How to Clean Ceramics Greenware

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

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

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