When starting a pottery project, the initial crucial task is to ready your clay by wedging it. Wedging is comparable to kneading dough and helps to eliminate air pockets, align the clay particles for better shaping, and achieve a consistent texture throughout the substance. While this process is most effective on a canvas surface, which type of canvas is most suitable for the job? Let’s investigate.
The Importance of Canvas
Canvas is a preferred surface for wedging clay because its slightly rough texture helps to prevent the clay from sticking. The small fibers of the canvas help to create a non-stick surface without adding any additional materials to the clay. This allows the artist to wedge their clay without worrying about it sticking to the surface or getting mixed with foreign elements.
Types of Canvas
Now that we understand why canvas is used for wedging clay, let’s look at the types of canvas suitable for this task:
- Duck Canvas: This type of canvas is heavy, plain woven cotton fabric. Duck Canvas is very durable and tightly woven, which makes it perfect for wedging clay. It’s important to note that this material should be unprimed – meaning no added substances for stiffening the fabric.
- Canvas Twill: This refers to a type of fabric weave that creates a pattern of diagonal parallel ribs. This gives the canvas a unique texture that can help in the wedging process. Again, make sure the Canvas Twill is unprimed.
Canvas Preparation
Before you start wedging your clay, the canvas needs to be prepared. Here’s how you can do it:
Firstly, cut the canvas to the desired size. You can use it as a cover for your wedging table or even attach it to a piece of plywood for a portable wedging surface.
Next, thoroughly wash the canvas to remove any sizing, which is a substance used in producing the canvas to keep its shape. Washing will also help to soften the canvas a bit. After washing, allow the canvas to dry completely before using it to wedge clay.
Remember, it’s essential to occasionally clean the canvas to remove any dried clay that may have stuck to the fibers. A stiff brush can be used for this purpose.
The right canvas can make a big difference in your pottery process. Not only does it provide a non-stick surface for wedging your clay, but the texture of the canvas can also add to the clay’s workability. So next time when you plan your pottery project, make sure you choose and prepare your canvas carefully.
Happy Pottery Making!
