[claclana]

Hello!
I want to do a big 36" duck to be exposed outside in the garden,
will be done in slab and would like to know if I can go for about 2 inches thick slab, thinking thicker+ stronger .... also,
since would be for outside, I work with cone 04 and wonder if I make it impermeable would withstand the weather (no much frizzing, lots of rain) or is required to go higher cone?

Thank you very much!

[macdoodle]

I'm no expert, but will tell you I was unpleasantly surprised to find algea on -and through- a piece being used outside for a bird bath. It was cone 10 clay fired to cone 6.

I beleive you have to fire it to it's correct cone or it will take on moisture.
you might want to fire a test piece of clay and see if it is fully vitrified at the advertised cone too.

[Lucille Oka]

Obviously this duck is not slated for Buffalo, NY. It is snow central. I suggest using a clay that vitrifies at a high temperature and is impervious to water. A high fire stoneware sent, to the maximum maturation point is a better choice.

[Frederik-W]

A two inch thick duck that size would be a very fat & heavy duck !
I don't think it would be necessary to make it that thick at all.
You will need a big "oven" and a lot of electricity to "cook" it.
Thickness does not necessarily mean a longer life.
Why does it need to last forever anyway?
Let it age and let the moss grow on it, it will be more part of the garden then.

Anyway, post a photo of the duck on the gallery, I would love to see it.
All the best with the big duck.

[Marcia Selsor]

I agree. 2" is too thick. Bigger concern is the correct clay fired to the right temperature. Linda Blossom fired to ^6 for outdoor murals in Ithaca NY and they are fine. Chip Clawsen fires terra cotta to ^01 for outdoors in Montana. Test you clay by doing an absorption test. Your ^04 may need to go a little higher and may be able to do it.
Marcia

[claclana]

Thanks all for your replies!


I will try one inch, as architectural structures I have seeing, and with higher cone to be sure..... I read cone 04 don't vitrify, some experience about this, but will go at least cone 6...
planning to do it in 3-4 pieces and glue with epoxy after cooked.
I will post the photos after so you all can laugh at me : I want to fly high and be sure the wings don't melt or brake (ahahahah)

[Mark C.]

Not sure if these two Laguna clays come in mid range but they both would work for large sculpture
WSO is one the other is BIG WHITE

[claclana]

WSO ?
thanks!