Tips for Sanding Pottery Safely

Sanding pottery not only helps to create a smooth and beautiful touch, but also increases the value of your ceramics and adds to the craftsmanship of the piece. Here at DiamondCore Tools, we want to ensure that you are creating gorgeous ceramic pieces safely and easily. Knowing how to safely sand pottery and what pottery tools will help you do the job well is a big step in that process, and we are here to help! If you have any questions, please let us know!  

Here are some tips for sanding and grinding pottery safely, benefits of using the right pottery tools so you know what to look for, and some recommendations that we have for you! 

Minimize Clay Dust

Dust from clay creates free silica that is too heavy to be removed from the lungs. Overtime, it can become fatal if it is breathed in too often. You’ll want to look for pottery sanding and grinding tools that will minimize the impact of dust, while also creating the best ceramic piece through low fatigue and pressure.  

Pottery Sanding and Grinding Tool Benefits To Look for:

• Coarseness - depending on the needs of your ceramic creations
• Reduces fatigue
• Faster than sandpaper or silicon carbide
• Long lifespan

Which Tools To Use:

At DiamondCore Tools, we have many different options for you to choose from that meet the tool benefits that you will want to be looking for. To create a clean and finished piece, you’ll want it to have smooth edges that can be crafted quickly using a grinding disc. We have Diamond Grinding Discs available in different sizes and coarseness to meet your needs. Our Diamond Grinding Discs quickly clean off any glaze drips or rough edges that need to be smoothed out.

Best-Selling DiamondCore Tools Diamond Grinding Discs:

• 12” Diamond Grinding Disc
• Glass Grinding Disc
• 8” Diamond Grinding Disc on 12” Bat

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Let the Diamonds Do the Work

While grinding or sanding your ceramic piece, it’s important to not use too much pressure. If you are using our abrasive Diamond Grinding Discs or Diamond Polishing Pads, let them do the work. This will prevent you and your ceramic creation from being strained, it will also help to lengthen the lifespan of your tools as you create more pieces.

Tool Benefits To Look For:

• Doesn’t deteriorate in water
• Minimal fatigue 
• Works faster and less force
• Prevents sharp edges and scratches

Which Tools To Use:

It is important to us that you are getting high-quality tools to help you create ceramic pieces that you are proud of. We have different grits available for you to choose from, allowing you to find the tool that best matches your needs while you work. Our Diamond Sanding Pads & Strips let you get the best finish while making it easier on you to complete your piece.  

Best-Selling DiamondCore Tools Diamond Sanding Pads:

• Flexible Diamond Polishing Pads, Square Corners
• Flexible Diamond Polishing Pads, Rounded Corners
• Diamond Sanding Block

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Use Water 

While you’re sanding or grinding your ceramic pieces, it’s important that you are adding water. This will help to keep dust particles from flying in the air, and will lengthen the lifespan of your grinding and smoothing tools. This is extremely important as you are sanding with your potters wheel! The application of water to your clay will make it less likely for the silica to float into the air and cause health problems. Plus, it will keep your diamond sander and grinder from wearing out too quickly.

Tool Benefits To Look For:

• Doesn’t deteriorate in water
• Long lifespan
• Less force needed to use

Best-Selling DiamondCore Tools For Use With Water

• Complete Assortment of Semi Flex Diamond Pads
• Complete Assortment of 8” Diamond Grinding Discs on 12” Bats
• Ultimate Diamond Grinding & Sanding Set

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Pottery Sanding & Grinding Tools Safety

Smoothing your pottery by sanding and grinding is an important step in making sure that you are creating a great piece that has outstanding craftsmanship! The tools listed above will make smoothing your pottery easy, while keeping you safe in the process. Remember that you always want to minimize dust and lengthen the lifespan of your tools. Choosing DiamondCore Tools will help to ensure that you are able to create the best ceramic pieces while keeping safety in mind.