The Best HEPA Vacuum for Potters, Sculptors, and Woodworkers

Note: Originally posted 2020, updated and revised August 2025

If you work with anything that creates dust, such as clay, wood, or plaster, you need a high quality HEPA vacuum. Rather than a simple shop vac with a HEPA filter tacked on, you want a completely sealed unit that has both a HEPA filter and is certified to not be putting dust back in the air. (Some of the cheaper shop vacs aren’t completely sealed and can create hazardous air in your workspace.)

Our top pick for personal studios is the Nilfisk Alto Aero 21 HEPA Wet/Dry Vacuum or the Festool CleanTec 15 HEPA Dust Extractor. For medium to larger studios, consider the Oneida Air Systems Dust Cobra or Mini-Gorilla systems, which cost $2,000 or more but are easy to use and maintain.

All of these machines meet or exceed HEPA standards (high-efficiency particulate air) for containing particulates such as silica dust, both from the machine exhaust and other areas on the unit. You’ll pay extra for this full-unit HEPA quality but it is worth it. Inferior vacuums often have a slapped-on HEPA filter but will leak in other parts of the vacuum such as the dust collection bin, potentially creating worse air quality in your workspace. You definitely don’t want to play around with your lung health, so a high-quality vacuum should be one of the tools in your cleaning arsenal.

In addition to the Aero 21 and Cleantec 15, this post will cover a few high-quality vacuums that will work for a variety of studio and workshop situations. Expect to spend $400 to $500 or more to get the right system. This is a big outlay, but your health is worth it. And in the long run, these well-built vacuums will last for decades if treated with care, and your only ongoing cost will be replacement filters and bags. After the vacuum reviews, this post also will cover some relevant safety issue and cleaning suggestions to create the best, cleanest, and healthiest workspace.

Top Picks for Personal Studios:

The Nilfisk Alto Aero 21 Wet/Dry HEPA Vacuum is one of top picks for a personal studio, and currently retails for about $428 (Shop at Amazon)

Nilfisk Alto Aero 21 HEPA Wet / Dry Vacuum
Quick Overview: An upgraded version of a standard plastic shop vac, the HEPA version of this vacuum meets all the OSHA standards for silica dust extraction in a well-engineered vacuum. In addition to the Wet/Dry capabilities, it has a sort of “standing” style long hose. It typically retails for $428. See our complete review below.

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Festool CleanTec 15 Hepa Dust Extractor
Quick Overview: The smallest and most affordable Festool Dust Extractor is a compact unit with cord and hose storage, and meets or exceeds all OSHA standards for silica dust extraction. It has a bit smaller capacity than the Nilfisk Aero 21, and is for dry dust collection only. It retails for $444 but is a great option for small studios where space is at a premium. See complete review below.

The Festool CT 15 is a more compact unit than the Nilfisk Aero 21, but is also a great unit. (Shop at Amazon)

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Top Pick for Larger Studios

An industrial vacuum, the Oneida Air Systems Dust Cobra is designed to meet all OSHA HEPA requirements, is self-cleaning, and was designed with ceramic studios, wood shops, and light industrial applications in mind. It’s not cheap, generally around $2,000 or more, but the unit was designed with ease of use and utilizes off-the-shelf HEPA filters, making ongoing costs and maintenance quite affordable. See complete review below.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick for Personal Studios: Nilfisk Alto Aero 21 HEPA Wet/ Dry vacuum

2. Upgrade Pick for Personal Studio: Festool CT 15 E Dust Collector

3. Top Pick for Larger Studios: Oneida Air Systems Dust Cobra system

4. Other HEPA Vacuum Recommendations

5. Classic Pick: Nilfisk GM-80 HEPA Vacuum

6. Further Info: Safety Considerations and Cleaning Recommendations

7. Summary

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Top Pick for Personal Studios: Nilfisk Alto Aero 21 Wet/Dry HEPA Vacuum

The Nilfisk Alto Aero 21, a small but powerful wet/dry vacuum that can be ordered with a HEPA filter.

The Nilfisk Aero 21 HEPA Wet/Dry Vacuum is a turbocharged little shop vac that can do a lot. It’s got great suction wet or dry, and with the HEPA option, this unit will filter 99.97% of dust down to 0.3 microns, It also has a built-in filter cleaning system to extend filter life and prevent loss of suction.

This unit has a 5-gallon (20 liter) plastic drum canister and an 11.5 foot foot hose. The vacuum kit includes an aluminum extension tube, along with floor, crevice, and universal nozzles. The unit is 20 inches tall, 15 inches in diameter, weighs 16.5 lbs and has four wheels including two swiveling front casters.

Built with Nilfisk’s quality German engineering, this is one of the smallest and most affordable vacuums that the company makes. This is not an industrial machine, but for a personal studio or job site this is a great option that usually costs around $430 with the HEPA filter.

Nilfisk makes all sorts of vacuums, ranging from shop vacs to industrial-level systems. There are variations in size, suction, and other features, but the HEPA option on their vacuums maintains the filtration level of 99.97% down to 0.3 microns or higher. When ordering, make sure to select the HEPA option so that you get the proper filters needed for silica and other fine particles. You can also be assured that the machine is engineered so that there are no leaky areas for non-filtered air and dust to escape.

There are a lot of shop vacs on the market, but Nilfisk has done a great job of making a relatively affordable wet/dry vacuum that has an extremely high HEPA filtration rate. If you are working with clay, wood, or plaster, this is probably the smallest and most affordable vacuum that maintains top quality levels of small particle filtration.

The Nilfisk Aero 21 used to be much cheaper compared to the Festool CleanTec 15 (reviewed below) but now they are quite similar in price so it’s a good idea to compare the two models.

If you like the Aero 21 but need a larger vacuum, consider these options from Nilfisk:

Nilfisk Aero 26 HEPA: A larger version of Aero 21 that retails for around $520 | Shop at Amazon

Nilfisk Alto Attix 50 HEPA: Increased power and suction with adjustable suction control, $1,014 | Shop at Amazon

Nilfish Alto Aero 21 HEPA Vacuum
$428

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Upgrade Pick for Personal Studios: Festool CT 15 E HEPA Dust Extractor

The Festool CleanTec 15 E HEPA Dust Extractor. Built with hose and cord storage.

Festool is a German manufacturer of high-quality power tools that is especially popular with woodworkers, and the company’s line of HEPA dust extractors is one of the best designed on the market. These vacuums would be an upgrade pick from the Nilfisk vacuums, based on both price and the standard options such as automatic tool start plugs and adjustable suction.

The Festool CleanTech 15 E HEPA Dust Extractor is the company’s most affordable vacuum with a collection size of 15 liters or just under 4 gallons. The CleanTech line also includes HEPA vacuums in larger sizes of 25, 26, 36 and 48 liter capacities, if you need a larger capacity.

The CT 15 E, like all Festool vacuums, has thoughtful features such as built-in cord and hose storage, and easy to clean filters, all in a small unit with a low center of gravity. It comes with a 5 meter long (16.5 feet) power cord, a 3.5 meter long hose (11.5feet), crevice and upholstery tools, and weighs just under 25 pounds.

