How Do You Use Magic Water For Pottery?

Table of Contents

What is Magic Water?

Magic water is a liquid solution that is commonly used by potters and ceramic artists when joining two pieces of clay together. It helps create strong bonds between clay pieces so they don’t crack or break apart during the drying and firing process.

The origins of magic water date back centuries in the history of pottery making. Ancient potters discovered that certain liquid solutions helped joins adhere better than just using water or slip alone. They began experimenting with various natural ingredients like plant saps, animal glues, and other binding agents.

Modern magic water recipes still utilize natural ingredients like gum arabic, cornstarch, vinegar, and glycerin. But the main active chemical in magic water is sodium silicate, also known as water glass. Sodium silicate is a compound made of silica and soda ash that increases the strength and hardness of clay pieces.[https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ceramic-recipes/recipe/magic-water-cfe7d44a-43e2-4e91-b04c-dfede6f8adcf]

Why Use Magic Water for Pottery?

Magic water is primarily used by potters to increase the plasticity and workability of clay. Adding magic water to clay bodies makes the clay more malleable and less prone to cracking and breaking during throwing, handbuilding, sculpting, and smoothing processes. The key benefits of using magic water include:

Improves Workability of Clay: Magic water allows clay particles to slide over one another more easily. This makes the clay more plastic and workable.¹

Increases Plasticity: Magic water increases the clay’s plasticity, allowing it to stretch further without cracking or tearing.²

Prevents Cracking and Breakage: By increasing plasticity, magic water helps prevent cracks from forming while working with clay. It also allows repaired cracks and attachments to dry more evenly and strongly.³

Aids Even Drying: Magic water promotes gradual and even drying due to the humectants it contains. This prevents uneven shrinkage and cracks.

How to Make Your Own Magic Water

Making your own magic water is easy with just a few ingredients. The classic magic water recipe contains just water, sodium silicate, and sodium carbonate (soda ash).

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

1 gallon of water (Amazon)
3 tablespoons of liquid sodium silicate (Amazon)
1 1⁄2 teaspoons of soda ash (Amazon)

To make the magic water:

Pour 1 gallon of water into a large container.
Add the soda ash and stir until fully dissolved.
Slowly stir in the sodium silicate until fully incorporated.

This will create 1 gallon of magic water that’s ready to use. The solution can be stored in a sealed container for up to 6 months. Shake or stir before each use to ensure the ingredients are fully mixed.

When to Apply Magic Water

Magic water can be applied at several stages during the pottery making process for beneficial effects:

During wedging/kneading – Applying a small amount of magic water while wedging clay can improve its plasticity and make it smoother and easier to work with. Kneading a sprinkle of magic water into stiff, crumbly clay brings it to a better consistency. https://thepotterywheel.com/magic-water-for-pottery/

While throwing on the wheel – Magic water is useful for throwing thinner walls and taller forms without slumping or cracking. Periodically wetting hands and clay with it prevents sticking and makes centering easier. Dip your cutting wire in magic water to slice smooth edges. https://potterymakinginfo.com/magic-water-recipe-for-pottery/

During assembly of parts – Brush magic water onto attachment points before joining pieces together. It acts as an adhesive and strengthens joints. Let assembled pieces sit 10-15 minutes before handling further.

During smoothing/joining – Use a magic water-soaked sponge to smooth cracks, seams, and imperfections. The water will fill in gaps. Be sure the area is scored first for the best bond. Magic water also allows re-joining cracked sections if applied quickly.

How Much Magic Water to Use

The amount of magic water to use depends on the clay body you are working with. Each clay has a different porosity and absorbs water at different rates. It’s best to start with small amounts of magic water and test it out before applying it liberally.

For porous, open clays like red earthenware, a dilution of 1 part magic water to 10 parts water is a good starting point. For tighter clays like porcelain and stoneware, you may need a dilution of 1 part magic water to 5 parts water. The magic water solution should be brushable but not runny.

