How to Choose the Best Pottery Supply Store for Your Needs
June 2, 2024Pottery supplies are essential for creating a clay masterpiece. There are local and online retailers that specialize in pottery supplies, offering a vast selection and doorstep delivery.
There are a few key items every potter needs to get started. Some are easy to find at any hardware store, while others must be purchased from specialized stores or online.
Clay
Among the most essential pottery supplies are clay and a way to heat it up. Clay is found in various forms and the exact type required depends on the sort of ceramic you’ll be making. For instance, some clays mature at low temperatures which makes them ideal for terra cotta or stoneware. Others require higher temperatures for maturity and these are better suited to tableware such as mugs or even porcelain.
You may be able to find the clay you’re looking for at local pottery supply stores as well as online retailers specialising in ceramic supplies. These often have a wide range of clays as well as other essential tools and equipment.
Another important tool is a potter’s needle, a slender steel implement with a fine point. Pottery needles are used for a variety of functions such as creating detailed patterns and textures, removing air bubbles from the surface, parting projects on the wheel and more. Look for sturdy, durable Pottery Needles that won’t rust or dull easily.
Other pottery tools include calipers which measure the precise dimensions of your creations. This helps you to ensure that each item will fit perfectly together, for example when constructing a set of bowls or cups. Then there are tools like the wood rib for smoothing base edges and the pin tool that removes excess clay after firing. Another useful tool is the porcelain cutter which slices through dried ceramics without damaging the structure.
Tools
When it comes to crafting ceramics and pottery, having the right tools is essential. The right equipment can transform clay from a shapeless lump into an artful work of beauty. Whether you’re a novice looking to start your own hobby or a seasoned professional, the right tools can unleash your creativity and help you reach your full creative potential.
When choosing pottery tools, look for durable designs that are comfortable and easy to use. For example, trimming tools need to be sharp and durable so that you can carve intricate details into your creations. You’ll also want to find a set of tools that come in different blade shapes and sizes so that you can experiment with various styles and techniques.
Another essential pottery tool is a cutting wire. This tool is used to cut hunks of clay and to remove wheel-thrown pieces from the bat (the flat surface on which the pot is spun during the pottery process). This is a versatile, affordable, and reliable tool that every potter needs.
Finally, you’ll need some basic scoring tools for marking the surfaces of your creations. These are great for adding texture to your pottery and can be easily purchased at most local and online pottery supply stores, such as Midsouth Ceramics (midsouthceramics.com) a trusted supplier offering a wide range of high-quality tools and equipment to unleash your creativity and enhance your pottery journey.
Glazes
Pottery glaze is a combination of chemicals that, when heated to high temperatures in a kiln, sticks to and hardens on pots. These chemicals are available in a variety of colors and textures. Glazes can be purchased in pre-mixed pints or gallons or as dry powder that potters mix themselves with water. Raw materials are also available to create custom glazes for specific pottery projects.
For example, ceramic frits can be used to alter the melting temperature, thermal expansion or durability of a glaze. Similarly, other raw materials such as nepheline syenite and wollastonite are often used to help lower the firing temperature of a glaze or provide specific properties such as silica or alumina.
Another common type of pottery glaze is underglaze, which can be applied to a clay surface before it’s fired. This type of glaze provides color and texture to a piece while allowing the potter to decorate it with paint, decals, or screen printing (Amazon). Underglaze can be purchased in liquid form for brushing, lining, or screen printing or as underglaze crayons/pencils that can be used like regular crayons.
After you’ve made your pottery, it’s important to let it dry for a few days before applying the glaze. It’s also a good idea to clean your hands before you glaze, as any oils from your hands may cause the glaze not to stick. Once you’re ready to apply your glaze, make sure the clay is leather-hard and free of any flaws. Then, use a squeegee or sponge to evenly distribute the glaze over your piece.
Kilns
If you want to go beyond the basics of ornaments and models a kiln is absolutely essential. Most potters use electric kilns but some also use gas or wood. Kilns reach temperatures that make them serious pieces of equipment but – if used correctly – are perfectly safe.
When selecting a kiln you need to understand how it fits into the different categories that are available, as each type has a specific purpose. For example, a small kiln is best for home pottery makers, while a larger industrial kiln is ideal for production and commercial settings.
The power requirements of the kiln should be taken into consideration, as most electric models require a heavy-duty 220V circuit that is usually reserved for appliances like air conditioners and water heaters. They may also require a high amperage, ranging from 20 amps for smaller kilns to 50 or more for larger ones.
Regardless of what kind of kiln you select, it should be positioned in an area that is sealed off from living spaces and is well away from children and pets. It should also be placed on a concrete floor or patio slabs and should never be situated within 18 inches of any combustible surfaces.
