{"product_id":"slabmat-hand-building-mat-small-14-x-16-sm1416hb","title":"Slabmat Hand Building Mat Small-14\" X 16\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSlabMat HAND BUILDING MAT SMALL-14\" x 16\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14\"x16\" Small HandBuilding Mat HandBuilding Mats are made of the same material as our full-sized SlabMats™. They are ideal for smaller hand construction projects. This size mat is used in many class rooms across North America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eis the\u003cstrong\u003e smoooooth alternative to canvas\u003c\/strong\u003e for rolling out slabs of clay. SlabMat is a proprietary non-woven material used instead of canvas on all slab rollers. Smaller mats are avilable for hand building clay slabs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1.\u003cb\u003e What is SlabMat?\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e is a proprietary non-woven fabric that provides a smooth surface for clay work. Unlike canvas, \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e has no weave for clay dust to sift through, and therefore is cleaner for studio use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. \u003cstrong\u003eHow many pieces of \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e do I need?\u003c\/strong\u003e For long slabs (\u0026gt;23\") on a slab roller, use two full-length sheets of SlabMat with the clay sandwiched in between. \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e can also be used in combination with canvas to get one side textured and one smooth. Place the canvas on the bottom for it to absorb the most water.\u003cbr\u003eFor shorter slabs (\u0026lt;23\") on a slab roller, use one piece of full size \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e folded in half with the clay sandwiched in between the folded mat. Note: If you use this technique for rolling, the crease in the mat is permanent.\u003cbr\u003eFor hand building, or slabs rolled out with a rolling pin, you may use one piece of \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e. If your table is slick, use a piece of rubber shelf liner under the \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e to keep it from sliding.\u003cbr\u003eHandBuilding\u003csup\u003etm\u003c\/sup\u003e mats are pre-cut to convenient sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. \u003cstrong\u003eCan I cut a piece of \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e to a smaller size?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Use an Exacto or utility knife and a straight edge to cut the mat to the appropriate size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. \u003cstrong\u003eCan I cut clay sitting on \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Cutting clay sitting on \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e with an Exacto knife or needle tool requires attention to the sharpness of the tool and the pressure applied when making a cut. Perform a cut test on a \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e sample to see how hard you can press before you damage the surface. A stainless steel fettling knife is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. \u003cstrong\u003eShould I buy separate pieces of \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e for each type or color of clay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Avoid clay body contamination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. \u003cstrong\u003eWhat if my clay sticks to \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e?\u003c\/strong\u003e Generally, if you can roll out your clay on canvas, you should be able to use \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e without sticking. Cornstarch can be used as a release if lightly dusted onto the mat. It will burn out in the firing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTips: When clay is rolled, the bottom mat absorbs more moisture. To prevent you clay from sticking on the bottom mat:\u003cbr\u003eStep 1. Run a thick slab through the slab roller using canvas on the bottom to absorb moisture and SlabMat on the top.\u003cbr\u003eStep 2. Remove the canvas, and replace it with the 2nd sheet of SlabMat. Roll the mat to the desired thickness.\u003cbr\u003eIf you still have a problem, you may want to dry the clay somewhat by wedging the clay on plaster or concrete. You can also squeeze the clay into thick coils exposing more surface area to air to dry it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7. \u003cstrong\u003eHow many slabs can I roll before the \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e is too wet?\u003c\/strong\u003e If you remove your slabs immediately, you should be able to roll a few slabs before the SlabMat is too wet. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CLAY ON THE MAT AFTER ROLLING. TRANSFER TO A FRESH MAT. Prolonged wetness may cause the SlabMat to have a waviness that cannot be corrected.\u003cbr\u003eTip: If you are slow drying flat slabs, place the slabs between pieces of drywall, also known as gypsum or sheet rock. This product is found at home centers, is easily cut with a utility knife, and is inexpensive. You should cover the drywall edges with duct tape to avoid contamination of clay with the gypsum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8. \u003cstrong\u003eHow should I store my \u003cem\u003eSlabMats\u003c\/em\u003e?\u003c\/strong\u003e Store \u003cem\u003eSlabMats\u003c\/em\u003e flat when possible. If you must store your \u003cem\u003eSlabMats\u003c\/em\u003e rolled, roll the mats loosely. If the mat is too curled from shipment, gently reverse roll the mat before use. To extend the life of your \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SlabMat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45113845612866,"sku":"SM1416HB","price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/5508\/2050\/files\/slabmat_product__92480.1623261948.jpg?v=1697228067","url":"https:\/\/www.sheffield-pottery.live\/products\/slabmat-hand-building-mat-small-14-x-16-sm1416hb","provider":"Sheffield Pottery Inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}