SlabMat™
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is SlabMat?
It's a non-woven fabric that provides a smooth surface for clay work.
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Q: How many pieces of
SlabMat do I need? For hand building
or slabs with a rolling pin, use one piece of SlabMat. A piece of rubber
shelf liner under the SlabMat will keep it from sliding. Slab roller possibilities:
for small slabs, use one piece of full sized SlabMat folded in half with
the clay sandwiched in between. (If you crease SlabMat, the crease is
permanent.) For long slabs, use two full length sheets of SlabMat or use
SlabMat in combination with canvas to get one side textured and one
smooth.
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Q: Should I buy separate
pieces of SlabMat for each color clay? Yes.
Avoid contamination.
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Q: How do I wash SlabMat? You
may wipe the surface with a damp sponge, but do not saturate it with
water. Allow the SlabMat to dry completely before use.
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Q: If my clay sticks to the
SlabMat, should I sprinkle it with talcum powder? NO!
Talc is a flux. The addition of a flux to a clay body will lower the
fusion point and raise the density of the body during firing. If you
find that your clay is sticky, you may want to dry the clay somewhat.
There are many ways to do this: wedge the clay on plaster or concrete,
squeeze the clay into thick coils exposing more surface area to air, run
a thick slab through the slab roller using canvas to absorb moisture. If
your clay is sticking only on the bottom mat, fold back the top mat and
flip the clay upside down onto your work surface.
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Q: How many slabs can
I roll before the SlabMat is too wet? What about leaving the rolled clay
on the SlabMat? Each clay contains a different amount of
moisture. Roll a few slabs and make note of how the SlabMat responds to
your clay. It is best to remove the slab soon after rolling because
prolonged wetness may cause the SlabMat to have a waviness. Tip: If you
are slow drying flat slabs, place the slabs between pieces of drywall
board, also known as gypsum or sheet rock. It is found at home centers,
is easily cut with a utility knife and is inexpensive.
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Q: Can I cut a piece
of SlabMat to a smaller size? Yes. Cut SlabMat with an Exacto or
utility knife.
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Q: Can I cut clay
directly on SlabMat? Everyone has a different hand when cutting,
so it will vary with each tool and person. A stainless steel fettling
knife if recommended. If you use an Exacto knife or needle tool, cut
test on a SlabMat sample to see how hard you can press before you damage
the surface.
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Q: How should I store
my SlabMat? Store SlabMat flat. To extend the life of your
SlabMat, avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight. If you must store
your SlabMat rolled, roll the mats loosely and reverse the roll 24 hours
before use.
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