Monday, November 21, 2011

Things that are good to have:

There is a lot of stuff on this list.  You definitely need some of your own tools. You probably want the sand paper.  You need a respirator. And you need plaster to make molds.  The rest of the stuff depends on how much you like to work on your own, how much you will be doing in the future, etc... 


The Clay Shop

Mud Tools!   I like a couple of yellow and green with a variety of corner shapes. http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/category/11/203/Ribs/Rubber/

Brushes-these are nice to have, any selection will do
http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/product/5076/Brush-Set-Talkon/

A rubber finger tool! I can't make a mold or build anything without it.
http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/product/1512/Wipe-Out-Tool%2C-Rubber-Shaper/

If you still need the basics- this is great:
http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/product/1690/Ceramic-Student-Tool-Kit/

Plaster
http://www.theceramicshop.com/store/product/395/Pottery-Plaster-%231/

At any store or from your home

Murphy's Oil Soap

A collection of small containers - Chinese Soup type

A towl

An Apron

A large sponge for clean up (its always good to have your own.


This stuff is at Home Depot or Lowes in the painting department-

A couple of buckets for mixing and to keep slip in
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202264039/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

You also might want a variety of wet/dry sand paper:

Silicon Carbide Drywall Sanding Sheets

400-600 grit 

and drywall screens - I like about 200 grit



Resperator



Blue Painting tape


Also in the Home Depot roofing department

You may want to have your own flashing... or you can share.


Wednesday, November 2, 2011

China Paints

china paint

Sprayer Use

To use the sprayer, put on respirator and consider using ear plugs.  
  1. Turn on fan on booth.
  2. Put well mixed glaze into sprayer.
  3. Attach sprayer to hose- making sure that the gasket is locked onto the sprayer.  (do not put on at an angle- do not force).
  4. Set pressure on compressor to between 50-75.  Turn up or down as needed to get it to where it feels right. Remember to not let the left gage go over 70.  Use the safety ring to release this pressure.  It will be loud.
  5. It is a good idea to lay down plastic to make clean up easy and to be able to recycle extra glaze.
  6. Do a test spray on the wall of the sprayer before spraying the actual piece.  A lazy Susan is a good idea to keep the piece rotating.  Change the angle of the sprayer to reach top and bottom. Let each layer dry before applying the next to avoid bubbles and drips.
  7. Turn off compressor when taking a break and bleep pressure with ring.
  8. I recommend being at almost eye level with the piece when doing the sides.
  9. Layer colors as needed.

    When finished:
  10. Turn off compressor. 
  11. Turn off fan.  
  12. Bleed compressor.  
  13. Remove Sprayer.  
  14. Empty glaze.  
  15. Recycle and glaze on plastic. 
  16. Run warm water into sprayer.  
  17. Reattach sprayer. 
  18. Turn on compressor.  
  19. With a clean sponge spray booth in sections and wipe off.  
  20. Repeat until clean. 
  21. Turn off compressor 
  22. Bleed lines completely
  23. Wash off Sprayer and put away.


"Magic" Slip

To make slip that is good for patch/repairs, slip trailing or more.  Take the same clay body and dry it to a bone dry state.  Add warm water and dip your finger into Darvan 7 (defloculant) about two times and swish it in the slip. The slip should have a slightly oily look.  You can also add a little paper pulp if you want to.