21 Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Making Pottery Every Potter Should Know
Creating pottery is not just an art form but a science that involves timing, and a basic understanding of materials. With all the effort and hours poured into each unique piece, ensuring every pot, plate, or decorative piece turns out just the way you wanted it to.
In this guide, I’ll dive into 21 essential do’s and don’ts for making pottery to help you avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re shaping your first cup or refining a complex piece, these tips will provide valuable insights to help ensure the best possible outcome for the pottery you have created.
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1 Do Document Your Process
Documenting your pottery process is a game-changer! Have you ever looked at a piece of pottery months after creating it, trying to remember the exact measurements, clay, or glazes you used? I sure have. That’s where the magic of keeping a pottery journal comes into play.
Whether you’re working on a single piece or managing a whole batch, jotting down the details can make a huge difference. It’s easy to think, “Oh, I’ll remember this,” especially when you’re in the zone, hands covered in clay, your mind buzzing with creative energy. But let’s face it, when you’re using different clays, glazes, and even firing schedules, keeping all that data in your head becomes a daunting task.
I found it best to record everything from the type of clay and glaze recipes to your firing schedule. As your pottery journey evolves, your notes will be a treasure trove of information. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to flip through them and see your progress. Remember, every detail counts, and your future self will thank you for this little effort!
2 Don’t Ignore the Importance of Choosing the Right Clay for Your Projects
Each clay body has its own personality and unique qualities that can make or break your final piece. Whether you are hand building or wheel throwing, the type of clay you choose can vastly influence the outcome. The texture, firing temperature, and type of clay determine how it handles and reacts to glazing. For instance, stoneware clays offer durability, making them ideal for functional wear like dinner plates or coffee mugs.
While porcelain’s smooth texture is perfect for projects that require a fine, elegant finish. On the other hand, earthenware clays are ideal for beginners due to their forgiving nature and low firing temperature, making them perfect for hand-built projects.
But where do you start? If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by choices, don’t worry! I’ve got just the resource for you. To find the perfect clay for your projects, especially if you’re stepping into the world of pottery, check out my guide: Best Pottery Clay for Beginners. This post breaks down everything from clay body types to what makes each type suited for different pottery projects. So go ahead, give it a read, and set the foundation right for your next creation.
3 Do Wedge Your Clay
Ah, wedging. The least liked but absolutely essential in the pottery making process! It’s tempting to skip this step, especially when you pull a fresh bag of clay off the shelf. It looks ready to go, right? Well, not so fast! Even though it might seem like your clay is wedged straight out of the bag, there’s more than meets the eye. You don’t know how long the clay has been in the bag, so it can develop dry spots or become slightly inconsistent.
Well-wedged clay gives you even moisture consistency throughout. This consistency is important for reducing the risk of your pottery cracking because your piece will dry more evenly. It helps the clay particles or platelets align with each other, making the clay easier to mold. It will also remove any large or small lumps lurking in it and make it more malleable (workable).
Air bubbles must be one of the most irritating things to find in your clay when trying to center or throw on the wheel. The bigger the air bubbles, the more difficult it becomes. Wedging most certainly helps to get rid of them.
I’ve got the perfect guide to get you on the right track. Check out my detailed post on the importance of wedging and how to do it properly: Learn How to Wedge Clay Like a Pro. Trust me, a little extra time wedging could save your beautiful creations from becoming kiln casualties. Happy potting and wedge away!
4 Don’t Overlook Clay’s Moisture Content
Maintaining just the right level of moisture in your clay is crucial, not just for ease of working but also to avoid problems during the forming and drying stages. Here are a couple of handy tips.
When Hand Building Pottery Clay
Keep a Mister Spray Bottle handy. The Mister Bottle can be your best friend in the pottery studio. While hand-building, keep the mister nearby to spritz the clay whenever it starts drying out. A little mist can go a long way in keeping the clay workable. Aim for a consistency where the clay is firm enough to hold its shape yet soft enough to mold.
