After the pot has been thrown, you need to do some finishing touches before cutting it from the wheel. First, use your sponge and soak up all liquid that has accumulated at the bottom of your pot. Liquid left in the pot will almost always cause cracking as the pot dries.
Soak your chamois in the water or slurry for a moment, until it is thoroughly saturated. With the wheel at about quarter speed, stretch the chamois across the rim, fingers against each side of the wall about a quarter inch from the rim's edge.
Push downward slightly on the chamois, without moving your fingers themselves downward. This will cause the clay to compress and form a bulge at the rim, which both strengthens it and is also visually pleasing. The chamois will also smooth the rim.
Lift up and away slowly.