The entire line is certified to meet or exceed OSHA standards, meaning that it filters 99.7% of particles down to 0.3 microns. But Festool has taken a further step to get its units independently certified to make sure that there is no leakage anywhere in the unit. This full-unit certification really gives you the peace of mind that you are not creating any hazardous air, and it puts Festool a step above the competition. Many shop vacs and dust extractors are listed as HEPA certified, but only the exhaust air is being filtered. If there is leakage anywhere else in the unit (usually where the motor section is connected to the collection bin) that can defeat the whole purpose of a HEPA vacuum. With Festool, you know the full unit is certified.

These features and certifications do come at a premium: the Festool CT 15 E costs around $450. This vacuum is a step up from the Nilfisk in cost, especially when you compare similar size collection capacities. With the Festool you get the same level of HEPA cleaning but with extra features such as cord storage. For many, Festool is the brand they turn to first and if you want top quality and safety assurance, it’s a great option for personal studios and job sites.

Festool CleanTec 15 E HEPA Dust Extractor
$444

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Top Pick for Larger Studios: Oneida Air Systems Dust Cobra

The Oneida Air Systems Dust Cobra.

The Oneida Air Systems Dust Cobra is one of the best vacuums on the market for larger ceramic studios, wood shops, and other art studios. Designed in conjunction with Clayscapes Pottery of Syracuse, New York, it’s a high quality unit that will work for the avid hobbyist, educational studio, or small production facility. This unit will filter 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns.

The Dust Cobra is a lot bigger than your average vacuum or shop vac, but it’s on the smaller side for an industrial-quality vacuum. It would fit happily in the corner of a basement woodshop, or could be deployed at a larger academic studio or production facility. The vacuum sits on an airtight, metal drum that can be lined for easy disposal, and the drum is available in a 14 or 30 gallon capacity. The standard set-up comes with a high-quality dolly, but it can be used as a stationary tool too.

The Dust Cobra uses a rotating gravity funnel that Oneida calls “cyclonic action” to pre-filter the incoming dust and dirt and has a built-in filter cleaning system that can be deployed to prevent clogging and loss of suction. The standard kit comes with a 25-foot flexible hose that is designed to connect to tools such as a chop saw or miter saw, or it can be used as a standard floor vacuum.

Although a fully equipped Dust Cobra with the drum, wheeled dolly, and 25 foot hose starts around $2,100, the ongoing operating costs of this unit is quite affordable. All that is needed is replacement filters and plastic drum liners.

This is a durable, functional, well-thought-out unit with a target market of ceramic studios, shops using small power tools, wood shops, and educational studios. For around the same price, you can also find the newer Oneida Dust Gorilla, which is made mostly from lighter plastic components with the goal of making it easier to move around.

Oneida Dust Cobra System
4” hose
$2,100

Oneida Mini-Gorilla
Accommodates 4” to 6” hoses, but must be bought separately
$1,800 to $2,100

For more info on the Dust Cobra, check out the manufacturer’s page or watch this short promotional video below:

Check out The Dust Cobra made by Oneida Air for ceramic studios!

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Other Options

In addition to these top picks, there are a number of great HEPA vacuums on the market. For dust collectors, we are not fans of the brands typically found at big box stores, and instead have found speciality vacuum manufactures to offer the best in quality and functionality. With any shop vac advertising itself as a HEPA model, you’ll want to make sure all points on the vacuum are tightly sealed and that the filter is rated to at least 99.9% filtration down to 0.3 micron particle size.

Bosch Portable 9 Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor

Bosch 9 Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor

The Bosch 9 Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor meets OSHA requirements for HEPA, and includes power tool activation if you want to pair it with another small tool so that it turns on and off when needed.

When compared by collection capacity, it is about the same price as a larger Festool CleanTec model, but it does cost more than the smallest Festool, which has less than half the capacity of this unit.

When choosing a dust collector for a personal studio, this might be a great option, it just depends on how much capacity you need and the size of the unit. Bosch is known for great quality and this unit has rave reviews from woodworkers.

Bosch 9 Gallon HEPA Dust Extractor
$539

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Classic Pick: Nilfisk GM-80 HEPA Vacuum

The Nilfisk GM-80. The hose parts and attachments are interchangeable, depending on your needs.

The Nilfisk GM-80 is a classic canister-style vacuum that is used and loved by many potters, sculptors, and artists. This model has been on the market for decades, and replacement parts are readily available online or at speciality vacuum stores. Within the Nilfisk product line, it’s in between the plastic-body Aero or Attix models and the high end industrial-grade machines. Consider it sort of a light-industrial option.

The GM-80 costs around $1,600 or more, and with that you get an all-metal body and a filtration level of 99.97% down to 0.3 microns. For extra filtration, there is a stepped-up Museum version with a variable speed control and the option for an ULPA Filter (Ultra-Low Particulate Air) which filters 99.999% of particles down to 0.12 microns. Either way, any Nilfisk vacuum with a HEPA or ULPA filter will return extremely clean exhaust air to your workspace with no leakage from the unit.

For HEPA filtering, the GM-80 utilizes four levels of proprietary Nilfisk parts: a paper dust bag, a thick cotton main filter, an optional motor dust filter, and a HEPA exhaust filter. These proprietary parts are not cheap to replace. The paper dust bag ($35 for a 10 pack, Shop at Amazon) captures most of the dust, and the cotton main filter ($135, Shop at Amazon) gets just about everything else. Unfortunately, this cotton filter and the GM-80 do not self clean, and the cotton filter is not designed to be washed. You could take it outdoors to tap off some of the accumulated dust, but this is a messy situation where you’ll want to have a dust mask on. The good news is that almost no dust gets to the HEPA filter, which costs $150-$200 to replace (Shop Nilfisk HEPA Filter at Amazon). The HEPA filter is rated for 1000 hours of use. If you are vacuuming in 10 or 15 minute bursts, it will take years before you’ll need a replacement HEPA filter.

There are a few tradeoffs with this device. It is not built with cord or hose storage, so these have to be wrapped around the device. For rolling, only one of the three wheels has a full 360 rotation, so it isn’t the easiest to move. It also uses expensive, proprietary filters.

The GM-80 is a trusted, well-rated vacuum that many have used to safely remove silica dust and other fine particles for years. If you are looking for a small vacuum and want a really high level of dust removal, this is a classic option that has worked for many artists for decades.

If you like this style of floor vacuum but want a cheaper model, check out the Nilfisk GD930 HEPA Canister Vacuum for $517 | Shop at Amazon

Nilfisk GM-80
$1,624

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Further info:

OSHA Standards for Silica Dust

In 2016, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States introduced heightened standards for silica dust, and manufacturers have responded with high-quality vacuums that are HEPA certified and include improvements such as self-cleaning filters. In practice, this means that a HEPA certified vacuum or dust collector must filter at least 99.97% of particulates down to 0.3 microns. Keep in mind though, that while many vacuums will filter the exhaust air through a HEPA filter, not all units are fully sealed and can be truly safe if you are working with fine particulates such as silica dust.