Another handy technique to keep your clay moist is to cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. This helps prevent air from drying out the clay while you are working on your project or taking a break.
When Wheel Throwing Pottery Clay
As you pull up the walls of your piece, you want the clay to glide smoothly under your fingers. Friction can cause the clay to catch and misshape or even collapse your creation.
If you start feeling any resistance, it’s a cue to apply some water to your piece. But keep in mind while moisture is your ally, too much of it can weaken the clay. Too much water and too much pulling can turn your sturdy clay into a slumping disappointment. The balance of moisture in your clay is a delicate dance. It needs just enough to stay malleable but not so much that it loses its strength and structure.
5 Do Gather Your Tools and Materials Before You Begin
Before you start making pottery, gathering all your tools and materials is a step you won’t want to skip. Just like a chef prepares their ingredients before cooking, a potter benefits immensely from having everything within arm’s reach before the first piece of clay is even touched.
Starting your project by organizing your workspace saves time and keeps the creative flow uninterrupted. Imagine being in the middle of sculpting the fine details on a vase and realizing you need a specific tool that’s buried in a drawer or across the room. Yes, I have done it! Not only does it break your concentration, but it also pulls you out of the rhythm of crafting your clay.
Have your rib tool, needle tool, wire cutters, sponges, trim tool, and any other implements lined up or in a cup ready to go. Also, ensure your water, slip, and any other materials you need are prepped and positioned within reach.
By organizing your space effectively, you’re not just setting up your environment. You’re priming your mental space, too. This preparation allows you to enter a state of flow where your creativity can flow uninterrupted by disruptions. So, gather your Pottery Tools, prepare your materials, and get ready to throw, mold, and sculpt with efficiency and ease.
6 Don’t Make Your Pottery Too Thick or Thin
Making your pottery piece too thick or too thin can lead to pottery pitfalls, so aiming for that ideal thickness is key to a successful project.
Generally, most clay projects fall between ¼ to ½ inch (6 to 12mm). This range is your best bet for ensuring that your piece dries evenly and minimizes the risk of cracking during the drying and firing processes.
Too Thick: If you go for a chunkier build, you might feel like you’re giving your piece extra strength, but in reality, you could be setting yourself up for trouble. Thick clay can trap moisture inside, which leads to longer drying times. And if it doesn’t dry uniformly, you’re looking at potential cracks or even explosions in the kiln.
Too Thin: On the flip side, rolling out your clay too thin can be just as risky. Thin clay might dry faster, but it’s also more fragile and susceptible to warping or breaking.
Choosing the right thickness also depends on the type of clay and its intended use. I would make my clay ½ inches (12mm) when I am doing heavy carving or making larger pots. I would also use clay with grog. For most of my projects, the sweet spot for me is ¼ inches (6mm). It is easier for me to work with, cracks less, and weighs less.
This simple step can make a huge difference in the outcome of your pottery. It ensures that each piece looks fantastic, is structurally sound, and is ready to withstand the heat of the kiln.
7 Do Use a Damp Sponge to Smooth Out Rough Points
When crafting your pottery, reaching for a damp sponge to smooth out those rough points and edges isn’t just about aesthetics it’s a crucial step towards a professional finish and ensuring safety. Sharp edges on a piece of pottery might look striking, but they can be more trouble than they’re worth, both during the drying process and after firing.
As your pottery dries and undergoes the intense heat of the kiln, any sharp edges can become stress points. These points are prone to developing cracks because they’re areas where tension can build up.
Moreover, when your pottery comes out of the kiln, those once-small sharp edges turn into potential hazards. They can be dangerous to handle, leading to cuts or scrapes, which is the last thing you want from your pottery.
As you work on your piece, take a moment to run a damp sponge along any rough surfaces and edges. This simple action helps in rounding out those edges, not just making them safer but also smoother. You can also do this at the Leather-Hard and Bone-Dry Stages Of Clay.
