Leather-hard is the state in which the clay is firm enough to hold its shape, but still contains enough moisture to continue working it. Leather-hard clay is less brittle than when it is completely dry, but also less malleable than when it is fresh.
Leather-hard is key to many decorative techniques, such as sgraffito or carving. It is also the ideal state for joining parts of a piece with slip, as the clay still has enough moisture to fuse properly, to cut, engrave or add detail without the piece losing its structure or becoming deformed.
Interesting Fact
Leather-hard is especially crucial during the trimming process, where final cuts or touch-ups are made on shapes such as the foot of a bowl or the base of a vase. This condition allows precise adjustments to be made without compromising the integrity of the piece, ensuring a clean, professional finish.
Helpful Tip
Working the clay leather-hard requires care. If the piece is too dry, it will be difficult to carve or add detail without cracking. If it is too wet, it will be difficult to maintain precision in decorations or joints. To maintain proper consistency, store the pieces in a humidity-controlled environment and cover them with plastic when not in use.
