Ceramic clay can be stored either dry or moist. If it is stored in damp conditions, it should be kept in an airtight sealed bag, preferably in a closed box. On the other hand, if the clay is stored dry, it should be stored in airtight conditions to keep out moisture.

Most artists prefer to keep their clay in a humid environment, so let's take a look at the following tips on how to store wet clay.

1- Choose the Right Place

It is important to choose a place to store your clay. If possible, you should keep your clay in a cool place out of direct sunlight.

2- Avoid Excessive Heat and Light

You can make your ceramics near a large window or in a conservatory with plenty of light, but avoid keeping your clay on the windowsill if the room gets a lot of sun. It is better to store your clay in a room or cupboard where sunlight does not directly affect it.

clay loses moisture over time, even if it is protected in a thick plastic bag. If your clay is stored in a warm place, the loss of moisture can accelerate even more. Therefore, you may want to store your clay in a different area while you work.

3- Avoid Extreme Cold

The water content of workable pottery clay is approximately 20 per cent. If the temperature in the storage area drops below 0°C, the clay freezes.

Frozen clay can still be used, but it may be necessary to allow it to thaw slowly and compact it well before use. When the clay freezes, ice crystals force the clay particles apart, which causes the clay to have a funny hardness and a wobbly consistency when thawed. In addition, the slurry may develop crevices or voids that need to be compacted before use.

You can keep a heater switched on in your pottery making area so that the temperature does not drop below freezing, or you can move your clay to a warmer place when it cools down.

However, when you open the mouth of the sack, the drying process will accelerate as air will fill in quickly. 

Here are some ways to slow down this process as much as possible; 

Close your clay sack tightly.

After using your clay , release as much air as possible from the sack and close it tightly again.

You can close the mouth of your sack tightly with the help of plastic clamps etc.

Clay storage bags.

In addition to the sack your clay comes in, you can also put your clay in another plastic bag, thus minimising moisture loss. 
You can choose transparent/semi-transparent bags so that you can see which clay is in the bag more easily. This way you do not have to open your sack to check it every time.

Storage containers for storing your clay.

If you live in a temperate region with an average temperature, it should be sufficient to store your clay in its own sack and a plastic bag. 
However, if the climate where you live can change frequently, it may be a good idea to put your clay in a storage container with a lid. 
Placing your clay in a storage container after placing it in the bag will help you to check the conditions in which the clay is stored.
Your storage container should ideally be sturdy, have a lid and be transparent/semi-transparent so that you can see your clay inside. Also, placing a dish of water in the container will moisten the air inside the container and help to prevent the clay from drying out.

Slicing and Skewering Method

Cut your clay into slices and spray water between each slice. Put the slices together like bread and close the bag again. After 24 hours, the moisture in the clay will have equalised. This method helps to spread the moisture into the clay homogenously. However, do not forget to knead your clay well before using it because you have sliced it.

Lightly wet an old towel and place the clay block on the towel. Wrap the towel around the clay and then put the clay and towel back in the bag. Overnight the clay will absorb moisture and soften in the towel. Using this technique, you can prepare slices of clay in quantities that you will use the next day and re-moisten your clay as needed by placing these slices in the bag in a wet cloth.

Drilling Holes to Add Water to Clay

Another way to revitalise your clay is to make holes in the clay and pour water into these holes. After pouring the water, close the bag and leave it in the clay for a while. After the water has been absorbed, knead the clay well to remove air bubbles and improve the consistency of the clay.

Skewering and Reclosing the Pouch

One of the simplest methods is to sprinkle some water into the bag and then close it again. Leave it overnight and the next morning the clay will have come to life. But beware, if you add too much water, the bottom of the clay may become too watery to use. In this case, you should knead the clay to remove excess moisture.

With these practical tips, you can easily revive your drying clay and continue your art. Remember, you can prevent such problems by checking your clay regularly. Discover your creativity!

