DISCLAIMER: DON'T actually use soap!
Busting Dust Bunnies and Decontaminating Drama: Let's face it—bisqueware can attract dust and pick up all sorts of mischief during its journey to becoming a masterpiece. Giving it a good wash helps bid farewell to dust bunnies and contaminants, ensuring that your glaze application will go on smoothly and evenly. Say goodbye to glaze mishaps caused by unruly particles!
Glaze Adhesion, The Glue That Holds It All Together: Imagine a world where your glaze sticks to your pottery like a friendship that just won't quit. Washing your bisqueware paves the way for a strong bond between the glaze and your masterpiece. By creating a clean canvas, you'll enjoy a glaze that sticks around, avoiding any drama of flaky or peeling glazes. It's all about building trust, both in pottery and friendships!
Avoiding Glaze Faux Pas: Nobody likes a glaze faux pas, like those pesky pinholes, crawling, or blistering. But fear not! Washing your bisqueware gives these glaze gremlins a one-way ticket out of your pottery adventure. Say hello to smooth sailing and goodbye to glaze blunders. Smooth and shiny is the name of the game!
Now, let's dive into the bubbly instructions on how to give your bisqueware pottery a refreshing bath before glazing:
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Gather Your Supplies:
- You'll need a bucket with clean water and a fresh, dedicated sponge (avoid using your dish sponges for this special occasion!).
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Fill Up the Bucket:
- Get ready to make a splash! Fill a bucket with clean water, and get ready to give your pottery a spa-worthy treatment.
3A. Washing in Advance (for Overnight Drying):
- If you have the luxury of time and can let your pottery dry overnight after washing, follow these steps: a. Immerse Your Pottery:
- Gently immerse your pottery into the clean water, creating a serene sanctuary for them. Let them soak up the goodness! b. Gentle Cleaning:
- Armed with your trusty sponge, lovingly clean the surface of your pots, bidding farewell to any lurking dust. Get into every nook and cranny, ensuring a squeaky-clean finish. Loosen any small bits of clay that aren't stuck to the inside of your pots—freedom awaits! c. Air Out and Dry:
- After the bathing ritual, it's time to let your pottery relax and dry. Find a well-ventilated area and let them dry overnight, basking in the glory of their cleanliness. Patience is a virtue, but the wait will be worth it when you start glazing!
3B. Washing on the Same Glazing Day:
- If you're in a glazing rush and can't wait until the next day, fear not! Follow these steps for a quicker bathing session: a. Sponge to the Rescue:
- Dip your trusty sponge into the clean water, then give it a gentle wring to remove excess water. We want just enough moisture to get the job done, without overindulging our bisqueware. b. Careful Surface Cleaning:
- With your slightly damp sponge, lovingly clean the surface of your pots. Take care not to add too much water to the bisqueware. Remember, we're aiming for a splash of moisture, not a deluge! c. Time to Dry:
- After the swift cleaning session, find a warm and well-ventilated spot for your pots to relax and dry. Let them chill out for at least 10 minutes, but ideally an hour. This will ensure they're completely dry before the glaze adventure begins.
REMEMBER: Dry, Dry, Dry! Your bisqueware needs to be completely dry before taking the glaze plunge. If it's still damp, the glaze won't dry easily, leading to all sorts of glaze-related problems. So, exercise patience and give your pottery the dry time it deserves.
Now, armed with these bisque bath instructions, you're ready to give your pottery the cleansing it needs before glazing. Enjoy the process, embrace the cleanliness, and get ready for your glaze adventures ahead!
You can view a video of my washing process on Youtube by clicking HERE