How Tos

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About How Tos

Level up your ceramic skills with Ceramic Materials Workshop’s How-To blogs! Packed with practical tips, step-by-step guides, and expert advice, these articles cover a wide range of ceramic techniques, from throwing and handbuilding to glazing and firing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find valuable insights and inspiration to improve your craft. Explore this section and discover new ways to bring your ceramic visions to life.

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Glaze Detectives: Cracking the Case of Studio Waste

Beginners Guide, How Tos, Informative

Ah, the public pottery studio: a haven of creativity, camaraderie, and… mystery glazes? Yep, those colorful concoctions lurking in communal buckets can be a source of both excitement and trepidation. And then there's the question of glaze waste – what to do with those drippy buckets and rinse water?

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5 Tips for Applying Ceramic Glazes Like a Pro

Glazes, How Tos, Informative

Glazing is a crucial step in the ceramic-making process, adding color, texture, and a protective layer to your pottery. However, applying glazes can be tricky, especially for beginners. Here are our five tips to help you achieve good glazing results.

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Glow Up! A Ceramicist’s Guide to Glow-in-the-Dark Glazes

Glazes, How Tos, Informative

Explore the science behind glow-in-the-dark glazes and how you can make your own.

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How CMW Makes a Plaster Slab for Testing Clay Bodies

Clay, How Tos

Creating a plaster slab is an essential step for potters who want to test their clay bodies. A plaster slab allows you to mix clay as a slip or slurry, ensuring the best possible mixing and a relatively quick drying process.

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The Science Behind Glaze Application: Dipping, Brushing, Spraying

Beginners Guide, Glazes, How Tos, Informative

Ever stared at a freshly bisqued piece and dreamed of transforming it into a dazzling, glazed masterpiece? You're not alone!

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Ceramic Cone Chart:Deciphering Kiln Firing Rates for Best Results

Beginners Guide, Charts, How Tos, Kilns

Learn how to interpret ceramic cone charts and understand the impact of different firing rates on your pottery. Discover the ideal balance between efficiency and material integrity for successful kiln firings.

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Ceramic Cones: Understanding the Perfect Cone Bend

Beginners Guide, Charts, How Tos, Informative, Kilns

Learn more about ceramic cones and what the perfect cone bend should look like!

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Demystifying Ceramic Glaze Labels

Glazes, How Tos, Informative, Myth Busters

Learn more about ceramic glaze labels to ensure safe and confident glazing.

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How To Find Your Clay’s Absorption Rate

Beginners Guide, Clay, How Tos, Informative

Learn more about vitrification and clay absorption to empower you to make informed choices for your studio and how it can impact your pottery.

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Clay Body Profiling And Why It Should Be Important To You!

Clay, How Tos, Informative

To truly know everything that is going on with our clay bodies, to know how to optimize firing, or to know if a clay body is best left to a forgotten recipe book, we need clay body profiling.

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