You’ve meticulously glazed your pottery masterpiece. It’s gleaming, gorgeous, and absolutely ready for its fiery transformation in the kiln. But here’s the moment that can make any potter’s heart skip a beat: getting it safely from your studio to the community kiln without a single chip, smudge, or catastrophic oopsie!
Transporting glazed pottery can feel like navigating a delicate minefield, but fear not, fellow clay enthusiasts! We’re here to equip you with all the knowledge, insider tips, and confidence you need to master this delicate journey. Plus, we’ll finally tackle that age-old question:
Does hairspray really work as a glaze protector?
Glaze in Transit: Protecting Your Precious Cargo
Glazed pottery, especially before firing, is incredibly fragile. One wrong bump, an unexpected jolt, or even a slight brush can mar your hard work with frustrating chips, ugly scratches, or heartbreaking smudges. But with the right strategy, you can minimize those risks dramatically. Here’s how to safeguard your precious creations like a pro:
Cushioning is Key: Wrap Each Piece Like a Priceless Artifact!
Your Arsenal of Wraps:
Bubble Wrap: Your best friend! Use larger bubbles for bigger pieces and smaller bubbles for delicate details. Secure with packing tape – don’t let it unravel.
Foam Sheeting/Rolls: Excellent for a snug, protective layer, especially for flatter pieces or plates.
Soft Fabric: Old t-shirts, towels, or even clean packing blankets can provide a gentle buffer, particularly for irregularly shaped items.
Crinkled Newsprint/Packing Paper: Not just for void fill! When crumpled tightly, it creates pockets of air for shock absorption. Ensure it’s clean and doesn’t transfer ink.
(Image is owned by Ceramic Arts Network)
Box It Up: Sturdy Homes for Delicate Works!
Choose Wisely: Opt for sturdy cardboard boxes. For heavier or larger pieces, consider double-walled moving boxes for extra rigidity.
The Golden Rule: NO DIRECT CONTACT! Ensure your wrapped pieces don’t touch each other or the sides of the box.
Fill Every Gap: Use more cushioning material like crumpled paper, packing peanuts, or even more bubble wrap to fill any empty spaces. The goal is to make sure nothing shifts inside the box during transit. If it moves, it’s more likely to break!
Afraid of mistakes? Let me smooth your mind! Read CMW’s blog article: Tile & Error: Learning from Your Ceramic ExperimentsÂ
Hairspray Hack: Myth or Magic? The Verdict!
Someone told you to spritz your glazed pottery with hairspray? While this old-school trick might seem a bit wacky, there’s actually some logic behind it. Hairspray can provide a temporary, light hold that helps prevent dry, unfired glaze from flaking, dusting, or smudging during transport. However, it’s definitely not a foolproof solution, and there are some crucial caveats to consider:
Kiln Considerations: Will it Affect the Firing?
Generally, a light mist of hairspray will burn off completely in the kiln, leaving no residue on your fired piece.
Excessive Buildup: However, using too much could potentially cause some temporary fumes in the kiln or, in rare cases, leave a slight, temporary residue on kiln shelves if not fully vaporized. A little goes a long way!
Glaze Compatibility: A Tricky Match?
Hairspray might not be suitable for all glazes. Some highly sensitive or very matte glazes could potentially react with the chemicals in hairspray, leaving a slight sheen or discoloration before firing.
Always Test! It’s always best practice to test this method on a small, inconspicuous area of a piece, or even better, on a test tile with the same glaze, before committing to your masterpiece.
Wait, wait, wait- Can we back up? I am new to firing! No worries! Read CMW’s Blog: Kiln-dergarten: A Beginner’s Guide to Firing
Better Alternatives Exist!
Commercial Glaze Protectors: Many pottery suppliers offer specialized “glaze hardeners” or “fixatives” designed specifically for this purpose. These are formulated to burn off cleanly and are generally safer and more effective.
Light Starch Spray: A very light misting of laundry starch spray can offer a similar, gentle hold without the strong chemicals or stickiness of some hairsprays.
Meticulous Handling: Honestly, often the best “protector” is simply being incredibly careful with how you handle and pack your pieces!
(Image is owned by Ceramic Arts Network)
Glaze Transport FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered!
Q: “Can I transport my pottery in a reusable shopping bag?”
A: Absolutely NOT recommended! Reusable bags offer virtually no rigid protection against bumps, crushing, or jostling. They allow pieces to shift and collide easily, making them a recipe for disaster. Always use a sturdy box!
Q: “What if I need to transport a large, delicate piece?”
A: This is where custom solutions shine! Consider using a specialized art transport box or building a temporary, custom-fit crate with foam inserts for maximum protection. For really large items, multiple trips might be safer than trying to cram everything into one vehicle. Don’t forget a sturdy hand truck or dolly for moving heavy pieces at the studio.
Q: “Can I ship my glazed pottery?”
A: Yes, but it requires an extra level of meticulous care in packaging!
Double-Boxing is Key: This means placing your already wrapped and boxed pottery (the inner box) inside a larger, second box (the outer box).
Cushioning Between Boxes: Ensure there are at least 2-3 inches of cushioning material (like packing peanuts, foam chips, or tightly crumpled paper) on all six sides between the inner and outer box. This creates a critical shock-absorbing zone.
The “Shake Test”: Once packed, gently shake the box. If you hear or feel anything shift inside, you need more cushioning! “If it shakes, it breaks!”
Fragile Labels: While helpful, don’t rely on “Fragile” labels alone. Your packaging should be robust enough to withstand typical shipping handling.
Insurance: Always insure valuable pottery when shipping!
Remember: Transporting glazed pottery requires a bit of extra care and attention, but with these techniques, you can ensure your beautiful creations arrive at the kiln safe, sound, and ready to be transformed. And if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe give that hairspray trick a light try (but always proceed with caution and a test piece!). Happy glazing and safe travels!
Are ceramic sealers safe to use on functional ceramics? Listen to CMW’s Podcast: For Flux Sake now!
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