#6 Tile Clay is commonly used multipurpose kaolin. This material is chosen because it is relatively inexpensive option of kaolin and produces a gray white color when fired. While this kaolin is plastic, it does not have the same level of plasticity as EPK. The full bag from the manufacturer is a 50# bag; white bag, red text labeled on side.

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10.27.23 - Please note: we had heard reports of recent loads of EPK showing black specks in the firing. We tested the batch we received last month and found no black specks or any other contaminants. E.P.K. stands for Edgar Plastic Kaolin, and is a kaolin mined in Edgar, Florida. This material fires white and is loved for its stickiness when wet and thixotropic properties. 15-20% will make a glaze slurry gel and allow bisque ware to be dipped in the glaze. While this material is good for casting, it does not have enough plasticity to be good for throwing clay bodies on its own. In that case, more plastic kaolins or a plasticizer can be added to the body.  Information gathered from Digitalfire Ceramic Materials Database. 50# bag; brown bag, black text EPK Pulverized Kaolin

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Grolleg is a blended English kaolin typically used for making translucent porcelain clay bodies. The material has a low shrinkage rate and fires to a blue/white color. It has moderate plasticity and a low titania and high flux content. A glaze or clay body will almost always specify Grolleg if Grolleg is necessary. If it just says china clay or kaolin, other kaolins are a more cost-effective option. Information gathered from Digitalfire Ceramic Materials Database. 55# bag; white bag, blue text Imerys Quality China Clay

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Helmer Kaolin is mined in Helmer, Idaho from a kaolin deposit found there. The most common use for this kaolin is for wood firing because of its amazing flashing properties. Information gathered from Digitalfire Ceramic Materials Database. 50# bag; brown bag, no text

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OptiKast is a coarse grained kaolin. It's primary use is in casting slips because of it's fast casting and deflocculation properties, which also make it useful in pressure casting systems. Optikast is the recommended substitute for Velvacast kaolin. Information gathered from Digitalfire Ceramic Materials Database.

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New Zealand Kaolin is considered to be the whitest kaolin sold globally. In porcealin bodies, it fires whiter and more translucent than bodies made with grolleg. However, it is a less plastic material and makes a less vitreous clay body than grolleg. In glazes, New Zealand Kaolin will suspend and dry harden slurries. It produces very clear glazes because of chemical composition. This material is very sticky in clay bodies and glazes. In glazes, it is important to sieve the slurry made with NZK to properly disperse the clumps of material that will be made. Information gathered from Digitalfire Ceramic Materials Database.

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