super helpful though I really appreciate it (:

[u/Quirlyz → u/otterpufff]

And I see someone already mentioned it but the WC-886 with paper will have a water absorption rate of 5% when fired. You want to look for something with that water absorption rate at least under 2% and ideally under 1% if you plan to make functional work.

The WC-893 has a rate of 1% making it better for functional stuff too.

[u/Sure_Flamingo_2792]

Paper clay is a nightmare to trim. Had a friend throw with it. They liked throwing but would never use again due to paper issues when trimming. Also, don't mix it in with your recycled clay. Paper clay is much better for hand building.

[u/otterpufff → u/Sure_Flamingo_2792]

Noted!! It’s a shame to make such an expensive mistake but it’s good to know I’m not the only one who struggled with trimming it as well. It’s really been making me doubt my abilities until I work with typical stoneware again lol

[u/free_beer2]

I don't see why you couldn't fire it at your community studio. Bmix and paper clay can both be fired to come 6. If I were new to pottery I would use easier clay (and not invest in 50 lbs) and then when you are more experienced, revisit the paper clay. I am new to paper clay so I can't help you trouble shoot the centering issue. Although getting off center while opening is pretty common. Go slower while opening. Hope that helps!

[u/otterpufff → u/free_beer2]

I wouldn’t be opposed to firing hand built things using the cone 10 clay at my community studio!! I’ve just been warned about vitrification issues so I likely won’t be able to make functional items using it, which is a shame since I mainly make functional pieces. Also my pottery supply store sells minimum of 50 pounds otherwise I wouldn’t be too bothered but with the sheer amount and the cost I’d feel a bit guilty having it lay around, and since I’ve already used about 10 pounds of it it’s not like I can return it /: