{"product_id":"slabmat-wide-30-x-50-sm3050","title":"Slabmat-Wide 30\" X 50\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSLABMAT-WIDE 30\" x 50\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWide SlabMat™ is approximately 30\"x50\" It is suitable for use in all standard slabrollers in lieu of canvas. You can sandwich your clay slab between two SlabMats™ or you can fold a single mat and feed the fold through the rollers -- just as you would canvas! The difference? A smooth clay slab!\u003cbr\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. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eis 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. \u003cstrong\u003eWhat is \u003cem\u003eSlabMat\u003c\/em\u003e?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eSlabMat \u003c\/em\u003eis a proprietary non-woven fabric that provides a smooth surface for clay work. Unlike canvas, \u003ci\u003eSlabMat \u003c\/i\u003ehas no weave for clay dust to sift through, and therefore is cleaner for studio use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2. How many pieces of \u003cem\u003eSlabMat \u003c\/em\u003e do I need?\u003c\/b\u003e For long slabs (\u0026gt;23\") on a slab roller, use two full-length sheets of with the clay sandwiched in between. 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\u003e For shorter slabs (\u0026lt;23\") on a slab roller, use one piece of full size 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\u003e For hand building, or slabs rolled out with a rolling pin, you may use one piece of . If your table is slick, use a piece of rubber shelf liner under the 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 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 ?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. Cutting clay sitting on 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 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 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 without sticking. Cornstarch can be used as a release if lightly dusted onto the mat. It will burn out in the firing. \u003cbr\u003e\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\u003e Step 1. Run a thick slab through the slab roller using canvas on the bottom to absorb moisture and on the top. \u003cbr\u003eStep 2. Remove the canvas, and replace it with the 2nd sheet of . Roll the mat to the desired thickness. \u003cbr\u003e If 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 is too wet?\u003c\/strong\u003e If you remove your slabs immediately, you should be able to roll a few slabs before the is too wet. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CLAY ON THE MAT AFTER ROLLING. TRANSFER TO A FRESH MAT. Prolonged wetness may cause the to have a waviness that cannot be corrected. \u003cbr\u003e Tip: 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 avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SlabMat","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45113846333762,"sku":"SM3050","price":49.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/5508\/2050\/files\/white-SM3050-2.jpg?v=1697208530","url":"https:\/\/www.sheffield-pottery.live\/products\/slabmat-wide-30-x-50-sm3050","provider":"Sheffield Pottery Inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}