STONEWARE

Storm Cloud

Gray Stoneware Clay - 1 lb.

$7.50

Sophisticated neutral with perfect balance—modern elegance as backdrop or feature color.

Ultra-saturated, ready to use colored clay in Storm Cloud that transforms surface techniques—marble it, layer colored slip, or use as a backdrop for glazes and achieve new depth. Made with commercial clay and Mason Stains; double-mixed and run through pugmill for consistent color.

Mix with other clays to create your own colors, tints, shades and tones. Fire at Δ5/6.

Colored Clay is currently shipping in 3-5 business days.

SHRINKAGE

11.7%

ABSORPTION

2.8%

COE x 10-6

4.8

Why You'll Love This Color

Try Storm Cloud for modern minimalist designs, Scandinavian-inspired pottery, industrial-chic pieces, sophisticated neutrals, toning brighter palettes, contemporary tableware.

EXPLORE TINTS, SHADES, TONES AND HUES

Mix with Midnight for charcoal
Add white slip for light gray
Combine with any color to tone down brightness and create sophisticated versions

OTHER IDEAS TO TRY

Essential neutral for toning down bright colors—marble for sophisticated muted effects
Pairs with literally any color—provides "rest" in busy nerikomi patterns
Try marbling with Natural White for stone or concrete aesthetic
Layer with Celadon Mist or Slate for tonal gray-green-blue effects
Perfect backdrop for bright color accents—try handles or feet in Cherry Pop or Turquoise
Sgraffito reveals beautiful tonal variations between compressed and carved surfaces
Mix with any bright color to create sophisticated muted custom shades
Clear matte glaze creates velvet stone-like finish

Basic Forming:

Throws, handbuilds, and sculpts like standard stoneware—identical working properties with added creative potential

Color Combination Techniques:

Marble two or more colors at leather-hard stage for agateware effects
Layer colored slabs then slice to create nerikomi patterns
Inlay contrasting colored clay into carved designs for graphic patterns

Surface Decoration:

Carve (sgraffito) through colored slip to reveal body color beneath for dimensional contrast
Apply clear glazes to intensify color; matte glazes for soft, velvety appearance
Texture tools create tonal variations as compressed areas appear darker

Pro Tips:

Keep moisture levels consistent when joining different colors for strong bonds
Wedge thoroughly for even color or lightly for intentional marbling
Store colors separately; mixed reclaim creates custom tertiary colors worth keeping

Optimal Temperature:

Bisque to Cone 04 using standard stoneware schedules—no special requirements
Fire to Cone 5-6 (2185°F-2232°F) for full vitrification and maximum color saturation

Atmosphere Effects:

Oxidation (electric kiln): produces truest, most consistent colors—recommended for color matching
Reduction (gas kiln): creates subtle shifts, especially in iron and copper-based colors—test for unique effects

Results:

Colors deepen during cooling—judge final results at room temperature, not peak temp
Fully vitrified pieces are dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and outdoor/frost-resistant; like all pottery, requires glaze and testing to ensure food and dinnerware-safe.
Clear glazes intensify color

SAFETY:
We make our colored clay by combining Mason Stains and US Pigments with a commercial clay.

Studio Safety:

Always use wet cleanup methods—never sweep dry clay dust (silica hazard)
Wash hands after handling; wear NIOSH-approved dust mask when sanding dry clay
All ceramic stains meet safety standards; lead-free and cadmium-free formulation

For Functional Ware:

When fired to Cone 5-6 and properly glazed, colored stoneware is food-safe for dinnerware
Must use tested food-safe glaze on all interior surfaces that contact food or beverages
Unglazed surfaces (even when vitrified) are decorative only—not food-safe

Additional Information:

Complete Safety Data Sheets available on website or by request
Safe for dishwasher, microwave, and oven use when properly fired and glazed*

*Always test functional ware. Glaze, firing schedule and other factors can affect whether the finished product is safe for food and/or as dinnerware

Storing Wet Clay:

Wrap tightly in original plastic bag; double-bag opened portions to prevent surface drying
Store each color separately—mixed reclaim creates custom colors (feature, not bug!)
Keep in cool location away from direct sunlight; shelf life 2+ years when sealed
If surface dries, mist lightly with water and rewrap for 24 hours before wedging

Finished Fired Pieces:

Dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and oven-safe (up to 450°F) when fired to Cone 5-6 and glazed as required
UV-resistant for outdoor installation when fully vitrified (Cone 6)
Clean with standard dish soap or dishwasher; avoid abrasives on unglazed surfaces

WHY WE MAKE COLORED CLAY

Our Mission:

Three years of research identified high-temperature stains that survive stoneware firing at 2200°F+
Result: Rich, permanent through-body color with full stoneware strength and durability

What Makes It Different:

Throws, fires, and performs exactly like standard stoneware—with permanent color throughout
Unlocks techniques impossible with white clay: nerikomi, dramatic sgraffito, marbling, color layering

Who It's For:

Functional potters creating distinctive work that commands premium pricing
Home potters making heirloom-quality pieces with techniques white clay can't offer
Anyone ready to expand creative possibilities while maintaining professional standards

WHAT IS COLORED CLAY?

Definition:

Stoneware clay body with permanent color throughout (not just surface decoration)
High-temperature ceramic stains integrated directly into clay matrix
Color remains stable through vitrification at Cone 5-6 (2200°F+)

Key Differences:

Through-body color, double-mixed for consistent color
Ready to use, no mixing or dealing with a respirator.
Works identically to standard stoneware for throwing and handbuilding

Creative Advantages:

Enables techniques impossible with white clay: nerikomi marbling, dramatic sgraffito, color layering
Clear and semi-transparent glazes intensify color instead of hiding it; carved surfaces reveal tonal contrast
Functional pottery with distinctive aesthetics that stands apart and commands premium pricing

Quality Guarantee:
Every batch is tested before packaging. If you experience any issues or color inconsistency, we'll make it right immediately.

Damage in Shipping:
If your slip arrives damaged, send us a photo within 48 hours and we'll ship a replacement immediately at no cost to you.

Order Issues:
Wrong color? Wrong amount? We'll fix it fast—usually same-day shipping for replacement orders.

What We Can't Accept:

Clay that have been opened, mixed with other materials, or contaminated
Returns after 30 days (but we'll still help troubleshoot!)
Color preferences ("I thought pink would be lighter") without trying it first—order samples to test!

Questions?
Reach our studio at hello@smashedstudio.com. We typically respond same day Wednesday-Sunday.