Magic Water is a simple, easy to make solution that will improve the bond when you attach one piece of clay to another. Perfect for making pottery with coils, slabs, or handles.
How to Make Magic Water for Pottery
Make magic water for pottery with 3 simple ingredients in a few minutes. This video shows a recipe and how to combine the ingredients to make your own magic water.
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Combine three simple ingredients to make Magic Water which will make it easy to join pieces of moist clay together when you are making pottery.
Find a Recipe for Magic Water
There are a few variations for magic water recipes.
The original seems to be:
1 gallon of water (Amazon)
3 Tbsp Sodium Silicate (Amazon)
1.5 tsp Soda Ash (Amazon).
Prepare the Ingredients and Materials
If you are mixing a full gallon, use a gallon of distilled water in a plastic jug. Then you can add the other two ingredients to the water. Get some measuring spoons, preferably a 1/2 teaspoon and a Tablespoon. If you are mixing an amount smaller than a gallon, use a liquid measuring cup and find an air tight plastic container to store the magic water.
Mix the Ingredients
If needed, measure the water and add it to the plastic storage container. If making a whole gallon, add the other two ingredients to the water in the gallon jug. Put the lid on and shake vigorously for a few seconds. Your magic water is ready for use.
Use Magic Water while Making Pottery!
To use magic water while making pottery, pour some in a small container. Sponge or brush it onto the two parts of clay that you will join together. Press the two parts together firmly. Use a sponge or brush that is damp with magic water to smooth the seams.
You can also mix some dry clay into the magic water to a glue or paste consistency. This will make it easier to keep the liquid from dripping or running all over.
This magic water slip can be used with the traditional score and slip technique. You may even be able to use straight magic water after you score the surfaces to be joined.
Supply:
- Water
- Sodium Silicate
- Soda Ash
Tools:
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Plastic Container
How do YOU Join Clay?
There are so many ways to join clay. Coils, slabs, sprigs, and handles to name a few. What way have to found to join clay with the clay and techniques that you use?
Do you have a special technique that you prefer? Do you mix up your own secret recipe to create a pottery glue? Do you focus more on drying the joined pieces evenly? Share a comment below!
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