Slip Casting

The teacher demonstrates how to prepare a plaster mold for casting. (Banding and positioning)

Slip (liquid clay) is poured in the mold until it's full. Then the mold is tipped and turned to ensure all air locks have been removed.

After a designated time (depending on the thickness of clay required, the slip consistency and dryness of the mold) slip is poured back out of the mold. The mold is then left to dry in an appropriate position so that any running slip will not produce extra weight in a bad place.

The next day (or after enough time to allow the slip to firm up) the mold is opened and the piece taken out. The piece is cleaned, chased, deflashed, and finished to await firing. After bisque firing the piece can be glazed or painted.



Evaluation:
3 points -- Completeness of the cast (no holes or bubbles)
2 points -- No distortion
5 points -- Finished and cleaned nicely
10 points