Studio Rules & Etiquette

1. The Golden Rule: Clean as You Go

• Wet Clean Only: Dust is the enemy of every potter. To prevent silicosis and keep the air breathable, we follow a strict “Wet Clean Only” policy.
• No sweeping or dry dusting: Always use a wet sponge or mop to clean your wheel, bat, work table, and floor area.
• Wash your tools: Return all community tools to their proper bins clean and dry.
• Empty your splash pan: Never leave clay slurry to dry in the splash pans.

2. Respect the Work of Others

• Hands off: NEVER touch someone else's work, no matter what stage it is in.
• Shelf space: Stay within your assigned storage area and do not overflow onto your neighbor's shelf.
• Label everything: Pieces without a name or member mark may be reclaimed or recycled after 30 days.

3. Kiln & Firing Safety

The kilns are the heart of the studio. To protect them:

• Greenware only when bone dry: Never place anything on the firing shelves unless it is completely bone dry.
• Bottoms must be bare: All glazed pieces must be wiped completely clean of glaze on the bottom and at least 2 mm up the side to prevent sticking to kiln shelves.
• No “mystery” materials: Only clay and glazes purchased or explicitly approved by The Bisque may be fired. Unauthorized materials can melt and destroy kiln bricks and shelves.
• Explosion prevention: Do not trap air inside closed hollow forms—always poke a small vent pin-hole.

4. Reclaiming & Waste

• Wet clay scraps: Place clean wet scraps in the designated “Wet Reclaim” buckets.
• Dry clay scraps: Place dry scraps smaller than a dime into the designated “Dry Reclaim” buckets.
• No trash in reclaim: Keep sponges, chamois, ribs, wire tools, and paper/plastic out of all clay buckets.
• 3-step cleaning station: After emptying wet and/or dry clay into reclaim buckets, rinse splash pans, tools, and water bowls in the “Rinse” bucket first—only then rinse in the utility sink.
• Sink etiquette: Never pour thick slurry or chunks of clay down the standard drains.

5. Glazes & Glazing

• Glazes are shared community resources—please treat buckets and brushes with care.
• Bucket lids: Keep lids on glazes when not in use. Leave 5-gallon bucket lids resting loosely on top (do not snap shut). Keep 5-gallon buckets on their wheeled dollies.
• Mixing: Mix glazes before glazing every time, using the designated mixing brushes or whisks ONLY.
• Zero cross-contamination: Keep glazing cups with their designated glaze bucket, do not leave glazing cups on work benches, and rinse whisks/brushes thoroughly before mixing a new glaze.
• Watch glaze combinations: Some layered glazes run aggressively and can ruin both your piece and the kiln shelf. Clean up any splashes or spills immediately.

6. Community Conduct

• Member entry: Members enter through the side alley door using their assigned code and lock the door immediately after entering.
• Shared space & volume: Be mindful of volume; please use headphones when listening to music, podcasts, or videos.
• Personal belongings: Store personal items in a cubby or locker to keep studio work tables clear.
• Last one out: If you are the last member to leave, verify that all wheels, studio lights, and heat/AC are turned off and doors are locked.
• Guest policy: Members may not bring guests to use studio equipment without prior approval or a member guest pass.

Questions about an outside clay body, glaze test, or studio policy? Reach out anytime at teri@thebisque.com or contact us online.