How to Clean Ceramics Greenware

This is something you'll want to do carefully. Once the piece is fired, there's no going back.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ceramics Cleaning Tools
• Ceramics Texture Tools
• Kilns
• Spoolies
• Ceramics Glazes
• Fine-mesh Screens
• Slightly Damp Sponges
• Underglazes
• Fine Sandpaper
• Fine Sandpaper

1. Collect your tools. You'll need a scraping tool, a texture tool, a spoolie and a sponge.

2. Be sure that the greenware is completely dry. If it's still soft, you risk denting or poking a hole in it.

3. Scrape the mold seams with the straight edge of your cleaning tool. Go over the area lightly with fine sandpaper and then wipe it lightly with a slightly damp sponge to smooth the surfaces.

4. Use a texture tool to fix spots where the texture has been removed during cleaning.

5. Turn an item that needs to be even on top, such as a cup or bowl, upside down on a piece of fine screen or sandpaper placed on a flat surface. Twist it gently. Rubbing it back and forth will create unwanted grooves on the rim.

6. Use a spoolie to clean small holes.

7. Apply underglazes at this time if you plan to use them. Your project is now ready to be fired.

Tips & Warnings

• The cleaning tool has two ends. The sharp, triangular end is best for cleaning curved edges and flat surfaces. The round end is best for grooves and areas with lots of detail.
• There are many different kinds of texture tools. Two good, all-purpose ones to have are a stylus and a tool that resembles a small wire brush.

[AnEarthenVessel]

on 2/22/2007 Scraping across the seams at a 45-degree angle avoids weakening the seam line and produces a smoother line than scraping straight down the seam. Also, there is no substitute for the sense of touch: rub your fingers lightly across the surface to detect rough spots. The job you do on the greenware will determine the final outcome, so don't be lured into thinking that the glaze will cover any flaws -- the glaze will only enhance any imperfections! Have fun developing unique ceramics

[AnEarthenVessel]

on 2/22/2007 Scraping across the seams at a 45-degree angle avoids weakening the seam line and produces a smoother line than scraping straight down the seam. Also, there is no substitute for the sense of touch: rub your fingers lightly across the surface to detect rough spots. The job you do on the greenware will determine the final outcome, so don't be lured into thinking that the glaze will cover any flaws -- the glaze will only enhance any imperfections! Have fun developing your unique ceramic

on 9/5/2006 My husband has had great success using a small soft bristled brush to help him clean our greenware. Also, make sure to hold your piece in the light at many different angles to make sure you have cleaned it well.