Leather-hard is a term used in ceramics to describe the stage in the drying process of clay when it has lost most of its moisture content but still retains some plasticity. At this stage, the clay has shrunk to its final size and is firm enough to handle without deformation, yet soft enough to be carved, trimmed, or joined to other pieces. The leather-hard stage is crucial in the ceramic process, as it allows the potter to refine the shape and surface of the piece before it becomes too brittle to work with. During this stage, the clay body is typically cool to the touch and has a slightly darker color compared to dry clay. Potters often use tools like loop tools, ribs, and sponges to smooth, shape, and add details to the surface of the clay while it is leather-hard. Once the desired form and surface treatment is achieved, the piece is left to dry completely before it undergoes the bisque firing process, which further hardens and strengthens the clay body.
ceramics, pottery, clay, drying, sculpting
CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Leather-hard.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=434089 (Accessed on June 07, 2025)"
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