How to Dry Your Pottery WITHOUT getting Cracks!

[@Lily-hu9el]

This might be a dumb question but do you have any recommendations for how to dry the bottom of a pot or vase if the shape doesn’t really allow you to flip it over? Or does tipping it on its side work?

[@PotterytothePeople]

tipping it on it’s side does the job or you can put it on a plaster bat or find another way to prop it (for example if the handle sticks up you can rest the rim on a roll of tape). great question!

[@Lily-hu9el]

@@PotterytothePeople awesome! Thank you so much ❤️

[@Brendonluvr24]

The tip about wrapping the clay and attachments is a game changer for me thank you

[@PotterytothePeople]

so great! 👏

[@tugcekaraduman5899]

You’re definitely the best potter on KZbin. Your content is beautiful, helpful and very clear. Please keep doing this! :)

[@PotterytothePeople]

Wow, thank you!

[@stephanielopez4996]

I second that!!! Love your videos

[@AlexMartinez-uh6dq]

Hehe “potter” sounds funny

[@SurenderKumar-xg9yo]

No😂

[@chickenpea111]

I agree! You are so friendly and open!

[@EXARCWithGrandpop]

I dont find this boring at all! I have been struggling with this for over a year now. This was very helpful for me. (A self taught potter working at home)

[@jonathankerner2094]

Good instruction. My class watched this today and it was just what they needed to hear about. Nicely explained.

[@brotherscampfire]

Informative, thank you! I am not a potter but for fun I processed some clay from a creek and have been working it. I have nothing but respect for the tradecraft.

[@SOBORING007]

Thank you so much for your videos! This is Joanna from Thessaloniki, Greece. I finally bought some clay to spend my time at home during quarantine and your videos have helped me a lot in setting up my own little studio at home! I have just made the berry bowl that you showed in your video and I noticed that there were a few cracks around the rim of the bowl, around half a centimeter. I put the bowl in a plastic bag. Can this be saved?? Should I but a wet cloth on these 3-4 cracks and then try to reconnect them the next day? thank you!

[@OoMangoLoveoO]

I am so glad I found this this video. Quite a few of the pots I most recently made ended up with so many cracks and they were almost all pots with some kind of attachment, and I had no direction on how to properly dry my pots at home. Thank you for the detailed, easy to follow video!

[@jonathankerner2094]

If your pottery is dry beyond "leather" but still greenware can you rub some slip into the cracks as a sort of caulking process and fix small cracks that way?

[@SC-rb2jr]

Excellent advice from someone with lots of experience. Many Thanks. Please keep doing videos.

[@catwoolf11]

This was really good. I needed to hear all this again. It's not sexy, but it's super important.

[@HiddenBlessingsHomestead]

As a beginner to pottery and not sure if I want to get into it as anything more than a hobby, what wheel, tools, etc would you suggest? and also how should I dry these pieces? Kiln? or can I use my outdoor clay oven? Thank you so much for your video.

[@emilykuehl4871]

What material do you use for your ware boards? I am also wondering why you use newsprint under the wet pots? Does it help prevent mold/mildew? Thank you for this video! SO helpful.

[@emmabaker8059]

Really informative. I’m new to pottery so this was really helpful to me thank you 👍🏻

[@MariePerle13]

First of all thank you for your content! It is so helpful! I'm wondering, as I word my clay at home, if you find that drying outside can be a good thing? We have cold winter in Montreal but I would like to dry my pots in a bin with lid outside to save some space in my apartment?

[@raquelcosta3136]

How long would you recommend leaving your pots to dry before a bisque kiln? I’m a hobby potter and I go long periods between firing at a community pottery studio. Usually my pots sit for at least a month and are totally bone dry by the time they get fired. Is there any down side to this? Thanks! Love your videos…

[@thehunter5985]

I want to know the solution to the problem of the hand slipping from the mag

[@jimfitzgibbon5492]

You have so much knowledge to share, & I thank you.

