Description

B17C Stoneware Grogged Clay by Valentine Clays

Elevate your ceramic artistry with **B17CG Stoneware Grogged Clay**, the enhanced iteration of Valentine Clays’ best-selling B17C Stoneware. Crafted meticulously in the heart of the Staffordshire Potteries, this premium clay body blends selected low-iron clays to deliver a pale buff, off-white fired finish—providing an impeccably neutral canvas for your most vibrant glazes, underglazes, and decorative techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or an emerging creator, B17CG combines exceptional plasticity with reinforced durability, making it a versatile staple for professional studios and hobbyist workshops alike.

 Key Features and Benefits

– Enhanced Strength with Dust-Free Grog: Unlike standard stoneware, B17CG incorporates a precisely mesh-graded, dust-free grog additive. This innovative refinement boosts the clay’s structural integrity, reducing cracking and warping during drying and firing—ideal for ambitious, large-scale projects or intricate forms that demand resilience without compromising workability.

– Superior Workability for All Techniques: Renowned for its smooth yet textured feel (rated 6/10 on the texture scale, where 1 is ultra-smooth and 10 is coarse), B17CG excels in wheel throwing, hand-building, modelling, and even slip casting (using the B17C base recipe as a foundation). Its silica sand infusion ensures effortless centering on the wheel and sharp detailing by hand, while the grog provides subtle tooth for better grip during slab rolling or coiling.

– Firing Versatility: Fire to perfection in oxidation or reduction atmospheres within a broad cone-equivalent range of 1120°C to 1280°C (approximately cone 04–10). It matures to a consistent, pale stoneware hue that’s forgiving for beginners yet reliable for high-fire experimentation. Expect minimal shrinkage (typically 8–12% linear contraction at peak temperatures) and a robust, non-vitreous body that holds up to thermal shock.

– Eco-Conscious and User-Friendly: Sourced from sustainable, low-iron materials, B17CG is free from harmful dust emissions during preparation, prioritizing your health and studio cleanliness. It’s also highly recyclable—reclaim scraps with ease for zero-waste workflows.

Technical Specifications
| Property | Details |
|———————–|———————————-|
| Composition | Blend of low-iron clays + mesh-graded, dust-free grog + silica sand |
| Texture Rating | 6 (moderately grogged for balanced grip) |
| Fired Colour | Pale buff/off-white |
| Firing Range | 1120°C – 1280°C (oxidation/reduction) |
| Shrinkage | ~8–12% (at 1200°C) |
| Water Absorption | Low (stoneware maturity) |
| Available Sizes | 1kg samples, 12.5kg bags, bulk (25kg+) |
| Storage | Keep sealed in a cool, dry environment; shelf life up to 2 years |

Priced affordably for everyday use, B17CG embodies Valentine Clays’ commitment to quality since 1865—trusted by potters worldwide for its predictable performance and artistic freedom. Whether sculpting bold architectural pieces or delicate functional ware, this grogged stoneware empowers your vision with strength, subtlety, and style. Order yours today and transform your clay into timeless ceramics!