EARTHENWARE

Slate

Blue Gray Earthenware Clay - 1 lb.

$7.50

Complex blue-gray with green undertones—moody color that shifts with application thickness.

Ultra-saturated, ready to use colored clay in Slate 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 Slate for Moody modern designs, coastal-inspired work with depth, sophisticated neutrals, pieces where color complexity matters, high-end functional ware.

EXPLORE TINTS, SHADES, TONES AND HUES

Mix with Storm Cloud for true gray-blue
Add Peacock for teal tones
Combine with Midnight for deep slate-black

OTHER IDEAS TO TRY

Color shifts between blue and gray depending on thickness and lighting—embrace complexity
Stunning marbled with Storm Cloud or Celadon for tonal coastal palette
Pairs beautifully with Peacock or Turquoise for ocean-inspired designs
Try thin application for misty blue-gray; thicker for dramatic depth
Sgraffito through white slip reveals moody contrast perfect for modern designs
Works gorgeously with Natural Terracotta for unexpected warm-cool combination
Clear glazes enhance blue undertones; matte glazes emphasize gray tones
Compressed throwing marks appear darker, creating natural dimensional texture

Basic Forming:

Throws, handbuilds, and sculpts like standard earthenware—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 earthenware schedules—no special requirements
Fire to Cone 05-06 for glaze firing

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
When properly glazed, 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 05-06 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 earthenware firing
Result: Rich, permanent through-body color with full earthenware strength and durability

What Makes It Different:

Throws, fires, and performs exactly like standard earthenware—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.