What Are the Best Practices for Drying Handbuilt Pottery to Prevent Warping?

When it comes to handbuilt pottery, one of the most common issues beginners and even experienced potters face is warping during the drying process. Warping happens when different parts of the clay dry at varying rates, causing uneven shrinkage. This can distort the shape of your piece and undo all the hard work you’ve put into it. Thankfully, there are several best practices that can help you prevent this frustrating problem and ensure your pottery dries evenly and maintains its intended form.

1. Dry Slowly and Evenly

One of the best ways to avoid warping is to dry your handbuilt pottery as slowly and evenly as possible. Cover your pieces loosely with plastic or a damp cloth to retain moisture, especially in the first few days. This slows down the drying process, allowing the moisture to escape gradually, which is crucial for maintaining an even rate of shrinkage across the entire piece. Make sure to keep your pottery out of direct sunlight and drafts, as these can cause certain areas to dry faster than others.

2. Use Supports and Props

When handbuilding larger or more delicate pieces, you may need to use supports and props to maintain your pottery’s shape during the drying process. Items like crumpled paper, foam, or soft sponges can be placed inside or underneath the pottery to support areas prone to sagging or distortion. As your piece dries and gains more structural integrity, you can gradually remove these supports.

3. Flip and Rotate Regularly

Another effective technique is to flip or rotate your pottery periodically. Doing so ensures that all parts of the piece are exposed to the air and prevents one side from drying faster than the other. For flat pieces like plates or slabs, flipping them over and letting them rest on a flat surface covered with a soft material, like a piece of foam or cloth, can help minimize warping.

4. Control the Humidity

The environment in which your pottery dries plays a significant role in preventing warping. Keeping the humidity level stable can prevent your pottery from drying out too quickly or unevenly. Consider using a humidifier or keeping a container of water in your drying area to add moisture to the air, especially during the colder months when indoor air tends to be drier.

5. Score and Slip Joints Properly

When attaching handles, feet, or other elements to your handbuilt pottery, it’s essential to score and slip the joints properly. This ensures a strong bond and reduces the risk of separation or warping at the joint areas during drying. Make sure both pieces have a similar moisture content and are not too dry before joining them together.

6. Dry on a Soft, Absorbent Surface

Drying your pottery on a soft, absorbent surface, such as a piece of drywall, plaster bat, or a board covered with newspaper, can help pull moisture from the bottom of the piece evenly. Avoid drying directly on a hard surface, as it can cause the bottom to dry much faster than the top, leading to uneven shrinkage.

7. Pay Attention to the Thickness

When creating handbuilt pottery, try to maintain a consistent thickness throughout the piece. Thicker areas dry more slowly than thinner ones, which can lead to warping. If your piece has areas of varying thickness, consider trimming or compressing the thicker sections to even out the drying time.

8. Allow Adequate Time Before Bisque Firing

Lastly, never rush your handbuilt pottery into the kiln. Even if a piece feels dry to the touch, it might still contain internal moisture that could cause warping or cracking during firing. Allow your pottery to air dry for an additional week or two to ensure it is completely bone-dry before putting it through a bisque firing.

By following these best practices, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of your handbuilt pottery warping during the drying process. Remember that patience and attention to detail are key when it comes to working with clay. If you’re looking to learn more about pottery techniques or want to perfect your craft, consider joining a pottery class at The Pottery Hut in Mississauga, Ontario! We offer a variety of pottery classes for all skill levels to help you master the art of ceramics.