Trimming pottery turns a heavy thrown form into a light, finished piece. Learn the timing, setup and nine simple steps for a clean, even foot ring every time.
Category Archives: Pottery Techniques
17
Oct
Oct
Throwing a cylinder is the core skill behind mugs, vases and bowls. Follow seven easy steps, then use the troubleshooting table to fix uneven walls.
16
Oct
Oct
Pottery wheel speed changes at every stage of throwing. Learn when to go fast, when to slow down, and how to control the pedal for cleaner pots.
15
Oct
Oct
Wedging clay removes air and evens out moisture before you throw or build. Learn ram’s head, spiral and cut wedging, plus table height and safety tips.
14
Oct
Oct
Pinholes in glaze come from gas escaping during firing. Learn the real causes, from dusty bisque to thick glaze, and the firing fixes that heal the surface.
13
Oct
Oct
A crazing glaze shows a web of fine cracks after firing. Learn why glaze fit fails, how to test for it, and the simple fixes that stop crazing for good.
30
Sep
Sep
A good kiln firing schedule is not simply a matter of entering a final temperature into your kiln controller and pressing Start. The firing rate, temperature range, hold time, moisture removal, clay body, glaze, load, and kiln itself all affect the result. That is why two firings that reach the same final temperature can produce different results. […]
09
Sep
Sep
Learn how to attach pottery handles securely and avoid common problems such as cracking, weak joins, uneven drying, and handles that break after firing.
09
Sep
Sep
Learning how to apply pottery glaze takes practice. At first, glazing can seem easy. You put glaze on the pot and fire it. In reality, small mistakes can change the final result. Too much glaze can cause runs. Too little glaze can leave weak color. Uneven coats can create patchy surfaces. Glaze on the bottom […]
09
Sep
Sep
Making a beautiful mug or bowl is only half the job. If you plan to eat or drink from it, you also need to know whether the finished pottery is food safe. That depends on more than choosing a glaze labeled “food safe.” The clay body, firing temperature, glaze chemistry, surface condition, and final firing […]
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