[@andreamorales8129]

Hi! One question 🙋🏽‍♀️ how long can you let your pieces dry before the Kiln. Because I don’t have a Kiln and I want to start making pieces and just have them hanging until I find a place to fire them for me. But I don’t know if it’s ok to let them raw for such a long time ( I hope you understand 😅)

[@reneeamyot4261]

Just love your practical tutorials

[@happyjeans]

Very informative but concise video does beginner, thank you! I’ve been going to a drop in/unstructured class every 2 weeks and I’m having massive problems coming back to them being the right amount of dry. My first lot of punch pots meant to be joined together to make vases I came back and they were rock solid. Two sessions ago I made bowls and wrapped them so well when I came back to refine them I’d wrapped them so well they were still wobbling so this gives me some pointers to figure out getting the right level of dry. I don’t know if you’ll still be checking for questions but if I go to a session and want to get some clay dried out a bit not for firing but to allow me to work with slightly dried out clay for a slab plate for example, or to be able to then refine edges with a sponge without the whole thing collapsing again then can I use a hairdryer? Would this need to be on a cool setting to avoid anything too sudden or just drying the outside and leaving the inside very wet still or something?

[@PotterytothePeople]

Hi Amy, yes drying is soo tricky if you cant check your pots every day! Especially since drying times change with the seasons and the thickness of clay. You have the right idea- dry them with a hairdryer (hot is fine), fan, or heatgun to leatherhard. Lots of potters use those to speed up drying and its generally fine for the pots. Make sure you turn your piece and get the bottom to dry it evenly.

[@happyjeans]

@@PotterytothePeople Amazing thank you! I think I would have forgotten about the bottom haha. It doesn’t help that the first week I went was the week it was nearly 40deg in London + kiln heat too! And now it’s 20 deg so I just can’t get the hang of how much to wrap!

[@MemonaSharaf]

After vase get dry what should we do next? Can we put it in microwave oven or not , if yes so how long I put them in microwave oven?

[@fitzmauriceworks]

Excellent video. Concise and well presented!

[@PotterytothePeople]

thank you!

[@docseibel]

Have you ever tried using a food dehydrator for rapidly drying your pots?

[@sharon-py7os]

Hello, i want to dry it faster in my kitchen oven, so from what temp to start up to 150c and for how long? Thank you🙏

[@pollyannwhite5343]

Thank you so much. All your advice is very much appreciated.

[@Majoofi]

At our studio lots of people use heat guns and even blow torches to speed dry for trimming or to stiffen up walls of wet pots when throwing large pots. I haven had that much luck trying it though.

[@PotterytothePeople]

Oh yeah! That's a great alternative to the fan, for sure. We have hair driers in our studio too!

[@mariaregina8569]

Thank you so much for doing this video!!! it’s very helpful 🤍

[@PotterytothePeople]

You're so welcome!

[@sukomansour3503]

Hi! Can we put a plate in the home oven when they are leather hard? I need to fasten their drying time 🥲

[@salemsmith777]

Lately I’ve had my pots not dry enough and unevenly because of a cold spell in Florida, pots usually dry out within a week and now it’s been double that and crack within a few days of making them which is really frustrating. So I bought a heat gun and I’m hoping that helps a bit

[@kanellys3039]

Would this process work with air dry clay as mine keeps cracking 🙈🤔 thank you for all your information 👏🏼👍🏼

[@malsawmdawngliana7351]

which type of clay will be the best to use for pottery ma'am?

[@JasmineMunder]

Can I leave the pots to dry on any surface or does it have to be a special kind of wood?

[@chickenpea111]

I am in the UK, and it is really wet autumn, winter, spring (sometimes summer too!) - I throw in a tiny shed outside, but tend to dry stuff inside. I am a newbie, and currently I am too worried to use the shelves I put up in the shed, cos of the damp. Whilst I am amassing a kiln-load of greenware pre-bisque would you advise keeping it all in the house right up to the time of firing, so it doesn't re-humidify itself from the damp outside? Thanks loads

[@DrLewis82]

What kind of table do you use for pottery?

[@Ebdain787]

I don’t know if this question can be answered, but I’m make rectangular tiles with appliquéd attachments on the top of them - not handles or anything. Also, on the back of the tile, I am attaching a lip so that the tile can be hung like a painting. Is this impossible for the making of a flat tile that doesn’t curl? Someone suggested that I put wet newspaper around the edges because they dry the quickest. Any suggestions? Your input is invaluable.