Typical usage rates are:

1-5% for joining pieces
10-15% for repairing cracks and holes
5-20% for adhering textures

Remember to test small areas first before applying magic water liberally across your piece. Too much can make the clay sticky and slow to dry. It’s always better to start with less magic water and build up as needed.¹

Applying Magic Water

There are a few methods for applying magic water evenly to ensure maximum strength without oversaturation. Many potters recommend using a spray bottle to mist a light coating over score marks or joins. Spraying allows an even, controlled application without excess dripping or puddling. Hold the spray bottle 6-10 inches from the surface and apply 2-3 light coats, allowing each coat to soak in slightly before the next application. Make sure the entire scored area is saturated but avoid spraying heavily in one spot, as too much liquid can weaken clay. ¹

Brushing magic water on with a small brush is another option, though it can be messier. Use a soft brush and light pressure, brushing back and forth to saturate the clay without overloading any areas. Let the magic water soak in fully before adding more. When brushing onto vertical joins or attachments, work from the bottom up to avoid excess dripping. Let joins sit 1-2 minutes between applications so the magic water has time to penetrate the clay body for maximum strength. ²

Magic Water Alternatives

While magic water is a popular additive for potters, there are other options you can use instead:

Vinegar is a common household item that can be used similarly to magic water. White distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well. Add a few tablespoons to water to create a mix to brush on scored clay edges before joining. The acetic acid in vinegar can help form strong clay bonds.

There are also commercial clay products available as alternatives to homemade magic water:

Amaco Marble Magic is a liquid clay additive that contains vinegar and carboxymethyl cellulose. It helps bond moist clay and reduces cracking and drying stress.
Continental Clay Slip Juice is made from bentonite clay and vinegar and serves a similar slip-like purpose as magic water.
Laguna has their own Magic Water product made with clay, silica, and propylene glycol.

These commercial options may offer more convenience than mixing up magic water yourself. But homemade magic water can be very affordable to make.

Tips for Best Results

Proper storage and monitoring the shelf life of magic water is important for getting the best results. Magic water lasts 1-2 weeks according to https://potterymakinginfo.com/magic-water-recipe-for-pottery/. Keep magic water refrigerated and in an airtight container. Check for signs of mold or spoilage before use. Magic water stored for too long may not bond pieces as effectively.

The recipe for magic water may need adjusting based on your local climate. More clay powder or paper fiber may help magic water adhere better in drier climates. Reduce the amount of paper fiber or clay in humid climates so the magic water doesn’t remain tacky on the clay surface. Test small batches first to find the ideal recipe for your environment.

If magic water is not bonding clay pieces properly, check that the clay surfaces are scored, the magic water is fresh, and pieces are firmly pressed together. Letting the magic water absorb for a few minutes before joining can improve results. If tackiness persists, reduce the paper fiber in the recipe. For cracks reappearing after repair, increase paper fiber amount and ensure even application over crack.

Magic Water in Different Clay Bodies

Magic water can be used with all types of clays, but may produce somewhat different results depending on the clay body. Here’s an overview of using magic water with common clay types:

Porcelain

Magic water bonds porcelain extremely well. The high kaolin content in porcelain results in a smooth, plastic clay that readily absorbs the silica in magic water (https://thepotterywheel.com/magic-water-for-pottery/). This allows magic water to penetrate the clay body and create very strong seals and bonds. Magic water can help prevent cracking and flaws when joining porcelain pieces.

Stoneware

The precise composition of stoneware clay bodies varies, but in general magic water performs well with stoneware. The mineral content of stoneware provides surfaces that grip together tightly when bonded with magic water (https://www.lakesidepottery.com/HTML%20Text/Tips/pottery-magic-mud-magic-water-paper-clay.htm). Magic water is commonly used to attach handles, spouts, and other appendages to stoneware pots and vessels.

Earthenware

Earthenware clays contain more impurities than porcelain or stoneware. This can make it slightly more difficult for magic water to fully penetrate the clay surface. However, magic water still creates very durable bonds with earthenware. Multiple applications of magic water may help strengthen connections of earthenware pieces. Allow plenty of drying time between coats (https://potterymakinginfo.com/magic-water-recipe-for-pottery/).

Terracotta

The high iron content in terracotta clay produces red tones when fired. It also results in a more porous body. Magic water soaks well into terracotta, producing strong seals. Since terracotta is prone to cracking, magic water is highly recommended when joining terracotta components.

Safety Considerations

When working with magic water, it’s important to take proper safety precautions. Magic water contains sodium silicate which can be irritating to the skin and eyes if there is prolonged contact. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling magic water.

Avoid getting magic water on your skin or clothing. If skin contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. For eye contact, flush eyes with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Clean up any magic water spills immediately.

Make sure to store magic water properly in clearly labeled, airtight containers out of reach of children and pets. Do not transfer to food or drink containers.

With cautious handling and storage, magic water can be used safely. But be sure to avoid skin and eye contact and clean up spills right away. Taking basic safety measures will allow you to harness the bonding power of magic water while potting.

Sources:
https://thepotterywheel.com/magic-water-for-pottery/
https://potterymakinginfo.com/magic-water-recipe-for-pottery/