Click here for the OSHA Fact sheet on the 2016 silica dust exposure regulations. There is also a comprehensive OSHA page on silica here.

Silica-safe.org has a lot of info on how to properly work with silica dust.

Click here for Nilfisk’s page (from 2019) on silica dust exposure and OSHA compliance.

How to Clean Your Studio: Never Vacuum?

To clean up, OSHA recommends a HEPA vacuum or wet mopping. But if you look at various forums for pottery and other workshops, most comments will say “never vacuum” and instead suggest wet mopping. Wet mopping is good advice, but a high-quality HEPA vacuum designed to capture silica dust is the other recommendation from OSHA. Not recommended practices include dry sweeping, moving dust with an air hose, or other practices that introduce dust into the air. If you have a personal studio, you should follow this advice too. Therefore, whether you are cleaning the inside of a kiln, using woodworking tools, or creating dust in any way, a high-quality vacuum system should be part of your studio.

Recommended Cleanup Procedures

As mentioned before, wet mopping or using a quality HEPA vacuum are the best ways to remove dangerous particulates such as silica dust from your workspace. As detailed in our post on recommended cleanup tools, here are cleanup suggestions for workspaces:

Tables and countertops Use bench brush and dust pan to carefully clean large chunks. Then wipe clean with water and large yellow sponges.

Floors
Spot-sweep as needed with broom and long-handled dust pan.
Vacuum dust and particles with a high-quality HEPA vacuum.
If sweeping is needed, use sweeping compound to help contain dust and sweep gently. Vigorous sweeping can produce airborne dust, so work slowly and carefully.
After sweeping, then mop floors. If needed, a second mopping should get things spotless.

Kiln room
Kilns are vacuumed as needed with a HEPA vacuum.
Floors are cleaned as described above.
As kiln rooms are sources of a lot of dust from ware storage, kiln wash, kiln shelf maintenance, etc, be extra vigilant about cleaning frequently in kiln rooms.

What to do if you have an old leaky shop vac?

If you are not in a position to upgrade your old vacuum, consider a few alternatives.
1. If you have outdoor space, keep your vacuum outside and run an extra long hose into your workspace for cleanup. Wait for outside air to clear before moving vacuum.
2. Only clean up with sweeping compound, a wet mop, or water and sponge.

Your health and safety is worth it! Be very mindful of all aspects of cleanup, but a high quality HEPA vacuum as reviewed above will significantly help your cleanup routine.

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Summary

To conclude, the 2016 OSHA regulations on silica dust have resulted in new and improved options for vacuums and you should consider it an important part of your health, safety, and organizational approach to your studio. An affordable model such as the Nilfisk Aero 21 HEPA Vacuum will get you a full-unit HEPA quality cleaning for not that much more than a standard, leaky shop vac. An upgrade option is the Festool CT 26 E Dust Collector, which is a well-designed workhorse. The Nilfisk GM-80 is a classic canister style unit, while the Oneida Air Systems Dust Cobra is an industrial-quality vacuum at an affordable price for that type of system.

Do you have other suggestions for HEPA vacuums? Let us know in the comments.

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You Might Also Enjoy:

Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

Best Masks for Silica Dust in Ceramic Studios

Sink Trap Buyer’s Guide

Best Cleanup Tools for Ceramic Studios

Best Cleanup Sponges

See All Tool Reviews

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The Best Boomboxes with Bluetooth and FM/AM for Your Studio or Workspace

Note: Originally published August 2022, updated and edited August 2025.

In my studio, music is almost always on. Alternating between FM radio and Bluetooth streaming, I wanted a device that could do both. Portable bluetooth speakers can sound really amazing these days, but they usually do not have FM capability. So I wanted to find one small system that can both play the radio, stream via Bluetooth, and maybe even do more, such as play tapes, CDs, or MP3s from a USB stick.

This post will cover the best options for small units that can do it all with these criteria:

• Priced under $150

• Bluetooth capability

• Digital AM/FM tuner

• Corded AC plug

Note that for under 150 bucks you are not getting audiophile quality. These units sound ok, maybe even above average, but the main goal was to find a small workshop / garage / studio boombox for playing the radio and streaming tunes from a device via Bluetooth.

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Top Pick: Phillips Portable Boombox with Bluetooth

The Phillips Portable Boombox is our top pick for a Bluetooth device with a digital tuner.

This Phillips unit has everything you need in a small boombox these days, including a digital FM/AM tuner, Bluetooth connectivity, a CD player, tape deck, headphone jack, and a USB input.

This unit will give you decent audio quality for your workspace / studio / kitchen, but it may not be quite as good as a Bluetooth-only portable speaker, such as a JBL. But if you also want to listen to the radio, this is going to be an all-in-one package that will work for you.

Phillips Portable Boombox
Listed at $149.99, it’s often available for around $140.

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The Sony Bluetooth boombox has good sound and a digital FM/AM tuner with up to 30 presets.

Also great: (If you can find it) Sony Portable Boombox with Bluetooth and Digital Tuner

Our former top pick, this model is harder to find. It is unclear if it has been discontinued, but you can sometimes find it listed.

This little Sony unit has everything: Bluetooth, digital AM/FM tuner, USB playback, along with features such as a CD player and “mega” bass. It also has a dedicated button for each mode (Bluetooth / FM / USB / etc) along with plenty of other buttons, making it very easy to use and operate. This is the boombox I use in my own studio.

It has great FM reception, pulling in every low-power station in my area along with all the big stations, easy Bluetooth pairing, and decent sound. As other reviewers have noted, it doesn’t get super loud and the “mega” bass leaves a bit to be desired. You may find Bluetooth speakers with better sound (such as JBL speakers) but I wanted a radio and Bluetooth and this delivered on that. It’s a great addition to my studio and it sounds way better and louder than streaming music through my phone speakers, plus I can tune into the radio stations I enjoy. This unit seems to be the market leader for small, plug-in Bluetooth boomboxes priced at $100 or less.

Sony Portable Bluetooth Boombox: $95-$99
Power: AC cord or 6 C batteries

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: Sony Bluetooth Boombox with Digital FM/AM Tuner

• Budget Pick: Megatek Bluetooth Boombox with Digital FM/AM Tuner

• Alternate Pick: KLIM B4 Bluetooth Bombox

• Throwback Pick: Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Bluetooth Boombox

• Other options

• Summary

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BUDGET PICK: Megatek Bluetooth Boombox with Digital FM/AM Tuner

The Megatek portable bluetooth boombox in black.

Coming in at less than half the price of the Phillips Boombox, the Megatek Boombox has many of the same features at a budget price, including bluetooth connectivity, digital AM/FM tuner with 30 presets, MP3 playback via USB, an auxiliary-in port and it’s available in black, red or blue. It’s a decent option but some reviewers mention the sound isn’t quite as good as more expensive boomboxes.

Other drawbacks are that there aren’t as many dedicated buttons, so you’ll be pressing the mode button to switch between functions. But at $50, it’s a price that can’t be beat.