[@PotterytothePeople]

Watch this video-- kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqeal5WFhsiAd5Y I show how to dry tiles flat :)

[@dreamsofanotherday]

Hi, thank you for making all these amazing and informative videos! I’m just starting out doing pottery at home and was just wondering if when my pieces are drying, do I need to be cautious with open windows, air flow etc? Or can I just put them on a shelf in my living room for two weeks? Do I need to cover them if I don’t want to slow down the process?

[@PotterytothePeople]

Nope, you can just let them air dry in your living room :)

[@DeborahHatanaka]

Thanks for the amazing simple and clear tips....very helpful!

[@denisegolden9947]

I just watched your drying video, very helpful. I have trouble when I make slab plates/trays. I always 🤞🤞

[@PotterytothePeople]

practice makes perfect! they are tricky though :)

[@elenaolivares6965]

Sand will wash off down into the gutters and gutter guards don't prevent sand from entering most gutters. . . applying a clear resin can extend the life of a roof.

[@diaryofasian]

Any tips for bone dry pots at home

[@lenkazdraviciv-4896]

I started making a clay figure for my bf, height of a book, but it was my first time dealing with clay more seriously and with too many details (made nostrils with tootpicks) and i had the skelet over which i put the clay, but bcuz i was doin details, it took me time, so on day 1 i just finished the legs, and it already started to break, yesterday i finished the body and today i saw it cracked, my first tought was to spray the whole thing in water and put it into the kitchen oven.....but after your video, now i know i probably need to start all over....bcuz i was re-wetting it, and the cracks became worse :( Since im not making a cup, but something thinner and more vulnerable to cracking...What should i do now?

[@KelseyHubley]

When the wet title kept coming up It made me laugh and all I could think is that's some wet a** pottery lol bring a bucket and a sponge for this wet a** pottery 😅😅 Thanks for the laugh and also your awesome videos!

[@PotterytothePeople]

omg hahaha

[@JasonSipe16]

I really appreciate your videos.

[@Atliermia]

Always placed in container box. Before trimming. After trimming, same as before, rapping With a dry cleaning bag or trash bag. My trick, greenware grimed, place with misted paper towel placed in and rapping. Even in container, always have wet towel placed in. Very slow drying, Check every day, and see the condition. Then remove the cover...but gradually... Ever failed.

[@soniaelvin]

how can you check for hairline cracks in greens using machine. what is the suitable machine for it in a production line?

[@rajlashmisaikia8823]

Which is the best and easiest way to dry potteries .

[@robdebie4423]

Hello Mia, Frist of all I would like to say that your video’s are great and very inspiring! Could you tel us what material the boards you use are made of?

[@billiemcinerney1002]

Thanks for the video! I was wondering is that just ply wood you rest the pieces on?

[@bluberrymonster]

So far I've attached handles when both the mug and the handle are wet. If I understand it right, you wait for the mug to be leather hard and then make a wet handle to attach, correct? Is this only to prevent warping of the pot/mug? Or are there other reasons as well? Can I also attach a leather hard handle? Thanks!

[@southbridgefarm8795]

What temperature do you keep your studio at? I struggle with my work taking too long to dry.

[@sandrasaunt6441]

Really helpful, thank you so much ❤

[@heididerksen8227]

Hello just starting out in pottery wondering which is better underglaze then a clear glaze or just different coloured glazes. Can anyone help please

[@singinggardener]

Thank you for the great information! Nice presentation too.

[@danaology.]

I have a piece that has been drying under plastic for a month at this point and it’s still not fully dry! I was taught to let all pieces reach bone dry under plastic but in my garage it’s just taking forever, so I’m going to just let them sit under plastic for a day or two once made and then let them be naked 😂 thanks Mia!

[@PotterytothePeople]

haha yeah thats too long! that advice might be great for arid climates but if your garage is humid, they can go naked 😄

[@PotterytothePeople]

haha yeah thats too long! that advice might be great for arid climates but if your garage is humid, they can go naked 😄

[@danaology.]

