How to MAKE COLORED CLAY!!! The ENTIRE PROCESS!

[@ally3258]

A time saving tip might be to mix the stains into recycled (dissolved) clay, then you can just wedge together on a plaster bat once dry. We were always taught this method at uni because you get a more consistent result weighing bone dry clay than weighing normal clay from the bag.

[@apoll7]

That's how I've done this as well, but I've never really bothered to measure the mason stain amount, and it still works fine. Be warned that many mason stain colors are unstable when fired to cone 10 (especially yellows and purple/violets). Given how labor intensive the colored clay process is, you should always do some tests first to make sure the end product color is what you want.

[@adilamjad9171]

@@apoll7 are mason stains and pigments same? Or they are tipically made for clay use? Please guide me....

[@apoll7]

@@adilamjad9171 mason stains are a type of pigment widely used for clay, and usually clay with a white body, like porcelain. They may have other uses as well (paint?) but I'm not sure about that. Some produce widely different color depending on the high temperature reached in the firing.

[@adilamjad9171]

@@apoll7 ok thanks i will gonna try...

[@WhiskeyWoman]

That is beautiful. I am not a potter, I just enjoy the process so much.

[@nancyhartshorne6491]

I've been trying this since watching your video. I found its much easier to mix the stain into wetter clay..reclaim clay that's not hardened up enough. It mixes fast with wedding, and the powdered stains also helps to dry the clay to a good consistency. Another tip: if your colors are different consistencies, store the stacked layers together for a day before wedding and they will even out.

[@markjones2349]

I work in the ceramic tile industry and we grind our raw clay into dust and that gets mixed with the stain, along with water, in a big industrial size pug mill. The color is blended together instantly as soon as the water hits it. If you could figure out a way to buy clay in dust form it would make coloring so much faster.

[@Hotamma]

As you were working the pigment into the clay, it reminds my of kneading bread dough.

[@stephaniebradley8424]

I went blind in one eye. My pots are all getting knocked off center as I throw. I just discovered you here, so I will watch some throwing instructions. Been playing guitar in bands for 5 Yrs., but now in the pandemic I’ve returned to clay, and it’s been a saving grace.

[@crystalcities34]

once saw someone who made slip with their clay and then dumped the stains into it and then mixed it around in a bag and reclaimed it. i’m not sure how precise you could get with the measurements of stains on that one since there’s so much water in it but it might be interesting to try! it would definitely save you the wedging time since she also just put all her failed bone dry piece to the reclaim back and make colored clay :) would love to know the results if anyone ends up trying this!

[@edens309]

Iris Pan his is more labor intensive but it’s definitely more time efficient than the slip version.

[@mildlymeditatedpottery734]

I have add the color to reclaimed clay and mixed it with a paint mixer then dried it works great. Never measured the anything just did by eye.

[@karahowery6760]

Okay that is just really cool! I may have to hire somebody to come wedge my clay but will definitely try this at some point.

[@lesselavie7675]

One of my favorites videos....Im looking to explore the nerikomi techniques. Thank's JTP!

[@kimbain4368]

Great video! I just love watching the clay being thrown on the wheel. It's magical to me. Tfs!

[@eeijcea]

Amazing and very useful for a newcomer as me. Thanks for sharing I am willing to do my own colored clay

[@oklibrarian]

I have one of your marbled mugs and have always wanted to learn more about the process. Also, I'm glad to know I'm not the only person who says "Thank you" to Siri. ;-)

[@tommymarco]

Always thanks Siri :)

[@familygrimm2011]

I ordered from US Pigment this week. Super fast shipping. Very helpful staff and AMAZING pricing! Thanks Jon I cannot wait to get into the studio and start wedging!!!! I got one color for each color of the rainbow.... just to get me started.

[@alexandriavizcaya1378]

I wanted to ask Jon, and now you, how you feel about the quality of the pigment vs "Mason Stain." I am about to purchase and would love the opinion of experience.