Megatek Bluetooth Boombox: $50
Power: AC cord in or 4 C batteries

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ALTERNATE PICK: KLIM B4 Boombox with Bluetooth, FM, and Internal Battery

The KLIM B4 Boombox features a clean design along with a remote.

KLIM makes a variety of Bluetooth boomboxes but the most interesting option is the B4 model which has all the same features as the Phillips but with an internal rechargeable battery and a remote. It also has more powerful 3 watt speakers as opposed to the 2 watt on the Phillips. It’s a great package with clean design that is listed at $70 but can often be found on sale for less, and is available in white, grey, or black.

KLIM B4 Boombox: $70
Power: AC cord or with internal rechargeable battery with 6 hour run time.

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THROWBACK PICK: Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Bluetooth Boombox

The Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Boombox features a cassette deck, bluetooth, and lots of old-school charm.

If you are looking for an old-school boombox with new features, Ion Audio has you covered. This unit features a cassette deck, bluetooth, AM/FM tuner (not a digital tuner though). The boombox has a variety of switches and dials that give that old-school feeling.

In theory I love manually scrolling through radio stations but at this point, the lack of a digital tuner is a real drawback for me (I know, I know…I’m complaining about a throwback style). But that aside, this is a cool option that would look great in any workspace.

Ion Audio Street Rocker 1980s Style Boombox: $130
Power: AC cord or 6 D batteries

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Upgrade Pick: Dewalt Portable Bluetooth Radio

The DeWalt Portable Bluetooth Radio features roll bars that double as handles.

At $170, this option is a bit above the $150 limit set at the beginning of the post but it does feature some interesting options along with DeWalt’s tough build. This is a job site radio boombox, and can be plugged in or will run off DeWalt portable batteries. It will also play bluetooth music from your device with up to a 100 foot range. It also has a USB port, so it can be used to charge your device as well. All in all, a nice group of features in a bomb-proof design with roll bars that double as handles for carrying around. If you already have DeWalt portable tools and batteries, this could be a good option for you, especially if you need to move a radio around to different locations.

DeWalt Portable Bluetooth Radio
Power: AC cord or DeWalt batteries

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OTHER OPTIONS

There are quite a number of Bluetooth-enabled boomboxes in the under-$100 category. Most seem to be around the $50-$60 range and are similar to the Megatek option listed above.

Insignia Portable CD Boombox with Bluetooth

The Insignia boombox has Bluetooth, CD, and a cassette deck.

Insignia, the house brand of Best Buy, has a $60 boombox option that has Bluetooth, digital tuner, CD player and a cassette deck. If you still use CDs and cassettes, this is the boombox for you.

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KLIM B3 Boombox

The KLIM B3 Boombox has bluetooth, a CD player, and light-up speakers.

If you want more flare, the KLIM B3 Boombox has speakers that light up along with Bluetooth, digital tuner, CD, and USB playback. It also comes with rechargeable batteries, although it’s not a built-in battery. It’s a fun little unit that retails for around $40.

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Avantree Boombyte

The Avantree Boombyte is a small portable FM / Bluetooth device.

This portable radio also does not meet one of our criteria—a dedicated plug—but it is an interesting little option if you want a portable FM / Bluetooth device with a long, 17 hour battery life. It doesn’t have the greatest sound, but it is a simple portable radio that can also stream music. It does not have an AM radio or an antenna, so it will only pull in strong, local FM signals. It’s listed at $60 and comes in four colors.

Avantree Boombyte
Power: internal rechargeable battery

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AUDIOFILE UPGRADE

If you are willing to spend more than $100, you can get a nice workshop system that will have great sound for around $500 and up by pairing a receiver with quality bookshelf speakers such as the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5 pair of speakers. There are plenty of affordable receivers that will work with these speakers, which are known for their combination of great sound and relatively low price.

If you’re the type of person who wants great sound but at a price that still makes sense for a studio / workshop / garage, this is the set up for you. One drawback of receivers is they often don’t have great AM/FM tuners—plan to install the long antenna cord but even then, it may not have great reception.

The Sony STRDH190 stereo home receiver with bluetooth is an entry level priced receiver that is great for a studio or workshop.

There are lots of receivers out there but one of the best cheap receivers at the moment is the Sony STRDH190. It’s listed at $200 but can often be found on sale for less.

The ELAC Debut 2.0 B5 speakers are great bookshelf speakers with 5” bass drivers and 1” tweeters.

For entry level speakers, you can’t go wrong with the ELAC Debut series. Try the 5 inch 5.0 speakers or if you want more power, the slightly larger 6.0 speakers. These are corded speakers and they sound great. For the price, you won’t find better speakers.

ELAC Debut 2.0 B5 Speakers: $269

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of options for a small boombox that can stream via Bluetooth and play the radio. Focusing on the units for $150 or less, these are simple devices to add some audio to your studio or workshop at a budget price. The top pick is the Phillips Bluetooth Boombox for it’s ease of use and functionality, but there are other options. If you are an audiophile, check out the upgrade ideas which will deliver great sound but at a price that still works for a workshop.

What is your favorite device that can stream via Bluetooth and play the radio? Let us know in the comments.

Table Top Pottery Wheel Buyer's Guide 2025

Note: Originally published 2021, most recently updated August 2025

A lightweight, compact pottery wheel can be a great option for throwing small to medium sized pots, and are priced more economically priced than full-size wheels, generally in the $300 to $550 range. Table top wheels are especially great for at home use, occasional classroom use, or if you have a small working space and need to take your wheel out and put it away.

You can get great results with table top wheels, but there are trade-offs in power and other options found in full-size wheels. If portability isn’t your biggest concern, there are also larger wheels that can be used on table tops, and these will be covered below

This guide will cover portable / table top pottery wheels and also review a few of the super affordable “budget” wheels that are lightweight and can be moved around.

The Speedball Artista table top wheel.

Top Pick: Speedball Artista

The Speedball Artista is our top pick for a table top wheel. With an 11 inch wheel head, it’s almost as big as a full size wheel (usually they have 12 to 14 inch wheel heads) and with a 1/3 horsepower motor, it has enough power for small to medium size pots. And it’s light! The wheel weighs in at just 26 pounds.

The Speedball line of wheels. At right is the Artista with the optional leg and foot pedal attachments.

The Artista wheel head has standard 10” bat pin spacing, a hand-controlled speed lever, and a variety of add ons such as a foot pedal and static or folding legs. The wheel comes with a 2 year warranty, and is available in right or left handed models. It is listed at $749 but typically retails for $625 to $650.

The optional legs and foot pedal will add about another $200 to $300 to the total cost, giving you basically a full size pottery wheel. Being able to store all these pieces is great, but if you are thinking of getting all the add ons, you might also look into the full size Nidec Shimpo VL-Lite pottery wheel for around $1,100. But if you need something that you can move around, put away when not in use, and set up in a variety of places, then the Speedball Artista is great option. It’s also a great wheel for kids, hobbyists, or something that you can add to the corner of a classroom or home studio.

Speedball Artista Portable Pottery Wheel
List price: $749, but typically retails for $625 to $650
Available in left and right handed models

For more on portable and table top wheels, please keep reading below.

