ARMADILLO CLAY & SUPPLIES

Clay and water in a liquid suspension, where the maximum amount of clay particles are  
suspended in the minimum amount of water while remaining sufficiently liquid to pour
into a plaster mold.

Many factors can affect slip such as changes in temperature (NEVER LET SLIP FREEZE), water quality, humidity, even how the slip is stored.  Any commercially bought slip should be checked from time to time for quality and screened before each use.

POURING TIPS:
1) Dry molds work best. Check inside of molds for damage and clean casting surface with a soft   
    brush.  Mold straps or mold rubber bands are used to hold mold parts together.
2) Mix slip well without introducing air bubbles.  Strain slip through a rust proof sieve to check for
    debris and to help remove any air bubbles.
3) Fill mold to the very top in one quick continuous pour.  Keep mold full until you are ready to
    drain.  Plaster molds absorb water from slip causing a 'clay skin' to form against the plaster 
    surface.   The dryness of the mold and the size of the form will determine the amount of time
    it takes for the skin to develop to its proper thickness.  Generally 3/16' is the average thickness   
    for small to medium forms, larger forms may need thicker walls.  Weather conditions do affect
    the casting process, with water adsorption being slowed on cooler damp days
4) Drain mold in one fluid pour from one side to avoid forms from collapsing.  Leave mold inverted at
    a slight angle for several minutes to completely drain.  Turn mold upright and trim off excess clay
    on the top of the mold using a mold knife.  Clay will continue to shrink and will pull away from
    mold walls aiding in removal. 
5) Remove from mold, allow to stiffen and trim cast item. Allow to dry slowly.

TESTING SLIP:
The best tool for checking the condition of slip is the hydrometer.  This is an easy to read tool that will help you keep your slip in prime casting condition.  The hydrometer reading for slip should range from 1.76 - 1.74.  Remember, the thicker the slip the less the hydrometer will settle into the slip and in thinner slip it will sink lower.
USING A HYDROMETER:
The surface of the hydrometer must be totally clean and dry before each use.  The container used must be half a length longer than your hydrometer to allow it to float freely.  Slowly lower the hydrometer into the slip, keeping it straight up and down. NEVER drop a hydrometer into the test container as it may shatter if it hit bottom.  Let the instrument settle and take a reading from the side.  Clean the hydrometer after each use.
THINNING SLIP:
Never thin slip by adding water, this can cause cracking and may produce weak castings.  Slip should be thinned by making a solution of 50% water and 50% sodium silicate.  Allow this solution to sit overnight and add 1/8oz. of the solution for every gallon of slip to be thinned.

WHITE CASTING SLIP : CONE 06-04 (1828°F - 1945°F) :

*Slip buckets have a $9.00 deposit that is refundable before one year. Empty buckets
will be exchanged with full buckets. Dirty buckets will be charged a $.25 cleaning fee.

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TERRA COTTA CASTING SLIP : CONE 06-04 (1828°F - 1945°F):

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AMACO No. 1 PORCELAIN CASTING SLIP : CONE 5* (2205°F):