Ingredients

Ingredient Amount
om4-ball-clay-(in-pounds) 12.00
water-(in-gallons) 3.00
Add Amount
sodium-silicate-(in-tablespoons) 3.00

Instructions

Mix dry materials with water and then slowly add the sodium silicate. Blunge thoroughly using a propeller mixer and set aside for 24 hours. The next day you should notice three distinct layers. Siphon off the middle layer into a separate container. This is your terra sigillata. It should feel very creamy and smooth. Discard or add remaining clay material to reclaim. 

This is a good white base that you can add stains to. I typically add 1–2 tablespoons of Mason stain per 2 cups of terra sigillata.

This recipe was shared by Jeffrey Lipton in the November 2023 issue of Ceramics Monthly.