1. Storage of Damp Clay Plates:

Clay plates dry quickly, so it is important to keep them moist. Cover small Clay plates with a layer of saran wrap and then place this covered plate in another plastic bag to prevent it from drying out.

If you have more than one plate, you can store them in a pile. To do this:

- Wrap a plate between plastic sheets.
- Place a piece of plywood over the plate.
- Wrap another plate between the plastic sheets and place it on top of the plywood.
- Repeat this process to create a stack of plates and cover it with a sheet of plastic to keep it completely moist.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages of Damp Clay:

The storage of damp clay has advantages and disadvantages:

 Advantages:

- Your clay is ready to use immediately when you need it.
- Over time, the clay becomes more plastic and workable as it remains moist.

Disadvantages:

- To keep your moist slurry in usable condition, you need to check it regularly.
- If you live in a place with climate changes, it may be necessary to store your clay in different places.
- Damp clay can become mouldy over time.

3. Dealing with Mouldy clay:

Don't worry if you find mould in your clay , this is normal. Here are a few options you can take in this case:

- If there is a little mould, you can just cut it off and use your clay as normal.
- Alternatively, you can knead the mould into the clay. Many potters state that the mould in the clay helps to make the clay more plastic and easier to handle.

4. Storage of Dried Clay:

It is also possible to store your clay in a dried form, and this has its advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages:

- There is no need to manage moisture levels as it requires less maintenance.
- There is no need to worry about your dry clay getting too hot or cold.
- It can be stored for long periods with little or no care.

Disadvantages:

- You have to prepare your clay when you want to use it, which means hydrating and kneading your clay, so it is less practical than damp clay.
- If you store your clay in powder form, you must make sure that it does not come into contact with moisture.

Preparation for Storage of Clay in Dry Form:

- Cut your damp clay block into small pieces.
- Allow the clay slices to dry completely.
- Put the clay slices in a tight container.
- Store the dried clay slices in a closed container.

Using Clay Stored in Dry Form:

- When you want to use your dry clay, remove as many slices as you need from the container.
- Put the dry slices in a bucket and cover them with water.
- Allow the dry clay to dissolve in the water.
- Stir the clay until the clay has the consistency of slurry.
- Pour the clay onto a smooth plasterboard.
- Knead the clay to get rid of air pockets in the clay and give it an even consistency.

5. Storage of powdered Clay:

clay is sold in powder form and some important points about it are the following:

- clay is easy to store if delivered in sealed plastic containers.
- Large quantities of slurry are sometimes packed in durable paper bags. It is important to store such clay bags in a dry environment so that they do not absorb moisture and harden.
- Alternatively, you can transfer your dry powdered clay into sealed plastic containers.

6. Don't Store Your Clay Outside:

If you have a large amount of clay and do not have enough space to store it inside, you can keep your clay outside. However, there are some precautions you need to take for this:

- Place your clay on wooden pallets so that they do not sink into the clay.
- Cover the clay bags with tarpaulin, in summer it is a good idea to use a tarpaulin that reflects heat.
- In winter, use a frost-resistant blanket to protect your clay.

- Keep your clay in a shady area if possible, ideally under a storage shed.

 7. Keeping Clay Projects:

If you are working on a Clay project and want to store it for a while, here are some tips for you:

- Store your clay project on a baking board or potting bench so it is easy to move.
- Put the project on a plastic pottery stand or board. Wooden boards absorb moisture, while plastic helps retain moisture.
- If there will be a few days between sessions, it is a good idea to cover the details and edges with plastic wrap.
- In addition to wrapping the details and edges, cover them completely with a plastic sheet. Tuck the sheet under the edges of the board on which it sits.

8. Do Not Use a Damp Box:

A great way to store your clay projects is to use a ‘damp box’. An easy way to make a damp box is to pour a 5 centimetre layer of plaster into the bottom of a plastic storage container. Allow the plaster to dry. Once the plaster has set, pour water over it and let it soak into the plaster. Put your parts on the damp plaster and then put a lid on the box. The damp plaster will keep your project moist.