I’m in Australia and my garage is weirdly well insulated, so it stays cool even on super hot days☀️

[@jennibeest]

Thanks so much for the video! My cracks have reduced but I still get them on certain attachments (Handbuilt sculptures). I attach when leather hard and wrap in plastic completely for 24 hours. It seems to be the slip that cracks even though I clean up excess slip. Any further advice/tips I can try would be much appreciated.

[@PotterytothePeople]

You might be applying too much slip or your slip is too wet. Try experimenting with that! Also, leatherhard is a spectrum, so experiment with different wetnesses. And make sure both pieces are equally leatherhard. Hope that helps!

[@suusd2849]

Hi i wouldnt dry on the kiln it is not good for the oven isolation

[@stephanieewiranata]

really love your videos ❤️ i want to ask what if we didn't our pottery clay ?

[@wackyjackievideoproduction3417]

Super helpful. Great info. Thank you.

[@dianemoisangagnon3976]

What about pots or bowls or mugs that warps during drying? I use a slab roller not a wheel for my work. Thanks

[@infinity_dolp2744]

Hi I want to make a sculpture using ceramic clay . So can I just wrap it with a plastic like you said after I am done and leave it there for like 2-3 weeks instead of kindling?

[@abhisekghosh6807]

How about wrapping wet clay cloth on it to get stiffness and not cracks

[@valerieholley4165]

What type of board do you use to place plates on while drying?

[@heididerksen8227]

Hello just wondering do you need to wrap hand build/slab work in plastic always. I'm just learning pottery.

[@syarafinasyakiera6952]

can i dry it use oven after i dye it ?

[@evyvega7111]

I believe that the cracking comes from the uneven weight of it but I don't know for sure I'm not a Potter just an Artist that like to experiment with Media.what you think?

[@PotterytothePeople]

I guess it can happen if you have very heavy weights of clay pulling pieces apart. But I’m not sure since most potters are not making huge heavy things ☺️ All the cracking issues I’ve come across are in the video.

[@homs.1765]

Thank you for those very good tips.

[@monicapimentel6099]

Hi there! How long would you recommend to air dry flat pieces in a hot climate? Also is there such thing as over drying? TIA

[@PotterytothePeople]

Definitely dry them under weights like I did in the video. There is no such thing as over-drying :)

[@emelialeong5807]

Love your videos! So informative! Would love to get some insights from you on how to save cracked items. Or to what extend can these be saved. :)

[@PotterytothePeople]

I usually toss them and make them again ;) But there are a couple of tips I have here... maybe a future video :D

[@pocahontasseguinart7099]

I have Rocky Mountain clay Bmix med fire cone 5-7 and I am always stuck on how to make it not too dry . I still can’t find a decent local play to fire my items even on time cause it’s too far, the clay keeps getting to Dry , they want people to do lessons and it’s high expensive that’s $30- $500 and they will chase you away the brand you have and want you to use there brand and I live in Atlanta Georgia . I am Not sure I’m drunk my projects right and I don’t have the best to wrap them and I don't know what comes first under or over glaze if I Want it non-toxic lead free food safe and no cancer glazes ans not sure what glaze to put to protect them or should I even Use a type of wax. Do You have any advice 11:02

[@babykimcop4698]

hi! what surface for drying clay pieces is the best?

[@siiiriously3226]

great video! you explain it very well. thank you very much.

[@HumlsHofkeramik]

What kind of boards do you use?

[@osirusj275]

So if i let it dry in open air or sun it for 10 days or use air dryer to dry it for 3 days, like 15min each day, do I need still to fire it in kiln?

[@cyndalbrown5246]

This was really helpful! Thank you!

[@PotterytothePeople]

youre so welcome! ☺️

[@cynthiloungeson4018]

How do you work with air drying clay and while you working with it it starts to crack im bruce from south Africa and im trying to make candle holders but it starts to crack before im done with my project have you got enney advise on that for me please

[@chickenpea111]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@rana_a]

I loved your channel! I dont know how i didnt see it before im enjoying & jumping from a video to another one😍 thank you for your videos keep making them now that subscribed i wont miss it😎🙌

[@PotterytothePeople]

I'm glad you found me :D Thanks for watching!

[@valerieholley4165]

And thank you so much for your help!!

[@lalineaableful]

This is very helpfull! Lots of info in this one. Been writing notes. Thank you so much :))

[@PotterytothePeople]

You're so welcome!

