Monday, February 7, 2011

Slip Casting

Slip casting provides a way for ceramic artists to make multiple identical artworks efficiently and accurately. The technique involves creating a mold in plaster of Paris in which slurry is poured and allowed to develop. Once dry, slip hardens and holds the shape of the mold. 
A Slip Cast Ceramic Piece in the Mold. - Image by: Mike Wilson

Preparing to Slip Cast Pottery


Mixing and preparing the slip is key to pouring a successful casting. The slip is created by combining dry ceramic dust with water. The resulting liquid takes on the consistency of a milkshake. The slip must be mixed extremely well to ensure that all parts are equally distributed. This will be important while the slip sets up in the mold.
The mold also must be prepared before pouring the slip. To prepare the inside of the mold, make sure that the mold is clean and free of dust and small particles of debris. The mold should be dry before any slip is poured. Also examine the mold to make sure that it is assembled correctly so that slip won't spill out of the mold.


Removing and Finishing the Ceramic Piece


Before removing the ceramic vessel, use knives and smoothing tools to cut off any excess clay and smooth out rough edges. Remove the clay piece by inverting the mold and allowing the piece to come out naturally.


After the play was withdrawn, the use of smoothing tools to get in shape any problem in the room. Some areas may need to be smoothed, and others may have excess clay is removed. Once the room is acceptable, allowing to define the clay until it reaches a consistency very dry.
Once the clay is very dry it can be bisque fired in a kiln. He can take any glaze and placed in a fire in an oven finish. After the last firing, the piece is finished and can be used like any other piece of pottery.

The mold can be sprinkled over again to generate multiple identical pieces of pottery. The last layer should also be stored as it is kept in an airtight container. Be sure to stir up the form carefully before each casting. 

Slip Casting to Mass Produce Ceramic Dishes and Art



Casting is a simple way for artists to mass produce their own creations. By following a few simple steps, ceramic artists can create multiple copies of designs and streamline their production. Remember to always mix well and let slip the walls harden before pouring the excess slip. Finish each piece by hand and fire the pottery once it has become very dry.

    

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