The Beauty of Slip-Cast Ceramics 

The world of ceramics is rich with techniques, many of which have been refined over centuries to create both functional and artistic pieces. Among these, slip-casting stands out as an option that invites collaboration with modern practices such as CAD modeling and 3D printing, allowing the creation of beautifully intricate and precise objects. This made it the obvious choice for the Savvy Brush Tray, once we decided to move to ceramic! While the process itself may sound simple, the artistry involved in mastering it is anything but.

What Is Slip-Casting?

At its core, slip-casting is a technique that involves pouring liquid clay—known as “slip”—into a mold. The mold absorbs the water from the slip, causing a solid layer of clay to form along its interior. The result? A hollow, perfectly shaped object, ready to be finished and fired. It’s used to create anything from intricate sculptures to everyday objects like dishes and trays and… brush trays! But what makes this process so special is the level of detail and precision it offers, especially when paired with modern technology.

Step-by-Step: The Art of Slip-Casting

1. Designing the Model: Traditionally, slip-casting begins with a physical model, often sculpted by hand, but these days, CAD design is an additional and incredibly powerful option. It allows for precise control over every aspect of the piece—from shape to surface texture.
2. Printing: Once the digital design is complete, the model is 3D-printed, serving as the “master” that is used to create the mold.
3. Mold Creation: The next step is creating the mold, typically from plaster. Plaster is highly absorbent, which is crucial for pulling moisture out of the slip later. The 3D print is embedded in plaster, and once the plaster hardens, it is carefully removed, leaving a negative impression of the object inside. This mold may then be used repeatedly to produce multiple identical pieces.
4. Preparation: The ceramicist then prepares the slip—essentially liquid clay—made by mixing fine clay particles with water. The consistency must be exactly right: too thick, and it won’t flow properly into the mold; too thin, and it won’t create a strong enough form.
5. Casting: With the mold and slip ready, the casting process can begin. The slip is poured into the mold, filling it completely. Because the plaster absorbs moisture, the slip begins to solidify along the inner surface of the mold, creating a shell. The longer the slip remains in the mold, the thicker the shell becomes. Once the desired thickness is reached, the excess liquid slip is poured out, leaving behind a hollow clay form that matches the mold’s interior.
6. Opening the Mold: After the clay has set, the mold is carefully opened, revealing the shape inside. At this point, the piece is still fragile and needs to be handled with great care. Any seams from the mold are gently smoothed out, and additional detailing or refining can be done by hand.
7. Dry, Bisque, Glaze: Once the piece is cleaned up, it needs to dry completely before it can be fired in the kiln. The initial firing, known as the bisque firing, transforms the soft clay into a hardened form. After this, the piece is usually glazed and then fired again at a higher temperature, giving it strength, durability, and often a glossy finish.

Timeless Appeal

Despite the modern twist of CAD and 3D printing, slip-casting remains true to its roots. The process still relies on the careful handling of materials, the slow, deliberate act of casting, and the craftsmanship involved in finishing each piece. The end result is a blend of artistry and technology, where traditional skills meet modern precision. The heart of slip-casting is still in the hands of the maker, transforming raw materials into objects such as our Savvy Brush Tray that will be used and enjoyed for generations to come.