The Dos and Don’ts of Ceramics and Glazes

Do cover clay with a plastic bag to keep it from drying out Do cover clay with a plastic bag to keep it from drying out.  This applies to works in progress and moist clay. A damp paper towel should be added to the bag if the project will not be touched for two days or more.

Do keep your area clean while you are working and after you are finished. Gather any clay scraps off the floor and clean with water and a sponge. Clay dust can be harmful if you are exposed to it for long periods of time, so you must use a damp sponge to clean areas.

Don’t create appendages sticking out from the main part of the piece that are longer than your thumb or thicker than your thumb. If the piece is longer you can wrap it around the piece. If it is thicker you must hollow it out.

Do use the score and slip method to attach clay to clay Do use the score and slip method to attach clay to clay. This must be done in the moist and/or leather hard stages.

Do wedge clay to remove air bubbles, achieve uniform consistency, and to line up the particles of clay. Clay straight from the bags is rep-wedged but recycled clay will need to be wedged.

Do hollow out sculptural forms and put needle holes from the bottom so air can escape. Trapped air can cause clay to explode. Hollowed out forms dry quicker. Any piece NOT hollowed out will not be fired.

Do handle your project with two hands at all times Do handle your project with two hands at all times.  In other words BE CAREFUL it’s your hard work. Never lift pots by the rim. Don’t HANDLE ANOTHER PERSONS WORK EVEN IF IT LOOKS COOL! You may break it!

Do put your name on the bottom of each piece or you will not receive a grade!

DO NOT LEAVE THE BAG OF CLAY OPEN!!!!!!!!!! WRAP UP THE BAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WRONG! NO, NO, AND NO! CORRECT! YES, YES, AND YES!

DO NOT POKE HOLES IN A BAG OF CLAY!

Do ask BEFORE using any Glazes or Underglazes.

Do glaze a piece only after it has been fired once (bisqueware) Do glaze a piece only after it has been fired once (bisqueware). You cannot put glaze on a Greenware piece.

Do use Underglazes on greenware.

Do wash the clay dust from your piece by running it under water Do wash the clay dust from your piece by running it under water. Wash the bisque piece before you glaze it.

Do use only the brushes that are especially for glazes Do use only the brushes that are especially for glazes. MAKE sure they are washed dried and put away after each use! ALL GLAZE BRUSHES MUST BE WASHED OUT VERY THOUGHTLY!

Do use only “Food Safe” glazes on pieces you plan to eat from, at least on the inside of the piece. Clear glaze is always food safe. Most glazes are marked, if you are unsure ASK!

Do brush on glaze in three thin coats Do brush on glaze in three thin coats. You only need two coats of clear glaze. Do fill the brush with a good amount of glaze and brush it on very quickly. It will dry very fast.

DO NOT GLAZE THE BOTTOM OF YOUR PIECE AND LEAVE A ¼ INCH UNGLAZED RIM AROUND THE BOTTOM.

Do use more than one color of glaze on a piece but DO NOT MIX GLAZES Do use more than one color of glaze on a piece but DO NOT MIX GLAZES. Some colors run more than others.

Do place finished glaze piece in proper area to be fired.