GLZT-303 U-shape dipping tongs for ceramics, ensuring even glazing and reducing fingerprints.
How to Use
- Preparation of the piece: Ensure the piece has been bisque-fired and dusted clean.
- Gripping the piece: Use the pointed tips of the tongs, open them, and clamp down on the piece at the most balanced point (usually the rim or base of the piece). The pointed tips will create minimal contact marks on the clay.
- Dipping: Dip the piece into the glaze bucket with a steady motion. If the piece is deep (e.g., a vase or cup), dip it at a slight angle to release air bubbles.
- Shaking and resting: When lifting, gently shake or flick the piece to remove excess glaze. Then, place the piece on a drying rack.
- Hiding marks: Small marks left by the tong tips can be lightly covered with glaze using a brush, or gently rubbed with a fingertip after the glaze has completely dried.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Wash immediately after use: Clean with water immediately to prevent glaze from drying and hardening, especially around joints and tips.
- Wipe dry: As tongs are often made of plated steel or stainless steel, wiping them completely dry will help prevent rust in the long run.
- Maintain joints: If the tongs start to feel stiff, apply a small amount of multi-purpose oil to the pivot pins to ensure smooth operation.
- Check the tips: If the tips start to dull, you can gently sharpen them with fine-grit sandpaper to keep the marks on the piece as small as possible.
This type of tong is ideal for medium to large pieces because the U-shape provides more space for gripping deeper than standard straight tongs.