[@LuckyxLibra]

Hey Jon can you make a video about your pottery wheel? I am curious about how to choose a good one or I have seen videos on how to build one. I wanted to hear about your opinions on it :)

[@ruthtrefethen4171]

Really enjoyed this tutorial. I ran out of purple and tried to make some. I couldn't get the right shade or depth to it so.... I had to find out how to color it because I was wasteing too much clay! THANK YOU!

[@pedromelendez7452]

Just want to say that i have learned so much from your videos. I am a potter/sculptor and i find your videos very satisfying and educational, even when they are just throwing. Thank you for sharing!

[@ambreseigneur9940]

Hi Jon :) I really love your work, I find it really beautiful and i'm obsessed with your techniques ! I will actually go to ceramic lessons soon (when quarantine is passed :'3 ) because i want to be a professional ceramist and.. you are really inspirering me ^u^ Thank you for giving us good experiences and motivation :) I also have a question : are we gonna have the winner result of you give away ? I can't find it :o thanx, from France !

[@enladulceespera]

I want to do a molde of the tectonic plates with clay. Wondering which kind of clay should I use

[@debbietuzon]

Thank you! I was just going to do this today and spent yesterday looking at all different videos. I did make many years ago but needed a great refresher “course.”

[@sheila95472]

Great video. I'm just getting into Nerikomi using hand built clay patterns so this information is super useful. Also, I thought I was the only one who says "Thank you" to Siri.

[@tommymarco]

you are not alone

[@WAGfilms]

Any suggestions on what glaze to use to make the colors pop on the final piece?

[@avivabraun-belsky1819]

WAGfilms i always regular clear glaze

[@radhasreedhar4381]

hi, thanks for your videos as always. Love your energy. so can we use the same stains to make colored slips. If not, can you pl make a video on how to make our own colored slips. thanks

[@estylomonik1910]

Hola lindo, que son esas bolsitas, con que se tiñe la pasta ?? Desde Buenos Aires,Argentina.

[@dietclams2001]

Great video thanks! Could you mix in the powder into the wet stage of the clay reclaim process?

[@Jonthepotter]

Yes we actually just did that , new video coming soon !

[@cherryvalepottery5198]

Thanks Jon! I haven't made mixed mason stains into my clay in years. I'll need to give it another go. All your videos are fun. Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for pottery!!!

[@TheLivingApocalypse]

You talking with siri is so relatable lol half the time I dont the right answer. I love the results you get on those marbled pieces btw, I wish I could try that myself but alas I am just a student

[@arguelloreyesdenisserosari2402]

Love the video, the process and you for showing how beautiful it is to work with clay. Thank a lot!

[@birgithettegger-piemonte8805]

I guess I lucked out on that one, I live basically around the corner from US Pigment, so now I need to try this out :-)

[@vidushierajawat716]

How is this man not popular yet? Genius!! Can you suggest pigments for paper clay?

[@StoneAndersonStudio]

If it’s the kind of paper clay you fire in a kiln, any of these ceramic pigments will work. Just base your measurements off of the dry weight of the clay, not off of the mixed up paper clay. If you’re making paper clay from a slurry you might as well dump the powder into the slip too in that stage, rather than wedging it in later. If you’re making the kind of paperclay that isn’t fired, any pigment will work!

[@mairprudence2077]

Do you have a video showing how to make different shades of black?

[@JennaDanelle]

Awesome video, thank you! I am wondering how you clean up your work table and what is it made from, or does it just stain it all over? I only ask because you have done this often and it seems your work table is really very stain free!

[@nata.no.iroiro9490]

Thank you for great video, I'll certainly try it! Also, I think that is some misconception about the nerikomi technique, because Japanese do it not to just blend colors, but to make some pattern. Technique itself looks the same at the beginning, but its a lot more work in nerikomi. Just try to search in Japanese to see what I mean: 練りこみ

[@didisetiawan9574]

What is the name of material red powder and soon .and where i can buy it if in the market

[@deanatankersley6851]

Woah, just gorgeous results..tsm for sharing this informative experience. I love this concept.😊👌👍

[@kaleenpruitt4188]

That was fun to watch, thanks for sharing! Your throwing is very consistent 👍

[@anitaerickson1971]

can you please do a video on making dinner plate

[@patspotpage]

Ha! I bought that exact scale on evilbay for $8! Thanks for sharing this video. Newbies like me learn a lot from you and the other potters who share their knowledge, and it is greatly appreciated!