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Table of Contents

1. Speedball Artist Portable Wheel

2. Shimpo Aspire Portable Wheel

3. Shimpo VL-Whisper

4. U.S. Art Supply Table Top Wheel

5. Other Lightweight Wheels

6. Comparison Chart

7. Summary

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Nidec-Shimpo Aspire Table Top Wheel

The Shimpo Aspire table top wheel, pictured here with the hand lever.

The Shimpo Aspire pictured with the optional foot pedal.

The Aspire is Nidec-Shimpo’s table top option, with a 1/3 horse power, belt-driven 7 inch wheel head. It is rated to a 20 lb centering capacity, and the wheel has a max speed of 230 rpm via the hand lever, and up to 250 rpm if controlled by the optional foot pedal. The whole unit weighs 31 lbs, making it relatively easy to put away on a shelf or closet when not in use.

The main drawback of the Aspire is that it has a small, 7 inch wheel head. There are a variety of bats and attachments designed for this wheel, but overall it feels more like a toy while the Speedball Artista feels like a portable version of a professional wheel.

The Aspire costs about the same as the Speedball Artista. It’s listed at $690 but typically available around $600 for the hand lever option, or more if you choose to add a foot pedal. The Aspire does not have optional legs.

Overall, this is a quality machine that might be the right wheel for your situation, but it is on the small side.

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Shimpo VL-Whisper

With the legs removed, the Shimpo VL-Whisper makes a great table top wheel.

The Shimpo VL-Whisper is our top-rated full-size wheel and is also a great option for table top use. While not exactly “portable” due to the weight, it has a flat design that can sit on a table top when the legs are removed. If you want a table-top or standing wheel with all the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line wheel, this is a great option.

Rather than a motor and belt, the VL-Whisper is driven by a virtually silent series of magnets that spin the wheel.

The VL-Whisper (VL stands for velocity) has a 1/2 horse power motor, a 14” wheel head, a reversible switch, and can center up to 100 lbs. At around 135 lbs, it is heavy, but it’s a sturdy machine with the quietest motor on the market. It has a unique magnet-driven wheel which is virtually silent and is the reason it can sit flat as there is no traditional motor hanging below the wheel head. At a typically price of $1,825, it hits that sweet spot of great performance and options, while being in about the middle of the price range for full size wheels.

But once again, the decision is do you need a lightweight, portable wheel or a heavier but still great table top wheel.

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U.S. Art Supply Table Top Wheel

Another option is the U.S. Art Supply 3/4 HP Table Top pottery wheel. It is sort of a hybrid of the Shimpo Aspire and Speedball Artista as it is a total unit that weighs around 43 pounds and it has an 11” wheelhead with a proprietary 3-pin bats,. It can go forward and reverse, tops out at 300 rpm, has a foot pedal, and retails for $400. (This model used to retail for around $600 so it has somehow dropped quite a bit in the past few years.)

The reviews on this wheel are really mixed. Some people love it and have had great success, recommending it for beginners or intermediate potters. Some say it wobbles but others describe it as quite sturdy. In general, everyone agrees that the splash pan is not the best. With a one-year warranty, it’s a bit of a risk compared to the Speedball Artista but with the new lower price, it is worth a second look for a small table top wheel.

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Other Lightweight Wheel Options

In recent years, a number of very affordable wheels in the $200 to $300 range have popped up on Amazon and other places. A variety of pottery influencers have reviewed these wheels on YouTube and found them ok for very small pots, and I can attest that some of my students have tried them and liked them. But if you go this route be aware that there are some limitations, including very limited service and support if anything breaks, weak motors, small wheel heads, and no holes for bat pins if you want to start throwing more adventurous or wider forms. But if you want to try out pottery at a budget price, these may fit the bill for that. Do your research as many of these are available in a variety of permutations and generic options online.:

Vevor 11 inch pottery wheel

At $189, this little nugget of a wheel seems to be about the absolute cheapest you can go. It’s got an 11 inch wheel head and the legs are about 8 inches tall, along with a small foot pedal. In total, it weighs around 40 pounds.

With a wheel like this, you can throw up to 5 pounds of clay but there are tons of things you can make with just a pound or two of clay. If you want to try out wheel throwing, this might be the most entry level you can go. Just don’t expect it to last too long under heavy use.

VivoHome 28 cm / 11 inch Wheel

The VivoHome 28 cm wheel and tool kit.

Another budget option is the VivoHome 28 cm wheel. Rather than 3 legs, it has a boxy unit feel along with a detachable foot pedal. I am recommending this one because while the unit is so small and low, the detachable foot pedal will allow you to raise the wheel a bit (with blocks?) while keeping the foot pedal on the floor. The models with the attached foot pedal look too small for an adult to use.

This Vivo Home wheel weighs almost 28 pounds and retails for $149 but it does come with a variety of tools.

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Table Top Pottery Wheel Comparison Chart

Below is a chart with all the wheels mentioned in this post.

Table Top Pottery Wheels

Click the model name to shop at Dick Blick or Amazon.

Model	Typical Price	Motor (HP)	Wheelhead Diameter	Bat Pin Diameter	Reversible	Dimensions	Weight	Speed (RPM)	Warranty	Capacity
Speedball Artista	$625	1/3 HP	11"	10"	No, but available as R or L handed	24 x 18 x 9"	26 lbs	0-220	2 years	25 lbs
Shimpo Aspire	$590	1/3 HP	7"	6"	No	14.5 x 20 x 9"	31 lbs	0-230 hand, 0-250 foot pedal	5 years	20 lbs
US Art Table Top	$400	3/4 HP	11"	Custom 3 pin design	Yes, switch	17 x 26 x 13"	42.3 lbs	0-300	1 year	25 lbs
VL-Whisper	$1,825	1/2 HP, 400w	14"	10"	Yes, switch	23.2 x 27.5 x 22.75"	122 lbs	0-250	5 years	100 lbs

For a comparison of all types of wheels including full size wheels, click here.

And for our buyer’s guide to full-size wheels, click here. 

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Summary

Table top pottery wheels are great options for a wide variety of potters. This post has covered a variety of portable and table top wheel options, with our top pick being the Speedball Artista wheel for it’s full size wheel head and ability to go from a comfortable sitting down wheel, to table top, to being packed away on the shelf.

But there are other options out there to suit every type of potter and studio. What table top pottery wheels do you prefer? Let us know in the comments.

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Sink Trap Buyer's Guide for Art Studios: For Ceramics, Sculpture, Plaster and More

Note: Originally published 2021, updated August 2025.

A sink trap is a vital tool for keeping clay, plaster, and other heavy particles from clogging your plumbing. If you are working with these materials, don’t just assume your plumbing will be fine; be proactive and install something! This guide will cover a variety of sink traps, and touch on DIY methods.

The first step for clear drains is to keep clay, plaster, and heavy particles out in the first place.

Let me repeat: pre-clean everything to keep clay and sediment out of the sink. And never pour wet plaster down a sink. You can pre-clean your clay and glaze tools in a bucket, bin or trash can filled with water. Let this settle over time, decant the clear water and discard the waste. Warning! It will get stinky. But so will a sink trap.

