Are there a few golden rules in pottery that (almost) always apply? – Yes! At Formwerk Berlin, we've found that there are some basic principles that make life easier for every hobby ceramicist. These are jokingly and unofficially called the "golden rules." If you follow them, you'll avoid typical mistakes and enjoy your pieces for longer.
The 10 golden rules of ceramics
Here we present ten golden rules of ceramics – important tips that we ourselves follow in the Formwerk Berlin community and pass on to our course participants.
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Keep clay moist: Make sure the clay you're working with doesn't dry out . Always cover unfinished pieces well with plastic to prevent them from drying out prematurely and becoming brittle. Thin pieces dry faster than thick ones – you can cover thicker pieces with a damp cloth or paper to ensure even drying. This will prevent cracking and allow you to continue working the next day without any problems.
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Thoroughly knead ("wedge") the clay: Before you model the clay or throw it on the wheel, knead ("wedge") it well . Wedging removes air bubbles and achieves a uniform consistency. At the same time, it aligns the clay particles, giving the material more homogeneity and stability. This step requires some force, but it is essential to prevent your clay piece from suddenly exploding in the kiln due to an air bubble.
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Don't make it too thick: A common beginner mistake is to leave a piece too thick. Remember the rule of thumb : clay should be no thicker than your thumb . Thick clay walls dry very unevenly (faster on the outside than on the inside) and can crack during drying or firing. If you do want to create a very solid form, remember to hollow it out later or leave a small hole in any cavities (see rule 6).
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Always use "score and slip": When joining two pieces of clay—for example, attaching a handle to a cup, gluing on decorative elements, or assembling parts of a sculpture— roughen the contact surfaces and use slip . Clay only adheres to clay when both surfaces are moist and roughened, and are "glued" together by the liquid slip. Work quickly while the clay is still moist or leather-hard; dry pieces cannot be reliably joined. This score-and-slip method (see also "The 4 S's of Pottery") ensures that attached pieces stay firmly in place during drying and firing and do not fall off.
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Factor in shrinkage: Clay shrinks during drying and firing , by about 5–15% depending on the type of clay. Therefore, you should make related pieces at the same time and allow them to dry evenly so that they still fit together after the bisque firing. For example, the lid and container should be made from the same clay at the same time and kept together during the drying phase. This way, they retain their correct proportions in size and shape. Different drying times or types of clay can lead to warping – the lid might suddenly no longer fit the container.
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Let the air escape: Be careful not to trap any air . Trapped air in the clay can expand during firing and cause it to explode . Therefore, hollow out hollow forms and drill a small hole to allow the air to escape. For example, if you are making a thick sculpture, hollow it out while it is still leather-hard. For closed hollow forms (such as a hollow sphere), pierce a hole in an inconspicuous spot with a needle, going all the way to the center. This opening allows the air to escape and prevents unpleasant surprises in the kiln.
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Clean before glazing: Before glazing your fired piece, remove dust and grease from the surface. Wipe the ceramic with a slightly damp sponge so the glaze can adhere evenly. Even the finest clay dust can prevent the glaze from bonding properly. Therefore, always wash the piece before applying the glaze . This will result in a more beautiful, even sheen after the glaze firing.
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No glaze on the bottom: Never glaze the underside of your piece – at least not the surface it sits on in the kiln. Glaze melts into a glassy layer during firing; if the bottom were glazed, your piece would stick to the kiln floor! So always leave a small rim unglazed at the bottom (the so-called dry foot ), or place the piece on small tripods/supports if you absolutely must glaze all around. At Formwerk Berlin, however, we recommend that beginners leave the bottom bare. Your fellow participants in the ceramics workshop will thank you – nobody appreciates fired-on "surprises" in the shared kiln.
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Handle with care: Always treat your creations with respect – ideally, carry a piece with both hands, especially when it's unfired. Freshly thrown or leather-hard ceramics can be surprisingly fragile. One moment of carelessness, and your beautiful bowl could be shattered. So be patient and handle your pieces with care. And another community etiquette: Never touch other people's work without asking . In our Formwerk Berlin workshop, this is a matter of absolute honor. Everyone works lovingly on their projects – respect that, even if someone else's work piques your curiosity.
- Cleanliness and safety: Pottery can be fun and lively – but the workshop should remain clean . Clay dust is harmful to your health if inhaled for extended periods. Therefore, never sweep dry clay scraps from the table or floor dry , otherwise it will create dust; instead, use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe the surfaces. Keep your workspace tidy, collect clay scraps (you can reuse these if needed, e.g., for slip), and avoid eating and drinking directly in your pottery corner to prevent crumbs or liquids from contaminating the clay. When sanding or glazing, ensure good ventilation or wear a dust mask. Safety first, and you'll enjoy pottery for years to come.
Finally: Rules aside – have fun! 😊 These "golden rules" are meant to help you avoid frustration, but don't let them intimidate you. Everyone starts somewhere, and mistakes happen (even we at Formwerk Berlin sometimes make a mistake – that's how we learn!).
Over time, these points will become second nature, and you'll quickly realize: pottery is a wonderful, fulfilling hobby. Stay curious and creative , connect with others (for example, in the Formwerk Berlin community), and never forget why we all do pottery – because we love creating something unique with our hands. Good luck and happy pottery! 👐
Your Formwerk Berlin Team
Sources
The tips and rules mentioned above are based on best practices in ceramics and are shared by many ceramics enthusiasts. A frequently cited list is the "Ten Golden Rules of Ceramics," which summarizes fundamental principles such as covering clay, proper joining techniques, and safety considerations. The 4-S method (Score, Slip, Stick, Smooth) is an established approach for permanently joining clay pieces—it is also taught in our courses at Formwerk Berlin.
If you follow all these tips, you'll be perfectly prepared for your ceramic journey – we at Formwerk Berlin wish you good clay! 🏺