8 Don’t Ignore the Importance of Compressing the Clay
Whether you’re hand-building or wheel-throwing, understanding the importance of clay compression is essential. It’s like giving your pottery a good foundation. Without it, your pottery may crack under pressure, quite literally!
So, why is compressing the clay so crucial? It’s all about alignment. When you compress clay, you align the clay particles so that they fit together. If not, these misaligned particles can start pushing against each other as the clay dries, resulting in cracks.
For Hand Building Pottery Clay
When hand building, the clay does get compressed when it goes through a Clay Extruder. It also gets compressed when you form a slab.
It is still recommended to use a rib to smooth both sides of the clay. This aligns those tiny particles and helps achieve a smooth surface.
For Wheel Throwing Pottery Clay
When Throwing on the wheel, you are compressing the clay as you are moving it upward to form a pot. Keep in mind that the rim and bottom of the pot are not being compressed. Compress the rim and bottom with your fingers or a damp sponge.
This practice is a real game-changer. As the wheel spins, gently but firmly press down on the rim and base of your pot. This action helps prevent the S-cracks that often appear as the piece dries even after it’s fired in the kiln.
So take a moment to compress your clay and watch your pottery pieces come out stronger and more beautiful than ever!
9 Do Center Your Clay Carefully on the Pottery Wheel
Centering your clay on the pottery wheel is like setting the foundation for a building it needs to be just right to support everything that comes next. If you’ve ever watched a piece of pottery wobble and warp as it spins, you know just how crucial a good center is. It’s the first step in ensuring your pottery turns out balanced.
When your clay is perfectly centered, it rotates smoothly on the wheel, allowing you to shape and mold it with precision. It prevents the clay from pulling unevenly or collapsing. It might take a bit of practice and patience, like it did with me. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll notice a significant improvement in the quality of your work.
To help you get there, I’ve got a fantastic resource that breaks down common centering issues and shows you how to fix them. Check out this insightful post: 11 Problems Centering Clay and Easy Ways to Fix Them. It’s tailored to help you understand what might be going wrong and how to adjust your technique.
10 Don’t Let Your Clay Pieces Dry too Fast
Let your pottery pieces dry slowly. Patience yields the best results. Rushing the drying process can lead to disappointment in the form of cracks and warping, which can ruin the hard work and care you’ve put into your creations.
Clay is a material that likes to take its time. As it dries, the water content evaporates, and the clay particles begin to bond more tightly. If this happens too quickly, especially on the outer layers, while the inside remains moist, you’re stressing the clay partials. This stress manifests as cracks or warps because the clay particles will start to push against each other.
Start by lightly covering your pieces with a plastic sheet to even the drying process. This doesn’t just slow down the drying; it also helps to ensure that the drying happens uniformly, reducing the likelihood of cracks.
Another key point is to make absolutely sure your pottery is bone dry before it hits the kiln. Any lingering moisture can turn into steam, and steam needs to escape. If it’s trapped inside the clay, it will find its way out, often by cracking or even blowing out chunks of clay.
If you’re looking for more detailed guidance on ensuring your pottery dries perfectly, ready for a successful firing, check out my helpful post: How Long Pottery Should Dry Before Firing. It’s a treasure trove of tips and insights that will help you master the art of patient drying. So, take it slow, let your pieces dry at their own pace, and enjoy the wonderful process of bringing your clay to life.
11 Do Be Careful Stacking Greenware Pieces When Bisque Firing
Stacking greenware in the kiln is like playing Tetris. You want everything to fit perfectly without putting too much pressure on the pieces at the bottom.
I learned the hard way that stacking too high or too tightly caused the pieces at the bottom to crack and warp. It was a mistake I made just once because the lesson was clear: treat your greenware with care, especially in the kiln.
Additionally, when you’re dealing with underglazed pieces, it’s crucial to keep them from touching each other. Why, you ask? Well, If underglazed pieces touch, you might end up with unintended marks or colors on your pottery, which can be a surprise no potter wants.
