When does shrinkage occur in clay?

• A. When water evaporates from clay
• B. When clay is fired
• C. When glaze is applied
• D. When clay is kneaded

Answer: (D)

Shrinkage happens when the clay loses water and when the fired material densifies. As water evaporates during drying, the porous network contracts, so the piece gets smaller. During firing, particles fuse and the structure becomes more compact, which also causes shrinkage. Applying glaze doesn’t make the clay body shrink; it sits on the surface and can crack if its shrinkage doesn’t match the body. Kneading is a prep step to mix and remove air pockets, helping with uniformity, but it isn’t what causes the clay to shrink.