[@76wlsee]

thanks for sharing! can drying direct under the sun?

[@PotterytothePeople]

Yes that's fine :) As long as it doesn't dry too fast or unevenly.

[@pearlwilliam3245]

Hey i have kept my clay to dry for 14 days. But i cannot understand if my clay is completely dry or no , how does one understand? and is completely sure if the clay is dried ?

[@PotterytothePeople]

hold it up to your cheek. if you feel any coolness, it might still be wet. If youre worried about it, pop it in your kitchen oven at 100*C for one hour ✌️

[@soniahassanfijiangirl2018]

Can I jst make the pottery (for planting purposes)N leave it in the sun for several days...will this work or it needs to be fired?

[@agnediciuniene9861]

It will not work. Without firing clay will absorb the water again and your item will break down. If clay could be fired in the sun, we would have fields of pottery in nature

[@pearlwilliam3245]

Hey so I have question, before adding attachments I should cover it in the plastic for atleast 24hours and then attach my piece is that right? Can attachments be done in 3-4hours ? Am quite new to this could you please help

[@PotterytothePeople]

No I just wrap it for 24 hours AFTER I've attached something. I attach right away.

[@pearlwilliam3245]

Hi for long do you recommend the pots to dry naturally, before it's first fire.

[@triciac1019]

It depends on the moisture level of the environment your pots are in. It can take a few weeks. It's always better to err on the side of caution and let them dry extra days. My daughter made a ring bowl and it seemed dry enough to me. My home is more moist than the studio I go to. Her bowl broke in the kiln.

[@cherylfirth7066]

This is so helpful ❤

[@mariluvsmorri]

I was trying to fix, a cracked pot, that I really love, and wish I had watched your video prior. I saw another woman put wet clay over it, and she didn't cover it, but let it air dry. Mine Of course I put outside, here in fl its very humid and hot, cracks everywhere, I didn't cover to show down the process. Is there Anyway you can do a tutorial on a "How to save a cracked pot". Id love help, because this pot is very special. Also I don't have a kiln,but is there anyway to cook it slowly in the oven? When I'm ready for it it be completed?

[@leighfield7569]

I’m having this same issue here in Florida!! I grew up in Maine and learned clay there and now everything I’m used to doing I’ve done here and it’s messing with all of them (cracks on cracks!) glad I’m not alone haha

[@godoggo407]

Love your videos. Can you tell me what kind of kiln you have and do you like it?

[@PotterytothePeople]

I use an electric kiln. But any kiln you have access to will work ☺️

[@cucabosco]

Awesome! NOT boring ;) Thank you for your tips

[@PotterytothePeople]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@staceybrister1315]

Great video; thank you 🙂

[@neuzeteribeiro]

Gostaria muito de ter a tradução de suas lives em português (Brasil)

[@atheistechoes474]

I think my sculpture im working on is crumbling so i put a wet rag over it i hope that helps

[@PotterytothePeople]

I hope so too!

[@linda1337]

I glazed inside of my mug and i did so many layers bc I didn’t know what to do so now it’s thick but don’t know how to restart. Do I let it dry so it crack then peel it off or….???

[@PotterytothePeople]

If it's already bisqued, you can just wash off the glaze.

[@Jfresh55]

So how can we make clay that won't Crack regardless how it dries?

[@PotterytothePeople]

haah I think that's impossible 🙃

[@luciegilchrist240]

That’s great to know!!! Thanks!

[@tracyairth8625]

Yes, needed info, thank you!!!

[@ronaldlogan3525]

very informative ! thanks

[@danielajohnson177]

Thank you so much! This is great, very clever. :)

[@marisellestolz6755]

I just startet to do pottery, made a figure lots of detail wich took met 3 days...wish i heard this before...its now cracked!!!😭😭😭 Can I repair crackes?

[@marilynbruce753]

Thank you I learned sooo much.a self taught clay creator!

[@ProfesserBussanut]

What clay and glaze do you use? Could you link it?

[@PotterytothePeople]

I use a bunch of different stonewares from Carl Jäger. But if you're not in Germany, I don't recommend buying from them. Use a local supplier.

[@polinastegnienko5933]

Thank you!