Slip casting is a manufacturing process in which a ceramicist pours liquid clay slip into a plaster mold allowing the slip to dry and form into the shape of the mold.
Our mold making process is rigorous. Along with handcrafting our designs to be molded, we create the tools needed from scratch. This includes work benches, cottle boards, draining racks, etc. This helps us make sure every step in the process is executed smoothly and the tools work together flawlessly. Our tools are literally made for each other.
Plaster molds are commonplace in production ceramics for fast production, but they also come with a very valuable benefit. All of our slip-cast pieces are monitored carefully and timed, ensuring perfectly even vessel walls. This process helps us ensure that our pieces are free of defects and potential inconsistencies that could lead to quicker wear down the road. The materials used in our molds including plaster and liquid slip are sourced from trusted ceramic supply retailers and manufacturers.
We only use non-toxic food safe stoneware and porcelain clay that is kiln-fired to maturity causing vitrification. Vitrification is a thermal process through which the clay body forms a strong non-porous composition. This can essentially make an unglazed piece of pottery food safe as it will not harbor bacteria or absorb moisture like most earthenware and low fired stoneware.
Even then, we always glaze our pieces inside and out for a smooth glass-like finish.
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