[@zoekane4012]

Love the cup you threw. It would be awesome with ripples. TFS!

[@normawalsh4498]

Nice job, congratulations 🥳

[@zulayoquendo271]

Hello I know this is posted 2 years ago but can you tell me if this clay dries shinny? Like if it was glazed, looking for a biscuit finish how do I get it? Can you help me pls . 🙏 thnkyou

[@ShannonStaples1]

Is it possible to color clay with a liquid underglaze? If yes, pros, cons?

[@victoriamiskolczy6336]

Thanks for the detailed instructions on this. I was wondering what proportions and methods to use. By the way, are you not concerned about the mason stain directly on your skin? Shouldn’t we actually use gloves? Or is the dye material totally non-toxic?

[@a.katherinesuetterlin3028]

I would think that it's one thing to have it on your skin, where it can eventually be washed off, but quite another to breathe in the dry pigment whilst measuring. That's probably why he wears a ventilation mask while measuring, but not totally concerned with his hands being colored up. I figure if he's not concerned about skin issues, then I think gloves are optional. That said, everyone's skin is different. Wear gloves if you have a sensitivity to certain things like pigments. But if not, you don't have to worry. 😁

[@chrisjarrett66]

Just made some of these myself. Thanks for the video! I was totally guessing on how much stain to add, but they seemed to come out ok. Mason stain is stupidly expensive though. You have to charge a bit more for the mugs (or whatever you make) to recoup the expense. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@blacktearandstorm]

i do the same as u did in the video with the stains for coloring clay... never have any problem.. but i have to say, its more work to be done rather to have it all in dry way.. but whatever.. ceramics its to have fun and not to have it all in once..

[@KellyAnn1997]

I wonder if you can use one of those mixers that sit on the counter to “wedge” like it does to bread dough etc. 🤔

[@maxleader8745]

This is my exact question, why is there not a wedging machine? The tabletop mixer with a bread Hook is actually doing the opposite thing making bread you're trying to impart are to your bread

[@showyceramics]

Super great question!!!

[@sinyu115]

Do you just glaze it with transparent color afterwards?

[@clairecabrol5834]

Bonjour pouvez-vous me dire quels pigments vous utilisé …et où les acheter? Merci beaucoup

[@fathimamardiah5124]

I was 13 when I first saw process of pottery, it's was my first time falling in love. But, reality hits and now I'm 24 as an accountant. Sometimes I watch this vids over and over again. I might never touch real clay, but I'm happy with molding some playdoh clay right now. Hope someday I can learn before I die

[@fathimamardiah5124]

@FATIMA AHMEDOVA my twins ;)

[@donnam472]

If you truly want to and love doing it, then join a local community group on your days off.

[@gloriagilpatrick6499]

Hello, just started to learn how to use Mason stain watching your video. So I was wondering, can one use Mason stain in crystal clear glaze? Enjoy watching your videos. Thank you.

[@showyceramics]

I think as long as you always test tiles. Some stains can have elements that effect you final glaze and cause issues at the other end e.g fluxing (very runny), pinholes etc. If you want to get technical break down, if stains, check out mason stains ingredient charts. Glazy website is also fantastic for clear glaze recipes with mason stains added!! I’ve made some amazing pink glazes that have mason stains added.

[@sherricongrove9048]

Excellent easy to understand video!

[@PCP-uo7nk]

Gorgeous!!! I am totally new to stains and my question is have incorporated Inclusion Stains like you did the Mason Stains in this video and can you tell us about them? Thank you!

[@kitija1939]

Can I stain stoneware too?

[@riccardopoetz7100]

Had I to do marbled pots, i would get dry clay powder (from de recicling) and mix it with the pigments 1st without water. Then add the water, and wedge the clay on a plaster plate. I think u get a more homogene mixture. And you're also more precise with the mesures since you know exactly how much clay you have

[@roberta19348]

So you recommend moist heat for keeping a more pliable clay? I have arthritis in my hands.

