Pottery Sponges
Pottery sponges are a key tool for potters of all skill levels - and have a variety of uses throughout the creation process. Potters often use them to wet, shape or smooth clay during the throwing process or for softening edges for a more clean, refined finish. Sponges are a must-have in a potter’s supplies and are available in a range of forms and shapes. Explore sponges that help you in your ceramic work, each created for a specific purpose.
Sponges for Pottery
From natural sponges to sponges on sticks, there is an option for every requirement at Potclays. They are a deceptively simple piece of equipment - and a necessity in every studio. Sponges can do a lot of heavy lifting in controlling moisture, smoothing surfaces, applying or removing glaze and even cleaning tools and workspaces.
Ensuring you get the most out of your sponges is important. Designating your sponges for specific purposes can help to ensure they last - as can cleaning them between uses. You can even cut sponges into smaller shapes for work in tight areas. It's important to replace them regularly too, as overuse can weaken the sponge’s structure and natural sponges are likely to degrade over time.
There are a number of different types of sponges for use in pottery:
Natural sponges
Natural sponges have a soft, irregular texture and are great for absorbing water and providing a gentle smoothing on your ceramics. Using them on the wheel, for surface finishing and for gradually moistening clay are the most common choices, but they also find uses in sgraffito pottery. You can find different textures, sizes and cuts of sea sponge, such as fine, coarse and elephant ear. Elephant ear sponges are ideal for hand-building and throwing.
Sponge-on-a-Stick
As the name suggests, sponge sticks are sponges attached to the end of a stick. Potters use them to remove excess water from pots still on the wheel, smooth the inside walls while throwing on the wheel, or to soak up slip or slurry from hard to reach areas. They help to remove the risk associated with reaching your hand into a deep or narrow-necked creation. There are specific branded versions available, such as the X-Sponge 3 Slim - Xiem Tools’ upgrade on the popular X-Sponge 2.
Round Synthetic Sponges
Round sponges are usually made from polyurethane and offer a uniform, smooth feel. They are great for throwing on the wheel, but also find general use elsewhere. These man-made sponges are too smooth for finishing and smoothing, but are excellent at cleaning and adding and removing water from your clay.
Mudsponges and Bump Tools
The mudsponge is designed with ceramic artists in mind. Made by Mudtools, these synthetic sponges are colour coded for their specific uses, with blue finding use as a throwing sponge and in general use, orange used for soaking water and wiping down clay, and white for finishing. Mudtools have also created 'bump tools' which potters use to alter the shape of a clay creation from the inside - reaching places hands and fingers can't usually reach.
Why Choose Potclays?
At Potclays, we offer an extensive range of sponges to meet the needs of every potter. For cleaning sponges that remove the need for a brush, to medium-sized natural sponges perfect for surface finishing, there's something that meets every requirement across our range.
Picked up a specific branded sponge? We also stock replacement sponge heads in our online shop, allowing you to keep using your trusted tool.
For more information on pottery sponges or to discuss bespoke requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
