Adding shredded paper or other cellulose fibers to a clay body drastically increases its green strength and reduces shrinkage. The fibers create an internal capillary matrix that allows wet clay to be attached to dry clay without cracking. During firing, the paper burns out entirely, leaving a lighter, more porous ceramic structure that is ideal for large sculptural work.
Heard on the job
I used paper clay for the armature so I could build the sculpture taller without it collapsing under its own weight.
Also heard as
- paperclay