Drying Boards

Drying and Ware boards

Humidity in my work area naturally averages from 7% to 45%. Generally it takes a few days to go from throwing wet to bone dry.

Ideas and Hacks

1. Fast drying yields cracks. Not good.

2. Starting with super wet clay yields cracks so keep it on the dry side when making the piece.

3. If the bottom of the pot feels cool it is not dry.

4. Ware boards made of 1/2 inch pressboard siding aid in moving pieces. I tried plywood and lumber but found boards warped. Wood sided for drying and painted side for glazed ware.

5. Various sizes of drywall ranging from 12 to 18" square for drying large pieces. Sides of drywall were taped with Kraft Water Activated Tape to reduce potential contamination by the plaster in the drywall.

6. Turn pots daily when on the drying shelf.

7. Cover wares with plastic to slow drying and reduce cracking. Plastic may be removed when pottery starts to look dry.

8. If crack appears repair with a mud mix of vinegar, a few grains of Epson salt, small scrap of quilt batting and heavy slip. Mud mix also works for bisque fired ware cracks.

9. If you are getting cracks check clay formula, compress more while throwing and try to keep thickness 3/8 to 7/16 Inches.

10. Dried green ware should be rechecked for flaws and sanded with a web sanding cloth. Do it next to the dust collector fan.

11. Use wheel bat as a final check of green ware flatness.

12. A spray bottle filled with water is useful for dust control.