Slip Casting: Dan’s Quick Glimpse How-To - Dan Pearce Ceramics

Slip Casting: Dan’s Quick Glimpse How-To

Slip casting is the process of creating pottery using liquid clay via molds I have here at the Donkey Mud Studio. Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and that every mold is different.

SLIP CASTING STEPS:

  1. Make sure mold is clean of all clay
    1. NEVER use metal tools to scrape or clean molds (use wooden ones)
  2. Make sure your casting slip (the liquid clay) is thoroughly mixed
  3. Assemble all parts of mold tightly with rubber bands
  4. Pour your slip through the small sieve into the mold until it bulges from the opening
  5. Seal your clay bag/bucket so it doesn’t dry out!
  6. Wait 15-45 minutes depending on how thick you want your clay walls to be.
    1. 15 minutes will usually be thin, about 3/16”
    2. 45 minutes will usually be thick, about 1/3”
    3. If the mold is wet/saturated from previous use, it will take longer
  7. Check your mold every 5-10 minutes and top it off with clay (if it starts to sink below the top of the mold)
  8. Dump the slip back into your slip bag/bucket (DO NOT TURN IT RIGHT SIDE UP) and rest it atop the metal bars (one side only) to drain for at least five minutes
  9. Remove it and set it on top of the work surface using the metal bars (so air can get through). Seal your clay bag/bucket so it doesn’t dry out!
  10. Wait 1-2 hours and carefully remove the mold
    1. Your piece will still be very soft. Set it out and let it dry for a little while before working on it.
  11. Thoroughly clean everything you used and your work area!
    1. Remember to scrape out the mold with a wooden tool, don’t try to rinse it
  12. Use a sponge, kittling knife, needle tool, etc to clean up the rim, remove mold lines, etc
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