See more clean up advice and reommendations at the end of this article.

Even with pre-cleaning, it’s inevitable that some particles will go down the drain, so you will need some sort of trap. Many plumbers will simply install a grease trap or other system that is more appropriate for restaurants. But there are a few products designed especially for clay, plaster, and other sediment, and they are much easier to use and clean than a grease trap.

The Gleco Trap System, pictured here with 64 oz jars.

TOP PICK: Practicon Gleco 64 oz System

The top pick for a sink trap is the Gleco 64 oz Sediment Trap System. The Gleco is similar to other systems with an inlet and outlet pipe and a screw-top bottles that act as a settling tank. When full, the bottles can be disposed, or cleaned and reused. But the side drain is the big extra feature with the Gleco system. This valve allows you to drain standing water before removing the bottle. This feature really help keep your sink area clean and allows you to quickly and efficiently swap out the bottles as they fill.

The Gleco 64 oz System is currently around $107 to $117 for the kit.

The clearance needed for the different size Gleco Systems.

The Gleco System with a drain has four jar sizes: 32, 43, 63, and 128 oz. All the jars are interchangeable. Due to the weight of the jars as they fill, many users recommended that the two larger sizes sit on something—plan to add wood shims or support underneath the jar. You’ll also need to measure your undersink area before selecting a jar size. The minimum clearance between the floor and outlet pipe ranges from 11.5 inches to 20 inches, depending on the bottle size. You may also need to get extra plastic piping to fit the system into your sink.

For more info on keeping your pipes clean and other sediment trap systems, keep reading.

Larger Settling Tanks: 3.5 and 5 Gallon Options

In recent years, Practicon Gleco has added 3.5 and 5 gallon settling tanks, which are simple settling tanks without a settling tank.

Practicon has added 3.5 and 5 gallon settling tank options to the Gleco line. These are simple settling tanks that are sealed into your drain system. They don’t have a release spigot, making them much cheaper, but they do have a pressure release valve that is released before changing buckets. The buckets can be discarded, or emptied, cleaned, and replaced. These are very similar to the Buffalo Trap-Eze system that has been on the market for some time, but at a slightly lower price.

The 3.5 and 5 Gallon systems cost around $60.

Shopping links At Amazon: The 43 oz and 64 oz Systems come with the pipes and two bottles, and replacements jars are available. These kits cost around $107 to $117. The 3.5 Gallon and 5 Gallon systems come with buckets and pipes, and cost around $60. Note that the 3.5 and 5 gallon systems are just settling tanks, they don’t come with the water drain valve that makes changing jars easier. But the larger systems are good for busier studios.

Gleco 43 oz System | Gleco 64 oz System | Gleco 3.5 Gallon System | Gleco 5 Gallon System

Gleco 32 oz jars | Gleco 43 oz jars | Gleco 64 oz jars | Gleco 128 oz / Gallon Jars

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: Practicon Gleco Sediment Trap System

• Buffalo Trap-Eze System

• Keystone Metal Sink Trap

• Rohde Sediment Tank

• DIY Systems

• Recommendations for keeping your sink clog-free

• Summary

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Buffalo Trap-Eze Systems

The Buffalo Trap-Eze 64 oz bottle system.

Designed for dental offices, these are also ideal solutions for pottery and craft studios. There are two basic models of this system: the 64 oz bottle system which is very similar to the Practicon Gleco system but without a side drain valve, and then a few simple bucket systems that attach to your plumbing with flexible hoses.

The Buffalo Trap-Eze 64 ounce system is a decent option, but if you were to get this style, I would choose the Gleco system. As of 2025, this 1/2 gallon system is still listed on the Buffalo Dental website, but it is hard to find it for sale.

The Buffalo Trap-Eze bucket sediment trap.

But where the Buffalo Trap-Eze system really shines is the larger systems with 3.5 or 5 gallon buckets. This is a super simple settling tank that connects to your existing plumbing with flexible hoses. Easier to install (and cheaper) than the Gleco system, it’s a great option that just about anyone should be able to install without too much trouble. Just make sure you have enough clearance under your sink for the buckets and for the attachment to your outlet pipe. In recent years, Practicon has added very similar products to their line, so there are options to consider with this style of system.

These buckets don’t contain baffles or separate compartments, but if you make sure to preclean all your tools and hands, these will work well to trap those fine particles that do make their way down the drain. And the full buckets can be disposed, or cleaned and reused.

Some users report problems with these leaking. Make sure to tightly seal the lid to the bucket for this system to work. If you read clay forums, many potters use these traps without any problems. Both of these systems are around $65.

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Keystone Metal Sink Trap

The Keystone Metal Sink Trap

The Keystone Metal Sink Trap is a 2 gallon metal canister-style sink that also accommodates disposable liner bags. This style is somewhere in between the Buffalo Trap-Eze bucket systems and a regular grease trap. The metal fittings may be more long-lasting and durable than a plastic bucket, but you’ll also have to factor in the time of opening and cleaning. In general, if your system is easy to clean (like the Gleco) you’ll be more likely to do it often.

The Keystone Metal Sink Trap is available at a variety of ceramic suppliers.

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Rohde Sedimentation Tank

The Rohde Sedimentation Tank, pictured here with the lid off.

Available in Europe, the Rohde Sedimentation Tank is a three-chambered plastic tub on a wheeled, stainless-steel base. It’s an ideal solution for any pottery studio, especially a busy community or academic studio. It measures 450 x 603 x 520 mm (17.7 x 24.8 x 20.5 inches). To my eye, it looks like a commercial version of many of the DIY settling tanks people make out of storage tubs and buckets. Rohde—if you are reading this, please start distributing worldwide!

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DIY Sedimentation Tanks

Practically any ceramic forum has guides and instructions on how to build a DIY settling tank. While these may not be appropriate or up to code for a commercial or academic studio, these will work for home or private studios.

The basic idea is running your drain into a bucket or two for settling. These buckets are inside a larger storage tub, which has an outlet. And definitely build a small platform or casters so this can be moved for cleaning.

With the right tools, parts, and caulk, anyone can build a system like this. However, it might be easier to just order something like the Gleco or Buffalo trap system…but you’ll know what is right for your studio. Personally, I use a trap system along with extra-careful pre-cleaning (read below) and never have a problem.

Click here for a great guide to a DIY sediment trap system.

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Clean Up Tips and Tricks

With just a bit of planning, you will never have a problem with your sinks or drains clogging from clay or other heavy particles. The solution: pre-clean buckets. Make it a goal to never have clay chunks come anywhere near your sink!

The Three Bucket System

A prewash bucket or three will give you plenty of space to wash and clean clay tools, splash pans, and dirty hands before using the sink. For an individual studio, this can be a simple tub or 5 gallon bucket. For a busy studio, it could be a trash can full of water. Or try a “three bucket system” where you progressively move from dirty to clean water. With a system like this, you might not even need to use the sink except to rinse off your hands. It is also very efficient, as the dirty water is constantly reused, which is definitely a concern for any area affected by drought.

