A press can be used to mold clay into many different shapes.
There are two different reasons for using clay presses. Firstly, a clay press can be used to remove excess water from the clay, especially when making modeling clay or pottery. The second reason to use a clay press is to mold the clay into any number of shapes, such as sheets and different shapes. These types of clay presses are also called press molds, and they often also dry the clay at the same time as they mold it.
Natural clay is often found near rivers and streams.
There are many types of clay, both natural and industrial. Clay is very versatile and can be used to make any number of items, from sculptures to plates to bricks to jewelry. Along riverbanks and in wetlands, natural clay is often found where dirt and sediment have accumulated over time. The amount of water found in the clay is important in determining its usefulness. Too much water and clay turns to sludge and has no shape, while too little water means the clay will be too dry and crumble instead of sticking together.
It is common for naturally harvested clay to need some of the water removed, particularly if it is taken from a river or stream bed. Using a clay press, the water can be squeezed out of the clay so that it becomes more solid and can be shaped. The more water that is removed, the more solid the clay will become. Bricks can be formed by using a clay press to remove as much water as possible while molding the clay into the correct shape. The bricks are then fired to make them waterproof and retain their shape.
Press molds are used to create clay designs and shapes when making pottery, jewelry, and other arts and crafts items. Typically, these types of clay presses are made from a material that will absorb water from the clay as it takes the desired shape. Gypsum is commonly used to make clay presses as it contains less water than clay. This means that the longer the clay sits in the clay press, the drier it will become. Drying not only helps the clay retain its shape, but also makes it easier to remove from the clay press as it releases from the sides of the mold as it dries.