Common Hand-Building Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Introduction
Hand-building pottery is an amazing way to create functional and decorative art, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Mistakes are common, especially when you’re starting out, and can lead to cracked pieces, uneven shapes, or even disastrous firing results. But here’s the good news: these common issues are easy to prevent if you know what to look out for.
In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the most common hand-building mistakes and show you how to fix or avoid them altogether. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an experienced potter looking to brush up on the basics, these tips will help you get better results from your hand-building projects.
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Clay Consistency
If there’s one thing every hand-builder knows, it’s that clay consistency is everything. Clay that’s too wet won’t hold its shape, while clay that’s too dry will crack or crumble under pressure. Finding the right consistency can feel like a balancing act.
How to Avoid It:
Think of your ideal clay consistency as “soft leather.” It should feel firm enough to hold a shape but still moldable without feeling sticky. If the clay is too wet, let it sit out uncovered for a few minutes, then check again. And if it’s too dry, wrap it in a damp cloth or even damp newspaper will work and allow it some time to rehydrate. With practice, you’ll get a feel for what works best.
Mistake 2: Inconsistent Wall Thickness
Nothing’s worse than watching your piece dry unevenly or crack in the kiln because of varying wall thickness. Uneven walls lead to uneven drying, which creates stress in the clay and can results in cracks.
How to Avoid It:
Try to keep walls around ¼ inch thick. If you’re rolling slabs, use guide sticks or rulers to measure thickness. For pinch pots, gently feel the clay as you work, keeping it consistent. With coils, you can control thickness by rolling them evenly and smoothing the joins with a rib or finger. Consistency is key!
Mistake 3: Skipping Scoring and Slipping When Joining Pieces
Attaching pieces without properly scoring and slipping is a sure way to end up with broken or separated parts. Clay needs a good bond between surfaces to stay attached, especially during drying and firing.
How to Avoid It:
Scoring means scratching up both surfaces where you want to join the pieces, creating a rough texture that helps them bond. Slip, a watery clay mixture, works like “glue” in pottery and should be applied between the scored surfaces. After attaching, press the pieces firmly and smooth the join to make it seamless.
Mistake 4: Overworking the Clay
Overworking clay is a common mistake that leads to cracks, dryness, and frustration. The more you handle clay, the more moisture it loses, making it harder to shape and more likely to dry out and crack.
How to Avoid It:
Keep your hands damp and work at a steady pace, but try not to reshape areas repeatedly. If the clay starts feeling too dry, wrap it in a damp cloth or give it a light spritz of water. Find a rhythm that allows you to work without overworking any one part of the piece.
Mistake 5: Using Too Much Water While Shaping
Water is essential in pottery, but too much can be a problem. Clay that’s too wet becomes mushy and loses structure, making it difficult to shape and more prone to collapse.
How to Avoid It:
Try to use water sparingly. A small bowl of water or a spray bottle is perfect for keeping your fingers damp without over saturating the clay. Remember, it’s easier to add more water if you need it than to take it away.
Mistake 6: Rushing the Drying Process
It’s always tempting to get your piece finished and dried so you can start on the next project, but rushing the drying process often leads to cracks. Quick drying creates stress in the clay as different parts dry at different rates.
How to Avoid It:
Patience is your best friend here. Cover your piece loosely with plastic or a damp cloth and let it dry slowly. If possible, rotate it every few hours to encourage even drying. Avoid drying pieces in direct sunlight or near a fan, as these can cause uneven drying and cracking.
Mistake 7: Forgetting to Compress the Clay
Compression is what gives your piece strength, especially around the base or walls. Without it, clay has a higher risk of cracking or weakening during the drying and firing processes.
How to Avoid It:
When rolling or shaping, use a rib tool or your hands to press down on the clay firmly. For slabs, press down while rolling to get rid of air pockets and make the clay stronger. Compression is especially important around the base of your piece, where weight and structure need to be secure.
Mistake 8: Neglecting Final Smoothing and Refining
After spending so much time shaping and joining, it’s easy to skip the last step of smoothing the surface. But small imperfections or rough textures can lead to cracks or other issues as the piece dries.
How to Avoid It:
After you finish shaping, go over the surface with a damp sponge or soft rib tool to smooth out rough spots and tiny cracks. This final touch will give your piece a polished look and prevent minor surface cracks from developing as it dries.
Mistake 9: Not Supporting Handles or Attachments Properly
Handles, spouts, and other add-ons are vulnerable to sagging or detaching if they’re not securely attached or supported during drying.
How to Avoid It:
Make sure to score and slip both surfaces, then press the attachment firmly into place. Use small props, like rolled towels, pieces of foam or bits of sponges can do the trick to support the handle or attachment until it’s dry. This will keep it from sagging and ensure a good bond.
Mistake 10: Firing Pieces Too Soon
Firing a piece before it’s fully dry is a quick way to end up with cracks or worse—explosions in the kiln. Any remaining moisture turns to steam, which can’t escape the clay fast enough and causes cracks or bursts.
How to Avoid It:
Allow your piece to reach “bone dry” status before firing, meaning it should feel room temperature and no longer cool to the touch. For larger or thicker pieces, drying for a full week or even longer is best to ensure all moisture is gone.
Conclusion
Hand-building pottery requires patience and attention to detail, but with practice, you can learn to avoid these common mistakes. Taking the time to prepare your clay, shape it evenly, and dry it slowly will help you create stronger, more refined pieces. Remember, every mistake is a chance to learn and improve. So embrace the journey, keep experimenting, and soon you’ll see your skills soar.
Happy potting!
