#100Mugs100Ways

Day 59

Here is #Mug #59 - Cleaning up the mug

Sometimes, a mug needs to be cleaned up from marks, small imperfections and to smooth the surface.

I make sure my hands are clean and free from oils, lotions, or other contaminants.

I handle the greenware mug with both hands and carefully cradle it in one hand as I clean it with the other hand.

In general, I use a damp sponge to clean up dust and dried clay particles on the surface, and sometimes I may have to sand as well.

The final cleaning step is to use a damp sponge to wipe down the greenware and remove abrasion marks, scratches, and imperfections created during throwing and attaching the handle. I also consider a too wet sponge can destroy some of the shape’s detail; too dry, and I may accidentally polish the surface.

When sanding greenware, I wear a Miller Electric ML00895 Half Mask Respirator with a P100 filter to protect me and avoid me breathing any clay dust. If I have to sand a mug or any ceramic piece, I go outside to do so, which eliminates any dust settling in the studio.

Safety is of the utmost importance when working with clay.