[@connecticutaggie]

If you are wanting to try this cheap and are willing to go with a very limited color selection. You can get the same thing from you local hardware store. There it is usually called "cement color mix" and is often a liquid. It usually costs $7 for 10 oz and NO SHIPPING - because you just go and get it.

[@amyrp9115]

Very interesting! They can be fired and not burn out???

[@connecticutaggie]

@@amyrp9115 I have not used it as a underglaze, only as a clay pigment; but, it worked great for that and goes though bisque perfectly.

[@micheledickey4066]

I ordered a bunch of mason stains and I didn’t know there were certain ones for adding to your clay and others for glazes etc! Now I have no idea if I can use the ones I have in my clay!

[@rchalmers9035]

Hi!!! I am wanting to give this a go but just wondering will it stick to the kiln shelf?

[@ДарьяСаликова-р3т]

Great video and very timely. Thanks.

[@AdventureNikNik]

Love it Jon! What bats are you using by the way?

[@loricollins-delhez4355]

Hi...I have used and love using colored clay in the past. Question: what type of stain do you buy exactly?? I see that there are a couple choices...I’ve always used mason but I’d like to try US pigment. Also I use dry clay and stain, reconstitute and wedge, have you tried this method and what is your experience with that versus wedging it in like you do?? Any info is helpful. Getting back into pottery now that my kids are older and have more free time... :) thanks

[@franksiciliano1751]

any thoughts on doing this with low fire clay?

[@sonyarobinson8798]

What kind of table top is that

[@autumnspeakz]

What’s the name of the wire or string (dnt really know the right term for this) you used to cut the clay ?

[@s.missizhippiew.1117]

I bought the kit at hobby lobby… it’s included…

[@barbarajamison1416]

Can you use grout color for coloring the clay?

[@mightyricky]

excellent info! thank you. Have you used the Inclusion Stains from US Pigment? If so, have you found the proportions of pigment to wet clay to achieve intense color to be similar?

[@anatrancosogonzalez9206]

Do you need to use ceramic pigments? Thanks!!

[@becky7167]

Hi John! I love your work ... you make art! thanks for sharing! Are the pigments you used the same with which you prepare the glaze or are they pigments under cover? or is it slip?Tks!

[@chelseacarter4679]

i dont have the time or the space to do this process, is colored clay available anywhere commercially?

[@gingergreenfield]

Just wondering, can you build things with the colored clay? Like if I want to make a pig pinch pot and add brown clay like it’s playing in mud and with black eyes .. is that possible? Thank You! 😊 I’m also curious because I made a fairy house and had to do all this painting and colored clay would be fun to use instead of having to underglaze all the parts of the design. Also, do you have to be careful what cone you use in the kiln?

[@showyceramics]

I’ve made full green mugs and blue bowls from stained white midfire clay. So much fun!! Made a hot pink stained clay and it could certainly be used for a pig!! Hehe

[@martha2610]

in the restock will there be purple over lavender mist mugs?

[@debbietuzon]

Could you make the Mason stain into a thick paste and then spread it on the slab instead of dry. Was thinking it might incorporate easier? Don’t know but I might try it in a small amount of clay and see if it wedges in any easier.

[@ally3258]

Deborah Tuzon this is what I was taught to do, takes out the inhalation risk when wedging the stains as well!

[@emilygoodwin5723]

Also my thought

[@blackdragonflyK8]

This is what I did. My "professor" had 0 clue on how make colored clay so after researching extensively, watching a ton of videos & playing with it. I made a slime from Mason stain, slip from the clay I was going to use as the base & wedged it to start then got a bread maker from the thrift store & let it mix it for 30min. It came out AMAZING!!!

[@tifanypadilla9065]

Can I use this for low fire clay?

[@1thank2you3]

so can you use any kind of pigment powder?

[@karrifox5225]

Your measurement of stain is wrong, you're basing it off wet weight of the clay and it should be from the dry weight. So while not bad, you're just using more stain than necessary. If I remember correctly the water weight in the clay is about 30% of the wet clay weight. And it's easier if you make the stain into a paste and then add that to the clay. You can get spotting if the powder doesn't get mixed in all the way when mixing dry stain in.

