When creating clay forms what must be done with inside??

When applying glaze to a ceramics piece, it is important to wax the foot, or the bottom of the piece. What might happen if it isn't waxed??

When creating clay forms, it is important to pay attention to the inside of the piece. The inside needs to be properly hollowed out or shaped to the desired thickness and form. This is typically done by removing excess clay from the inside, using tools like a sponge or rib to smooth and shape the surface. The purpose of this step is to ensure the even distribution of clay thickness, allowing for even drying and firing of the piece. In addition, properly hollowing out the inside helps prevent cracking or warping during the drying and firing processes.

When applying glaze to a ceramics piece, it is indeed important to wax the foot, which refers to the bottom of the piece that comes in contact with the kiln shelf or any supporting surface during the firing process. The wax acts as a barrier between the piece and the kiln shelf, preventing the glaze from adhering to the foot during firing. If the foot is not waxed, the glaze could fuse the piece to the kiln shelf, essentially sticking it to the surface.

The consequences of not waxing the foot can be problematic. First and foremost, the piece could become permanently attached to the kiln shelf, making it difficult to remove and potentially damaging both the piece and the shelf. Additionally, if the glaze fuses the piece to the kiln shelf, it could cause the piece to warp or crack during the firing process. Waxing the foot is a simple precautionary step that ensures the smooth removal of the piece from the kiln, without any undesirable consequences.