So, how do you stack smartly? First, think about weight distribution. Arrange your pieces so that the larger, heavier items aren’t on top of the smaller, more delicate ones. Use kiln shelves wisely to create levels that support your pottery without overcrowding. And for those pieces with underglaze, make sure there’s a clear space around each piece to prevent any color migration during the firing process.
12 Don’t Overlook Keeping Your Hands Clean While Glazing
Keeping your hands clean while glazing isn’t a personal hygiene thing. You see, those natural oils on your hands can prevent the glaze from adhering properly to your bisque ware, leading to some rather frustrating issues like lifting, crawling, or even creating unsightly bare spots on your finished piece. I am well aware of this because it has happened to me.
Now, before I even think about picking up a piece of pottery to glaze, I will either give my hands a good wash or slip on a pair of rubber or Disposable Gloves. This barrier between your skin and the bisque ware keeps those oils at bay, allowing the glaze to adhere smoothly and evenly across the surface.
So, Keep your hands clean or glove up, to keep your bisqueware oil-free, and let your creativity shine through so you can focus fully on the art of glazing without worrying about leaving unintended marks.
13 Do Prep Your Work Before Glazing
While it’s tempting to pop open that glaze bottle and get straight to painting, a little preparation can make a world of difference in the quality of your finished piece.
You always want to give that glaze a good mix. Mixing or shaking your glaze thoroughly ensures all the minerals are well blended. But don’t stop there; take an extra step and run your glaze through a strainer because you never know if clumps have formed, and mixing alone may not take care of it, especially if your glaze is older.
This might seem like a small detail, but it’s crucial. It catches any clumps or debris that could end up on your pottery, leaving unsightly bumps or flaws in the glaze layer.
Before applying the glaze, wipe your piece with a clean, damp sponge. This simple act does wonders! It removes any dust or particles that could prevent the glaze from bonding correctly to the surface of your pottery.
Ready to learn more and enhance your glazing techniques? Dive into my treasure trove of tips with this comprehensive guide: 27 Glazing Tips for Beginners. So, prep well, glaze smart, and let your creativity shine through every piece!
14 Don’t Glaze the Bottom of Your Pottery That Touches the Surface
When glazing your pottery, one golden rule can save you a world of hassle: Don’t glaze the bottom of your pieces that touch the surface of the kiln shelf. This might seem like a small detail, but here’s why: Glaze is a glassy coating that melts when fired in a kiln.
If you apply glaze to the bottom of your pottery, which will directly contact the kiln shelves, you’re setting yourself up for a sticky situation! As the glaze melts, it can fuse to the kiln shelf. Not only is this a nightmare to clean up, but it can also ruin both your beautiful piece and the expensive kiln shelf.
Before you begin glazing, you can apply Wax Resist or Film Resist to the bottom of your bisqueware. The wax resist will burn off in the kiln, whereas the film resist must be peeled of before placing in the kiln.
After you glaze, wipe the bottom of each piece down with a clean, damp sponge to ensure it’s completely free of glaze. Remember, keeping the bottoms of your pottery glaze-free isn’t just about avoiding kiln mishaps. It’s about preserving the integrity of your work.
15 Do Use Cookies and or Kiln Wash
When firing your pottery pieces, think of kiln wash and cookies as your kiln’s best friends. Let’s see how they can be lifesavers for your kiln shelves.
Kiln Wash
Think of kiln wash as a protective barrier for your kiln shelves. It’s a heat-resistant substance that you brush onto your shelves to shield them from melting glaze. During firing, glazes can become fluid and drip onto the shelves, which can be a nightmare to clean and might even damage the integrity of your kiln shelves.
Applying kiln wash can protect the kiln shelf by creating a protective layer that prevents the glaze from sticking to the shelf. For a deeper look into protecting your kiln shelves, check out my useful guide: Protect Your Kiln Shelf from Melting Glaze.
Kiln Cookies
Now, onto cookies. No, not the edible kind! Cookies are small slabs of clay that you place under your glazed pieces before firing. While they don’t protect the pottery itself, they protect your kiln shelves by catching any glaze that drips off your pieces.
