How to Make Colored Clay Using Cobalt

Making clay with cobalt.

Cobalt is a color similar to indigo but lighter. It is a bright hue that stands out from other dyes. Cobalt has been used for centuries to color fabric, wood, and pottery. It was used to dye strands of fiber to be woven into rugs. The use of the color cobalt adds a lot of beauty to otherwise plain clay. Cobalt is also a transition metal. It can be used to change clay into a blue or green hued ceramic or glass.

Things You'll Need

• Clay
• Powdered cobalt
• Kiln

Instructions

1. 

   Mixing the cobalt.

   Mix the clay with the cobalt using firm but gentle pressure. Use only a little of the cobalt, because it goes a long way. Mix well to make sure it is evenly distributed.

2. 

   Shaping the cobalt clay.

   Shape into the desired shape. Make an assortment of things from the cobalt clay as it will be quite beautiful when baked.

3. 

   Baking the clay.

   Place the shaped clay into a kiln. Bake it there until it turns glassy and with a wonderful glossy deep blue hue. Remove from kiln after baking it for about 15 minutes and letting it cool down. Look at the blue cobalt shade it will range from deepest indigo to a lighter shade but always blue.

Tips & Warnings

• Cobalt is a form of metal. It can be added as a powder or in small chips. It can also be used a a paint to create a less glassy result.

• Do not go near the kiln when it is baking. It reaches very high temperatures.

References

• Clayworld; Moist Clays, Ceramic Slips, Kilns, Clay Accessories; 2008