What Tool To Use To Smooth Clay?

Clay smoothing is the process of removing imperfections and creating a uniform surface on clay objects before firing them. It is an essential step in handbuilding and wheel throwing pottery. There are various tools that can be used to smooth clay, each with their own benefits. Proper smoothing results in an even, professional look and improves the structural integrity of clay pieces. It also allows glazes and decorations to be applied smoothly.

Common tools for smoothing clay include metal and wooden rib tools, metal and plastic scrapers, sponges, and sandpaper. Choosing the right tool depends on factors like the clay consistency and desired finish. Smoothing clay properly takes some practice, but using the right techniques and tools results in pottery with a polished, flawless surface.

Metal Rib Tools

Metal rib tools are commonly used clay smoothing tools made from thin sheets of stainless steel or aluminum bent into a curved rib shape. They come in a variety of sizes and can have rigid or flexible ribs. Rigid metal ribs provide more control and are good for smoothing flat surfaces and edges. Flexible metal ribs are springier and better for smoothing curved areas. The thin sharp edge of a metal rib tool allows for precise smoothing and burnishing of the clay surface. Metal tools are useful for both smoothing soft clay as well as leather hard clay.

Metal rib tools shine at tasks like gently compressing and melding clay coils together, perfecting the lip of a thrown bowl, burnishing smooth curves, and eliminating fingerprints. They can produce delicate smooth textures. The rigidity of the metal also allows applying more pressure which is helpful when burnishing leather hard clay. Metal rib tools are durable tools that will last a long time if properly cared for.

Wooden Rib Tools

Wooden rib tools are commonly used for smoothing and shaping clay. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most popular are rectangular ribs of various widths. They can be made from wood like maple, poplar or basswood. Some are also available in plastic.

The main benefit of wooden rib tools is that they don’t scratch or stick to clay like metal tools can. The wood slides smoothly along the surface. Rectangular ribs are good for smoothing flat surfaces by stroking in one direction. Curved ribs can be used to smooth rounded forms. Wide ribs work well for gradually smoothing larger areas. Narrow ribs are better for detailed smoothing in small areas.

Wooden ribs are ideal when you want to refine the surface without removing too much clay. They are gentle on soft, flexible clay. Ribs with rounded edges won’t cut into the surface. Use them when you want a smooth, even finish. They are especially helpful for burnishing leather-hard clay.

Metal Scrapers

Metal scrapers are flat metal tools for scraping or cutting into leather-hard clay. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including:

• Loop scrapers: A loop-shaped wire set into a handle. You can drag this across your clay surface to trim details.
• Kidney scrapers: A round or kidney-bean shaped wire set into a handle. These are good for general clay smoothing.
• Rectangular scrapers: A thin, rectangular piece of stiff metal attached to a handle. You can hold these perpendicular to your clay to slice off sections.

Use metal scrapers when you want to:

• Smooth away rough areas or flaws in the clay.
• Trim away excess clay to refine shapes and forms.
• Cut clay for alterations like making feet, handles, spouts etc.

As with all clay tools, use a light touch with metal scrapers so you don’t gouge into your work. They are very useful for detail work on vases, bowls, cups and other pieces.

Plastic Scrapers

Plastic scrapers are another option for evening and smoothing clay surfaces. They come in a variety of shapes such as cards, triangles and curved forms. Plastic scrapers can give you more control while scraping compared to metal tools since many have handles built in.

Plastic scrapers are good choices if working with fragile, soft clay as they are less likely to pierce or distort the surface than thin, sharp metal tools. The duller edges also allow you to scrape the clay without removing too much material in one pass.

Types of plastic scrapers to consider include:

• Triangle scrapers – Good for getting into corners and tight spaces
• Curved cards – Nice for smoothing curved surfaces evenly
• Straight cards/blades – Allow precision removal of clay in straight lines

Use plastic scrapers on very soft, sticky, flexible clays to produce smoothing without damaging or warping the form. They’re also handy on larger surfaces when you want to remove clay more gradually and evenly than metal tools allow.