If the glaze melts onto a cookie, your pottery might stick to the cookie, but that’s a lot better than fusing to the kiln shelf! Plus, you can apply kiln wash to these cookies to make it easier to remove any stuck glaze after firing. Interested in making your own kiln cookies? Here’s a great resource to get you started: How to Make Kiln Cookies. Using kiln wash and cookies is like giving your kiln a little extra armor against melting glazes.
16 Don’t Overload Your Kiln
When it comes to glaze firing your pottery, keeping it spaced properly isn’t just about the organization. It’s crucial for the success of your firing!
Ensuring that each piece sits between ¼ to ½ inch (6 to 12mm) does a couple of important things. First, it allows for adequate airflow around each piece. Good airflow is essential because it ensures even heating during the firing process. This uniform heat treatment helps prevent those dreaded hotspots that can cause glaze defects or even cracking.
Secondly, giving your pieces space and prevents glaze transfer. Yes, glazes can sometimes have a mind of their own, especially at high temperatures where they become fluid. If pieces are too close to one another, there’s a risk that the glaze from one might flow onto another, sticking them together or ruining the finish you worked so hard to achieve.
I give my glazed pottery a good ½ inches (12mm) space between them. A little extra space can make a big difference in the outcome of your firing.
17 Do Follow Instructions for Firing Temperatures and Schedules.
When it comes to firing your pottery, following the specific instructions for temperatures and schedules isn’t just a suggestion it’s a must!
Why is this so important? Every type of clay and glaze has its unique chemistry that reacts differently at various temperatures and firing speeds. Sticking to the recommended cone size (which measures temperature), firing speed, and hold times ensures that your pottery undergoes the ideal transformation inside the kiln.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Cone Size
This is a way to measure a kiln’s heat work (temperature). Different clays and glazes melt or mature at different cone sizes. Using witness cones ensures that your kiln is firing to the right temperature.
Firing Speed
How fast your kiln reaches the desired temperature can affect how your pieces turn out. A slow firing reduces the risk of pinholes by allowing the glaze to heal. It also reduces crazing by helping the glaze and clay body adjust and stretch slowly.
Hold Time
Sometimes, your pottery might need to ‘soak’ at a certain temperature to achieve the best results. Holding the temperature can even out the temperature throughout the kiln and help heal any bubbling on the pottery from released gas fumes.
If the temperature is too high, your pottery might melt or deform. If it’s too low, your glaze won’t cure, and the clay will be more porous and weak.
So, always check the firing recommendations for the specific clay and glaze you are using, and make sure your kiln is calibrated correctly to follow those guidelines. Adhering to these instructions will not only give you better results but will also prevent costly mistakes and maximize the life of your kiln.
18 Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Ventilated Kiln
Proper ventilation in your kiln plays a critical role in the firing process, influencing everything from the atmosphere inside the kiln to the final appearance of your pottery.
Why is ventilation so crucial? When you fire a kiln, it’s not just heat that builds up but also various fumes and gases released by the clay and glazes as they fire. These fumes need a way to escape. They can linger in the kiln without adequate ventilation and will settle back on your pottery and the kiln elements. This can lead to a range of issues, from unsightly deposits on your pieces to uneven heating.
A ventilated kiln allows for consistent airflow, which helps evenly distribute heat and effectively remove these gases. This not only helps achieve a more uniform firing atmosphere but also reduces the risk of harmful fumes accumulating.
For more insights into why kiln ventilation is essential and how to ensure your kiln is properly ventilated, check out my informative post: Is It Recommended That a Pottery Kiln Be Vented? This information will help you understand the mechanics and benefits of proper kiln ventilation, ensuring your firing process is as safe and effective.