The Carlisle Bronco 32 Gallon Waste Container, an ideal size for pre-cleaning.

In a personal studio, I still prefer to use a big, wide trash can of water as that allows me to dip splash pans and other large tools in the water for pre-cleaning. If this bucket gets smelly, use the method described here for sanitizing.

My favorite option for clean up is the Carlisle Bronco 32 Gallon Waste Container. It’s tall enough that you don’t have to bend over to clean, and it’s not super huge like a 44 gallon. You can also get a wheeled caster dolly, which makes it easy to move around the studio. These cans are the same style as the older Rubbermaids, and they are thicker walled and stronger than the current models of Rubbermaid waste containers.

Amazon Basics also has a simple 32 gallon trash can.

Other options:

Generic 32 gallon trash can with caster and lid combo package. Shop at Amazon

Rubbermaid Brute 32 Gallon vented trash can. (The fluted vents make it harder to clean) Shop at Home Depot

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A drain cover / strainer will help catch large chunks.

Sink Strainer

Your final defense before your trap is some sort of sink strainer. Get the size that fits your drain. This will keep any chunks of clay or bits of hard plaster from going down the drain.

The 4 pack pictured here should cover most sink sizes.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of options for sink traps and sedimentation tanks for pottery, sculpture and craft studios, but these same systems will work in dental offices or anywhere that is using heavy particles that will sink and potentially clog pipes. The top pick is the Gleco system for it’s ease of use and innovative side valve. The Buffalo Trap-Eze system is also a great option because it is so easy to install. You can also make your own system. The main thing, though, is to follow best practices of keeping clay, plaster, and other heavy stuff out of the sink in the first place. Setting up your studio with a pre-clean bucket or trash can is an easy solution that will pay off in clean pipes and help you avoid costly plumbing bills or problems down the road.

What do you use in your studio for a sediment trap? Let us know in the comments.

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Unprimed Canvas Buyer's Guide for Stretching Canvas

A small rolled up piece of 7oz unprimed canvas.

The most economical way to make a painting is to stretch your own canvases. To do that, you’ll need canvas (or linen), stretcher bars, a staple gun, scissors, and if desired, specialty canvas pliers. This post focuses on getting the right canvas for your studio, in the most economical way. Generally, that will be buying canvas in bulk in 2 to 6 yard blankets, or in rolls that come in lengths ranging from 10 to 100 yards, although most rolls are available in the 25 to 30 yard range.

A 25 yard roll can be a lot of canvas! But it won’t go bad and if you keep painting, you will use the roll up eventually. But to start, you should only get what you need. It’s also a good idea to test out a few types of canvas to see what works for you. For most people, medium weight 12 oz canvas is a sturdy option; 10 oz army duck has a bit more texture, and 7oz lightweight canvas is smoother and easier to stretch.

There are a confusing array of options when selecting canvas, so this post is a complete guide to all kinds of canvas along with a buyer’s guide to the most economical options. But first, let’s jump in to the best deals on various weights of canvas.

Best Overall Price on Unprimed Canvas: Blick 12 oz Canvas Roll

One of the best prices on canvas can be found by ordering a 25 yard roll of 12 oz canvas from Blick. These 25 yard rolls are available in widths ranging from 60 inches (5 feet wide) to 120 inches (10 feet wide) and when compared on a per-square-foot basis, are about the same price, ranging from $0.39 to $0.42 per square foot. 25 yards is 75 feet of canvas, so that is quite a bit of canvas, but if you make a lot of paintings, this is the way to go!

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Best Price on Lightweight 7oz Canvas

Lightweight 7oz canvas is a more economical option and also has a smoother texture than heavier weight canvas. The most budget-friendly option is to buy this in rolls from Blick or Jerry’s Artarama. Only get a roll if you need a lot of canvas, but in bulk this canvas is around $0.33 or $0.34 per square foot. These prices can be found at both Blick and Jerry’s.

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Best Price on 10 oz Army Duck Canvas

10 oz Army Duck Canvas has a more pronounced texture but is still relatively lightweight and easy to stretch. As you can see in our price chart below, Jerry’s Artarama has the best price on this type of canvas with a 60” wide by 25 yard roll for about $231, which works out to around $0.51 per square foot.

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Best Price on 15 oz Heavy Weight Canvas

Heavy Weight canvas is stiff and harder to work with, but can be better if you are working on larger canvases. It’s also a great option if you are using canvas for working with clay slabs. The best prices on this type of canvas is at Blick, but do check closely, there are some inconsistent prices—some as low as $0.54 a square foot but others that are much more. Jerry’s also has an option around $0.59 a square foot. Both are great options.

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Table of Contents

1. Best Price on Unprimed Canvas Roll

2. Unprimed Canvas Overview

3. Price Comparison Chart — Rolls and Blankets

4. Price Comparison Chart — By the Foot

5. Advice for Stretching a Canvas for the First Time

6. Other Tools That Are Needed for Stretching Canvas

7. Conclusion

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Unprimed Canvas Overview

Unprimed canvas is one of the most economical and versatile options for stretching your own canvases. Available in four main weights – 7 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, and 15 oz — these also have slightly different textures that may or may not be to your liking for a painting surface. You might also see canvas referred to as #10, or #12, etc. But for the purposes of this post, we are sticking to the weight of canvas, which is the weight per yard and indicates how much material is in the canvas.

In general, lighter canvas is good for smaller paintings and thinner paint application. As the size of your canvas increases (or if you use a thicker painting application) you’ll want to use heavier canvas.

How to buy canvas:

1. By the yard: Usually this is in store, but some online vendors such as Blick will sell by the yard.

2. In blankets: These generally range from 2 to 6 yards and can be found in store and online.

3. By the roll: Some rolls of 10 yards area available, but generally this will be 25 or 30 yards of material, or more. The larger rolls around 50 yards or more, can be very heavy.

This post and buyer’s guide focuses on unprimed canvas. After stretching, you will have to apply your own gesso. There are many options for primed canvas out there but we’ll save that review for a separate post.

Comparison Chart Overview

The comparison chart below compares canvas prices from a few different online retailers. Rolls and blankets are presented first, followed by canvas by the yard options from Blick. In order to compare prices across widths and lengths of different sources, a price per square foot was calculated for comparison.

The chart is organized by lightweight 7 oz options first, then medium weight 10 oz army duck, then heavy weight 12 oz canvas, and then extra-heavyweight 15 oz canvas. Within those categories, it starts with smaller blankets and narrower widths, proceeding up to rolls in that size. The chart is also subdivided by vendor with shopping links.

This can all get a little confusing, so a * was added to indicate the best prices within each weight of canvas.

When shopping, note that the “Creative Mark” product on Amazon are shipped from Jerry’s Artarama as well.

