Which term describes adding material to strengthen the clay body and create texture?

• A. Grog
• B. Kneading/Wedging
• C. Score & Slip
• D. Kiln

Answer: (A)

Grog is crushed fired clay or other inert materials mixed into a clay body before shaping. These particles reinforce the clay, helping to reduce shrinkage during drying and firing, curb warping, and increase porosity, which can speed up drying and give the surface a textured, gritty quality. The texture and strength you get depend on the size and amount of grog added.

Kneading or wedging, by contrast, is a process to blend and align the clay’s particles and expel air, not to add new material. Score and slip is a technique for joining separate clay pieces by roughening the surfaces and applying a clay-water mixture. A kiln is the oven used to fire the clay, not an additive.