Common Sculpting TermsUpdated 13 days ago
Common Sculpting Terms
If you're new to working with clay, here are some terms you'll come across in your Sculpd guidebook and tutorials.
Working with Clay
Scoring - Scratching the surface of the clay before pressing two pieces together to help them bond securely.
Burnishing - Smoothing the surface of your piece using a tool or damp sponge to even out the texture.
Leather-Hard - A stage during drying where the clay is firm but still slightly flexible. This is the ideal time to carve in details on certain pieces.
Bone-Dry - When your piece is fully dry and ready to paint or varnish. Handle it carefully at this stage as it can be more fragile before sealing.
Shrinkage - Your piece will reduce slightly in size as it dries. This is completely normal and happens as the moisture in the clay evaporates.
Warping - When a piece bends or loses its shape while drying, usually caused by uneven thickness or exposure to direct heat. Keeping your clay an even thickness throughout helps avoid this.
Techniques
Coiling - Rolling the clay into long rope-like strands, then stacking and smoothing them together to build up a shape.
Pinching - Shaping the clay by pressing and pinching it between your fingers. Great for making small bowls and dishes.
Slabbing - Rolling the clay out into flat sheets, then cutting and assembling them into a shape.
Hollowing - Removing clay from the inside of thicker pieces to help them dry evenly and reduce the risk of cracking.
Joining - Attaching two separate pieces of clay together, usually done alongside scoring for a stronger hold.
Undercutting - Carving into your piece to create depth, shadow, or decorative detail.
Finishing
Sealing/Varnishing - Applying the acrylic varnish included in your kit once your piece is fully dry. This protects your piece and helps it last longer.
Glazing - A glass-like finish used in traditional pottery that makes pieces waterproof. The varnish in your Sculpd kit gives a similar protective finish without needing a kiln.
Good to know: traditional pottery terms
If you watch pottery tutorials online, you might come across these terms. They don't apply to Sculpd kits, but it's handy to know what they mean.
Ceramic Clay - Traditional clay that has to be fired in a kiln to harden, unlike the air-dry clay in your Sculpd kit.
Slip - A watery clay mixture used in traditional pottery to join pieces together. Not used with air-dry clay.
Wedging - Kneading clay to remove air bubbles before working with it. Not needed with Sculpd clay.
Bisque - A piece of ceramic clay after its first kiln firing, before glazing.