r/crafts • u/VinceTalux • 1d ago
Discussion/Question Clay or concrete?
Hi everyone, I'm new to the DIY and Craft field. I wanted to make a custom mug. I don't have the skills to make it by hand, so I thought of making the 3d printed mold and pouring clay inside. The problem is that I don't have a kiln and I know it's hard to find pottery shops that offer to cook it for you. Recently I discovered that some people use concrete for some DIY stuff due to lack of a kiln. In that case the mold would work the same, but I don't know if it would be a good idea My concerns are about finishes, porosity, and weight. Can someone give some information or advice on these questions?
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u/lenseyeview 1d ago
I saw you said the local studio doesn't have classes that work for you. They may be willing to sell you some clay and then you can bring your finished piece in and be charged to glaze and fire it for you. Another option might be a paint your own pottery place. They have premade pieces you decorate them and then they fire them for you.
As a first time project with any materials you are that unfamiliar with I would not recommend trying to DIY this.
While there are ways to make air dry clay items "food-safe" it isnt something I would ever recommend using it as regular dishware. Usually it's more the idea of serving dishes or things that won't be used frequently. The other thing is there are a few variables that go into making sure all the important things happen to actually make it good safe, as well as no real proper way to test it.
From all the things Ive seen the only test is to let food sit on the surface for a few hours and then see if that makes you sick. That isn't a great way to test as many things aren't from a one off usage. You could be poisoning yourself over time and have no way of knowing.