Helpful Hints on Clay Storage

Helpful Hints on Clay Storage

It is best to store your clay in tightly sealed bags to preserve the moisture content of the clay. Ideally, you will want to store your clay in a dark and cool environment. In cold climates, avoid allowing clay to reach freezing temperatures. Remember to monitor your clay, checking on it every now and then to make sure it is not drying out. For general moisture maintenance, a spray of water from a spray bottle can assist in retaining hydration.

To store large amounts of clay, line the inside of a metal or plastic container with a large plastic garbage bag and keep it closed under a lid. When you get to the bottom of the container simply turn the garbage bag inside out to remove the last pieces of clay.

To revive clay that seems to be getting too hard, wet a towel, place it on your clay and seal it inside the plastic bag. After a few days remember to remove the towel and you will find that your clay has absorbed much of the moisture.

Another great way to rehydrate clay is to use the end of a brush to poke holes almost all the way into the clay and then fill the holes with water and seal it inside the plastic bag. After a day or two, simply wedge the clay up.

Alternatively, cut your clay into slices with a wire clay cutter, soak them in water in the plastic bag and then as always, wedge your clay!

Once you've used part of a bag of clay, you may notice dried pieces will form and flake into your existing moist clay. One little tip to avoid those dried clay pieces from forming altogether is to take your clay and place it into a cloth bag and then put that bag inside the plastic one. This works particularly well for short-term storage.

If your clay ever becomes unworkable, do not throw it away! Start by chopping the clay into smaller pieces, allow it to dry completely and then reclaim it.

Xiem makes these Clay Bag Ties that can be re-used over and over again and will keep your clay sealed air tight! If  you are storing large amounts of clay, we've got you covered with the Portable Clay Storage Cart with Lid. Discover more clay storage tools on our site. 



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