Tips for Sanding Pottery Safely
Updated November 13, 2023
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 contact us!
Here are some tips for sanding and grinding pottery safely, what features on pottery tools to look for, and some recommendations that we have for you!
1. Minimize Clay Dust
Dust from clay creates free silica that is too heavy to be removed from the lungs. Over time, 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 Features 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 features 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
Sanding with a potter’s wheel? You need the 12" Diamond Grinding Disc from DiamondCore® Tools! It's available in 3 grits and is faster than silicon carbide and sandpaper.
SHOP 12” DIAMOND GRINDING DISC
8” Diamond Grinding Disc
The 8" Diamond Grinding Disc from DiamondCore® Tools is the perfect grind disc for pottery pieces. These diamond sanding discs are faster than sandpaper or silicon carbide with much less fatigue.
Choose from 60, 120, or 240 grit sizes depending on your diamond sanding disc needs.
8” Diamond Grinding Disc on 12” Bat (Sold Individually)
Our 8" Diamond Grinding Disc on a 12" Bat is the perfect choice for removing high-fired glaze drips or high-fired ceramic! It's important to always use water, high speed, and gentle pressure when using our diamond grinding discs.
Overheating the tool will greatly decrease its lifespan. “Let the diamonds do the work!”
SHOP 8” DIAMOND GRINDING DISC ON 12” BAT
2. Let the Diamonds Do the Work
While grinding or sanding your ceramic piece, it’s important not to 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 Pottery 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 and Strips let you get the best finish while making it easier for you to complete your piece.
Best-Selling DiamondCore Tools Diamond Sanding Pads
Flexible Diamond Polishing Pads, Square Corners
2.5" X 2.5" flexible foam-backed diamond sanding pads with diamond grit and 1/4" foam-backing for ease of use on a variety of pottery projects.
SHOP FLEXIBLE DIAMOND POLISHING PADS - SQUARE CORNERS
Flexible Diamond Polishing Pads, Rounded Corners
2.5" X 2.5" flexible foam-backed pads with diamond grit and 1/4" foam-backing for ease of use.
SHOP FLEXIBLE DIAMOND POLISHING PADS - ROUNDED CORNERS
Diamond Sanding Block
Diamond grit sanding blocks, measuring 3.5” x 2.125” x 1.25” thick, feature solid foam-backed pads with diamond grit.
3. Use Water
While you’re sanding or grinding your ceramic pieces, it’s important that you add 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 potter's 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 Features 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
This set features all 3 Semi Flexible Diamond Grit Pottery Sanding Pads (1.75″ x 2.75″). These semi-flexible foam-backed pottery sanding pads with diamond grit are 1/2" foam-backing "workhorse" pads.
Complete Assortment of 8” Diamond Grinding Discs on 12” Bats
Our 8" Diamond Grinding Disc on a 12" Bat is the perfect choice for removing high-fired glaze drips or high-fired ceramic! It's important to always use water, high speed, and gentle pressure when using our diamond grinding discs.
SHOP 8” DIAMOND GRINDING DISCS ON 12” BATS
Ultimate Diamond Grinding & Sanding Set
This assortment of grinding and sanding products covers the gamut for all your smoothing and polishing needs.
SHOP DIAMOND GRINDING & SANDING SET
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.
If you have any questions when it comes to pottery safety or choosing the right pottery tools, we’re here to help! Leave a comment here on the blog, send us an email, or get in touch with our team on social media. We’re on Facebook and Instagram!
Steph – Thank you for your suggestion. We’ve updated our blog to showcase our tools and to help you with pottery sanding techniques!
This info would have benefitted me much more if it incorporated pictures of the tools referred to and images or videos of techniques. Thanks
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