Sponges

Sponges can be valuable tools for smoothing clay. Both natural and synthetic sponges are options. Natural sponges, like sea sponges, absorb and retain moisture, so they can help keep clay soft and make smoothing easier. Synthetic sponges, such as replaceable cosmetic wedges, work on thicker areas or are useful when you want to do surface treatment.

Use natural sponges for smoothing and blending large areas of soft clay. The sea sponge’s absorbent and porous texture will gently even out your piece. Synthetic sponges are better for spot smoothing thicker slabs of clay or cleaning up unfired clay surfaces. A cosmetic wedge can scrape away scraps without leaving residue behind.

Choose natural or synthetic sponges based on the texture and scope of surface you need to smooth. Both options can be rinsed and reused multiple times.

Sandpaper

Sandpaper is another useful tool for smoothing the surface of clay or removing excess material. It comes in different grits for more or less coarse sanding.

The most common types of sandpaper grits are:

• 100-220 – Coarse
• 240-500 – Medium
• 600-1200 – Fine
• 1500-2000 – Very Fine
• 3000+ – Ultra Fine

When using sandpaper for clay smoothing, start with 120-150 grit for coarse sanding, then follow with finer grades. To finish, use 400-600 grit or finer to achieve a polished look. Always wear a dust mask and sand in circular motions for the smoothest effect.

Sandpaper is particularly useful for final smoothing of detailed areas or getting into tight crevices that other tools like metal or wooden ribs can’t reach. It works well on leather-hard clay when the surface is firm enough for sanding but still relatively soft.

Other Tools

Many common art and household items can also be repurposed to smooth and shape clay:

• Chamois leather – Moistened, wrung-out chamois can smooth away fingerprints or excess moisture while still being soft enough not to leave behind fibrous dust.
• Soft paintbrushes – Use a soft large paintbrush to gently brush away ridges and bumps, or to polish leather-hard clay.
• Cheesecloth – scrunch up a piece of dry cheesecloth to delicately buff wet or leather-hard clay surfaces.
• Fingers – Your own dampened fingers and palms oftentimes make the best clay shaping tools; wiping away excess water and smoothing seams with heat and pressure from your hands.

These versatile and low-cost items can give you additional options for blending, shaping, and polishing your clay creations.

Choosing the Right Tool

Choosing the right clay smoothing tool depends on a few key factors:

Clay Type – Different types of clay have different properties and call for different tools. Porcelain clay, for example, is denser and more prone to cracking and requires firmer tools like ribs, whereas stoneware clay is easier to smooth. Polymer clays usually require softer tools like sponges.

Desired Effect – The look you want to achieve will determine the tool. Ribs and metal scrapers create smooth, polished surfaces while sponges stipple the surface and add texture. So consider the final artistic effect.

Stage of Project – The appropriate tool depends on what point in the project you’re at. In early stages when the clay is quite soft, softer tools like sponges or wooden ribs work well. Later on when the form is nearing completion, firmer steel tools help refine and perfect the surface.

Conclusion

This article highlighted several key tools clay artists can use for smoothing, including metal and wooden rib tools, metal and plastic scrapers, sponges, and sandpaper. Each type provides unique benefits and characteristics that are more suitable for different needs.

The smoothing process is incredibly important for achieving a beautiful, polished finish on clay sculptures and crafts. Properly smoothing removes unwanted texture, shapes fragile details, compresses the clay, and prepares surfaces for decorating. A variety of tools should be tested on practice projects to identify personal preferences.

Clay artists are encouraged to experiment with all the mentioned options to determine which tools work best for their specific goals, clay type, and project difficulty. A skilled ceramicist builds a diverse smoothing toolset and constantly practices to advance their techniques. With an openness to trying new methods, artists can continue smoothing rough areas and refining delicate textures over time.