19 Do Embrace Imperfections in Your Pottery
Embracing imperfections is not just a technique; it’s a philosophy that celebrates the beauty of nature. As the pottery world evolves, there is a delightful shift toward appreciating organic forms and textures that reflect the potter’s hand more than the machine’s precision. This trend of embracing imperfections has brought a refreshing authenticity to ceramics, making each piece tell its own story.
Organic Appeal
These pieces often showcase uneven edges and earthy tones that reflect the natural world. This style fits seamlessly into contemporary spaces, which focus on natural materials and authenticity.
Celebrating Uniqueness
Moving away from the perfectly symmetrical, many potters are now exploring forms that allow for a bit more freedom and personal expression. In these pieces, what might once have been viewed as flaws are now celebrated as marks of character. A fingerprint, a slight dent, or a drip in the glaze isn’t hidden but highlighted, showcasing the hands-on process involved in making each item.
Flaws as Features
The focus is now on seeing the beauty in imperfections. These are not mistakes, rather, they are what make each piece one-of-a-kind. When a piece looks like a human made it, it creates a connection that perfection often can’t reach. Embracing this philosophy in your pottery practice can be liberating. Remember, these unique, imperfect details can transform a simple clay object into a cherished piece of art.
20 Don’t Open the Kiln Too Soon After Firing
It’s natural to feel excitement and curiosity about how your pieces have turned out, especially during the final cooling stages of firing your pottery, but good things come to those who wait. This patience can make the difference between perfection and disappointment in pottery.
Why wait? The environment inside a kiln during the cool-down period is extremely hot, and the pieces are still vulnerable. If you open the kiln lid too early, the sudden rush of cool air can cause thermal shock. This rapid change in temperature can lead to crazing (fine cracks in the glaze), cracking of the pottery itself, or other forms of structural damage.
Furthermore, the kiln and your pottery require time to go through a natural cooling process, during which temperatures slowly decrease. This gradual cooling is crucial for the glaze to cure properly. If interrupted, it can damage your pieces and impact the glaze and clay quality.
So, even though it’s tempting to take a quick peek, it’s best to keep the kiln lid or door closed. Remember, you really can’t do anything with the pottery until it’s completely cooled down anyway.
21 Do Enjoy the Pottery Making Process
Embracing the journey of making pottery is truly one of the most rewarding aspects of this art form. Each step, from molding your clay to decorating and glazing, holds its own unique joy and set of challenges. It’s a process filled with personal expression and endless possibilities so make sure to soak it all in and enjoy every moment!
Molding Your Vision
It all starts with a lump of clay, a simple, unassuming beginning that holds the potential to become anything you can imagine. This is where your creativity really kicks into gear. Whether you’re throwing on the wheel or hand-building, each method offers a special connection to the material that is both grounding and exhilarating.
Decorating with Details
Once you’ve shaped your piece, the decorating phase begins. This is where your artistic flair can shine. From carving intricate patterns to painting with underglazes, decorating your pottery is your chance to imprint a part of yourself onto the clay. Each choice, each mark, tells a part of your story and adds layers of depth and meaning to your work.
Choosing glazes and applying them to your bisqueware is like the final strokes of paint on a masterpiece. The anticipation of seeing how the glazes interact with the clay body and each other during firing adds an element of surprise and excitement to the process.
Throughout The Stages of Clay, remember to savor the experience. Pottery is not just about the end product, it’s about the process of creation. The mistakes, the successes, and everything in between contribute to your growth as an artist. So, take your time, experiment, and let your passion for the clay guide you. So enjoy every moment, and keep shaping, decorating, and glazing your way to beautiful creations!
In conclusion
The 21 essential do’s and don’ts for making pottery shared in this guide are not just tips but stepping stones to mastering the craft of pottery. These insights are designed to enhance your understanding and improve your skills.
Pottery making is a journey that marries the science of materials with the art of creative expression. By embracing these practices, you equip yourself to navigate this journey with greater confidence, leading to more successful results. Remember, each piece of pottery is a reflection of your unique artistic journey. Cherish the learning process, celebrate your progress, and continue to nurture your passion for pottery.