[@eddyviolet9422]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@zoechardon6519]

That's why he uses 8% . Most resources say use 10% of dry weight. He is assuming he has 20% water weight.

[@doroangel1]

So its 8% of the wett Clay? And how can i make a Paste? Just water and the Powder?

[@MagicalAscension]

If you're using Mason stain, the percentage gets calculated according to the *dry weight of the clay , pretty sure the same thing will be true for the stuff you're using…

[@Jerisa]

What does this mean? He added too much pigment? But the stuff he makes is so beautiful.

[@WildAcornsArtStudio]

I don't understand why people keep saying he used too much stain. Isn't the amount of stain you add based on how dark you want your colors to be? Just interested, because I have been hoping to try the Nerikomi method soon. Just ordered some Mason stains. Thank you so much!

[@drinklifeup]

I get what you're saying, that in order to be precise you need to remove the fluctuating weight of water in the clay you're measuring. But I don't think he's being that precise, and having a number like 2-10% (with a baseline of 8%) for mixing into wet clay is super helpful for those of us that don't make their own clay from powdered ingredients (i.e. 99% of the people watching these videos).

[@frostychris89]

Looks so awesome, I really want to try this!

[@connorob166]

As usual, great vid :) great job :)

[@stephaniecanniff3786]

OMG I want a hand warmer mug made of that!!!!

[@AnnMalone]

So... when you glaze this beauty would you use a clear glaze so the colours show? Or something else?

[@zeddestroyer]

Omg thank you for making this video I was so wondering how to do this .

[@almamarquez9651]

What Is the name of the powder

[@kay9207-m3y]

Hello, thanks for this informative video. Can I use the same percentage 2-8% for slip too?

[@showyceramics]

Yes hun. I use 5% myself.

[@dungngoc9134]

Do you know what kind of clay they use to make porcelain flowers?

[@lisabowman817]

I think have read that some people use oxides to color their clay. Have you ever done this or are oxides just for making glaze?

[@michelecrisci2542]

What type of respirator do you use?

[@williamshank4572]

Love your videos, great content!

[@christa1041]

Can you use those pigments in an air dry clay?

[@melm7592]

Thanks so much for the help, I've been doing this a bit myself. I've been saving colored slip and scraps, do you have any advice about using the leftovers, or processing it back into clay?

[@zacharybransgrove8924]

Can you use marbled clay when hand building and get the same results?

[@kwlloyd7]

Zachary Bransgrove Hi - You won’t get the same spirals, etc, But you can keep folding & flattening to get gorgeous narrow stripes. And there are lots of different patterns you can achieve: see “Nerikome Jim” and others under Nerikome. Enjoy!

[@chonkymonky6155]

Such a beautiful work❤

[@nicolaswann5456]

That was very informative thank you. I’ll be giving it a go 👍🏻

[@luburlando]

Thank you so much!

[@HayleyPuzoMusic]

can you buy pre mixed clay with color?

[@caronlittle3539]

Can Mica powder be added to firing clay?

[@vulcanswork]

Thank you.

[@s.missizhippiew.1117]

Can I just use play doh lol 😂they make fantastic colors 😂but seriously… are there any ready made colorful clays that I can use in the cone 5 ? I hope you respond 😅jon… thnx 🥂

[@j.gustavsen7571]

Hi couldn't you just add water to the stainpower and then wedge the clay with the water?

[@s.missizhippiew.1117]

I was wondering the same thing… it might be too wet initially but you could dry it out i suppose 🤷‍♀️what do you think? Shall we try it?? 😂 let me know!

[@shirleycirio6897]

Saw the title and thought, "Please wear a mask-Please wear a mask." So Yaaaaaay.

[@katherinehayesrodriguez9683]

That was great, thank you so much!

[@Lanimal78]

Hi Great Video - wish i had watched this one first instead of the other one I found - Maybe add pigment or stain to your title - didn't show up in search. Thanks!