Reclaiming Clay

A studio practice in care, patience, and continuity

In a working pottery studio, clay is never really finished. It moves through many states. Wet, leather hard, bone dry, slaked down, wedged again. Reclaiming clay is how we honour that cycle. How we honour that we are working with the earth.

At Clay Hands, reclaiming is not an optional extra or a last resort. It is part of how the studio functions, how we reduce waste, and how we learn to work with material rather than rushing past it. We like the students to be incorporated in that process because it not only helps with the heavy lifting of the clay reclaim but it also is a great process for practicing mindful making, and its empowering to know how to do this important part of the craft.

This post walks through how we reclaim clay in the studio, and why we do it this way. Or watch the video here:

Why reclaim at all?

Clay is generous, but it is not infinite. Reclaiming teaches us to slow down, pay attention, and develop a feel for material over time. It also keeps our shared studio running smoothly. When reclaim is done well, it saves money, reduces strain on the recycling system, and results in beautifully workable clay.

When reclaim is rushed or careless, it creates contamination, inconsistency, and frustration for everyone who comes after.

Reclaiming is a shared responsibility.

Step one: collecting clay scraps

Its best if the clay is broken into small pieces so that it absorbs the water better. So if you decide you don't like a piece and need to re-wet the clay you can break it up into 'thumb size' pieces.

NOTE: Not all clay scraps are the same, and they should not all end up in the same bucket.

In the studio, we separate scraps based on their condition and cleanliness.

Clean, uncontaminated clay scraps can be reclaimed. This includes trimmings, offcuts, and failed pieces that have not been glazed and have not picked up debris.

Clay that contains glaze, plaster, sponges, metal, wood, or unknown materials should never go into reclaim. Even a small amount of contamination can damage tools, ruin work, or cause firing issues later.

When in doubt, ask. Or keep it out.

Step two: letting the clay slake down

Slaking is the process of allowing dry (or leather hard) clay to slowly absorb water and break back down into a smooth slurry.

Dry clay scraps are placed in a bucket and covered with water. No mixing is needed at first. Time does the work here.

This stage rewards patience. Clay that is rushed, forced, or aggressively stirred too early often traps dry pockets and air. Letting it slake naturally creates a more even consistency and a better final clay body.

Once fully slaked (usually in the following session a week or two later), the clay can be gently mixed to remove lumps and even things out.

Step three: drying on plaster bats

Once the clay has reached a thick, yoghurt-like consistency, it is ready to be poured or scooped onto plaster bats.

Plaster draws moisture out of the clay evenly and slowly. This is why we use it. But at home you could use a towel, wooden board or even concrete. Plaster will dry it more evenly but any porous surface works.

The clay is spread out into a flat thick pancake and left to rest. For how long? This is up to the weather and amount of clay, so keep checking in on it every 10 mins or so. Once its firm enough to lift you can flip it over for the other side to air a bit.

As the plaster does its work, the clay firms up to a soft, workable state that is ready for wedging.

Step four: splicing

Using a wire cutter, we cut the clay up into pieces to simulate a 'pugmill'. This chops up any last uneven bits so that they can amalgamate more evenly when we get to the wedging step. One can find a nice rhythm with this > cut - stack - cut - stack and so on. Having a secured wire helps, you'll find one pinned to the wedging table on our hand building side.

Step five: wedging and returning the clay to use

When the clay holds its shape but is still soft, it is removed from the plaster and wedged.

Wedging aligns the clay particles, evens out moisture, and removes air. This step matters. Skipping it leads to cracking, warping, and weak forms. See our vide on the rams head method here:

This is the quiet moment where scraps become possibility again.

A shared studio mindset

Reclaiming clay well is an act of care for the space and the people in it. Every bucket you sort properly, every piece you keep clean, every moment you allow the clay to rest makes the studio work better for everyone :)

Clay remembers how it has been treated. When we slow down and do this process properly, it shows up later in stronger forms, smoother surfaces, and fewer frustrations. And its just so cool to think that you're flops and scraps can become a whole new thing through this process!

Reclaiming is not a shortcut. It is part of learning to listen.