Filed In:
Surface Treatments on Pottery
Pottery surfaces can run the gamut from glossy, to silky smooth, to sandpaper roughness, to complete cragginess. Learn how to use the pot's surface itself as decoration.
Many ancient peoples used burnishing to make their pottery harder and more waterproof before they discovered the use of glazes. Contemporary potters can also use burnishing to great effect.
There is one very important point to keep in mind: burnished pottery should not be used for food or drink, with few exceptions.
Burnishing Pottery Tips
Tips from readers on burnishing pottery.
How to Cut Clay for Surface Decoration
Surface decorations in clay pieces include incising, carving, fluting, and faceting.
Impress Your Clay
Many objects can be used to make impressions in clay, not just tools specifically made for making impressions.