Definition:
Aging (verb) clay gives clay more strength and increases workability and elasticity. It is done by storing moist clay; extra water in the plastic clay is advisable, since the aging process will stiffen the clay. It is always easier to dry out an overly moist clay through wedging than it is to add water.
Several things occur during aging:
- Full water penetration - It takes time for water to get mixed all the way through the tiny particles that make up the clay body. Even after mixing or pugging, a newly-moistened clay body will not have water saturated and present between all the particles.
- Compression - Aging allows the clay platelets to compress, giving the clay more strength. (A thorough run through a de-airing pugmill also compresses the clay bodies and adds strength.)
- Souring - Bacteria in the clay have a chance to break down all organic material. This thereby releases amino acids which act as flocculants, causing the particles to become attracted to one another. (The opposite of deflocculation.)
Also Known As: souring
Examples:
When the clay smells like a swamp, it has probably aged enough.
When mixed from dry ingredients, aging clay at least two to four weeks will greatly increase its workability.