The first step to cleaning natural clay is to break it into small pieces and pick out as much of the debris as you can. You next want to lay it in the sun to dry. Once it is completely dry you can see more debris that you need to remove. After you have removed all that you can you will need to cover the cal with plastic wrap and smash it into powder like bits with a hammer or similar object. You will then run it through a fine screen It is a good idea to use a respirator while you are passing the clay through the screen as it is dusty work. More debris, such as rocks and twigs will be removed during the screening process. After screening all the clay you will want to put it in a bucket and fill with water. This will cause and fine particles of debris to rise to the surface for easy removal You then lay out your clay on plaster bats and allow the plaster to absorb the moisture, as well as allowing it to evaporate from the surface, leaving you with nice workable clay. |