Unprimed Canvas Price Comparison Chart — Rolls and Blankets

* Indicates Best Deals
7 oz Lightweight Canvas	Size	Square Feet	Price	Per Ft2	Shopping Link
Blick 7 oz blanket	60" wide x 6 yards	90 sq ft	$34.92	$0.39	Blick
Blick 7 oz roll	60" wide x 10 yards	150 sq ft	$56.00	$0.37	Blick
* Blick 7 oz blanket	72" wide x 6 yards	108 sq ft	$56.00	$0.34	Blick
* Blick 7 oz roll	72" wide x 10 yards	180 sq ft	$59.55	$0.33	Blick
* Blick 7 oz roll	72" wide x 25 yards	450 sq ft	$152.99	$0.34	Blick
Jerry's 7 oz roll	52" wide x 30 yards	390 sq ft	$138.59	$0.36	Jerry's
* Jerry's 7 oz roll	72" wide x 30 yards	540 sq ft	$183.59	$0.34	Jerry's
US Art Supply 7 oz blanket	24" wide x 6 yards	36 sq ft	$26.99	$0.75	Amazon
US Art Supply 7 oz blanket	36" wide x 6 yards	54 sq ft	$39.99	$0.74	Amazon
Creative Mark 7 oz blanket	52" wide x 6 yards	78 sq ft	$41.90	$0.54	Amazon
Creative Mark 7 oz roll	52" wide x 30 yards	390 sq ft	$200.99	$0.52	Amazon
US Art Supply 7 oz blanket	63" wide x 6 yards	94.5 sq ft	$59.99	$0.63	Amazon
Creative Mark 7 oz roll	72" wide x 30 yards	540 sq ft	$225.79	$0.42	Amazon
10 oz Army Duck Canvas	Size	Square Feet	Price	Per Ft2	Shopping Link
Blick 10 oz blanket	60" wide x 6 yards	90 sq ft	$62.68	$0.70	Blick
Blick 10 oz roll	60" wide x 10 yards	150 sq ft	$100.00	$0.67	Blick
Blick 10 oz blanket	72" wide x 6 yards	108 sq ft	$72.96	$0.68	Blick
Blick 10 oz roll	72" wide x 10 yards	180 sq ft	$116.00	$0.64	Blick
Blick 10 oz roll	72" wide x 25 yards	450 sq ft	$296.00	$0.64	Blick
* Jerry's 10 oz roll	60" wide x 30 yards	450 sq ft	$230.99	$0.51	Jerry's
Creative Mark 10 oz blanket	63" wide x 6 yards	94.5 sq ft	$69.99	$0.74	Amazon
Creative Mark 10 oz roll	60" wide x 30 yards	450 sq ft	$283.49	$0.63	Amazon

12 oz Medium Weight Canvas	Size	Square Feet	Price	Per Ft2	Shopping Link
Blick 12 oz blanket	60" wide x 6 yards	90 sq ft	$56.29	$0.63	Blick
Blick 12 oz roll	60" wide x 10 yards	150 sq ft	$96.14	$0.64	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	60" wide x 25 yards	375 sq ft	$158.54	$0.42	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	60" wide x 50 yards	750 sq ft	$307.26	$0.41	Blick
Blick 12 oz blanket	72" wide x 6 yards	108 sq ft	$64.89	$0.60	Blick
Blick 12 oz roll	72" wide x 10 yards	180 sq ft	$108.63	$0.60	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	72" wide x 25 yards	450 sq ft	$183.72	$0.41	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	72" wide x 50 yards	900 sq ft	$372.37	$0.41	Blick
Blick 12 oz roll	72" wide x 100 yards	1800 sq ft	$690.38	$0.38	Blick
Blick 12 oz blanket	84" wide x 6 yards	126 sq ft	$74.69	$0.59	Blick
Blick 12 oz roll	84" wide x 10 yards	210 sq ft	$121.65	$0.58	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	84" wide x 25 yards	525 sq ft	$210.55	$0.40	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	84" wide x 50 yards	1050 sq ft	$404.46	$0.39	Blick
Blick 12 oz blanket	96" wide x 6 yards	144 sq ft	$90.59	$0.63	Blick
Blick 12 oz roll	96" wide x 10 yards	240 sq ft	$148.3	$0.62	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	96" wide x 25 yards	600 sq ft	$255.06	$0.43	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	96" wide x 50 yards	1200 sq ft	$491.29	$0.41	Blick
Blick 12 oz blanket	120" wide x 6 yards	180 sq ft	$109.99	$0.61	Blick
Blick 12 oz roll	120" wide x 10 yards	300 sq ft	$217.66	$0.73	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	120" wide x 25 yards	750 sq ft	$306.27	$0.41	Blick
* Blick 12 oz roll	120" wide x 50 yards	1500 sq ft	$615.98	$0.41	Blick
Jerry's 12 oz roll	54" wide x 30 yards	405 sq ft	$196.29	$0.48	Jerry's
Jerry's 12 oz roll	60" wide x 30 yards	450 sq ft	$207.89	$0.46	Jerry's
Jerry's 12 oz roll	72" wide x 30 yards	540 sq ft	$230.99	$0.43	Jerry's
* Jerry's 12 oz roll	84" wide x 30 yards	630 sq ft	$265.59	$0.42	Jerry's
Jerry's 12 oz roll	96" wide x 30 yards	720 sq ft	$323.39	$0.45	Jerry's
* Jerry's 12 oz roll	120" wide x 30 yards	900 sq ft	$369.59	$0.41	Jerry's
* Jerry's 12 oz roll	144" wide x 30 yards	1080 sq ft	$415.79	$0.38	Jerry's
Creative Mark 12 oz blanket	96" wide x 6 yards	144 sq ft	$96.99	$0.67	Amazon
Creative Mark 12 oz blanket	120" wide x 6 yards	180 sq ft	$109.99	$0.61	Amazon
Creative Mark 7 oz roll	54" wide x 30 yards	405 sq ft	$209.99	$0.52	Amazon
Creative Mark 7 oz roll	60" wide x 30 yards	450 sq ft	$257.99	$0.57	Amazon
Creative Mark 7 oz roll	72" wide x 30 yards	540 sq ft	$314.99	$0.58	Amazon
Creative Mark 7 oz roll	84" wide x 30 yards	630 sq ft	$346.49	$0.55	Amazon
15 oz Heavy Weight Canvas	Size	Square Feet	Price	Per Ft2	Shopping Link
Blick 15 oz blanket	60" wide x 6 yards	90 sq ft	$68.49	$0.76	Blick
Blick 15 oz roll	60" wide x 10 yards	150 sq ft	$237.39	$1.58	Blick
* Blick 15 oz roll	60" wide x 25 yards	375 sq ft	$221.32	$0.59	Blick
Blick 15 oz roll	60" wide x 50 yards	750 sq ft	$1145.10	$1.53	Blick
Blick 15 oz blanket	76" wide x 6 yards	114 sq ft	$83.90	$0.74	Blick
Blick 15 oz roll	76" wide x 10 yards	190 sq ft	$269.98	$1.42	Blick
Blick 15 oz roll	* 76" wide x 25 yards	475 sq ft	$258.07	$0.54	Blick
Blick 15 oz roll	76" wide x 50 yards	950 sq ft	$1354.07	$1.43	Blick
* Jerry's 15 oz roll	60" wide x 30 yards	450 sq ft	$265.59	$0.59	Jerry's
Jerry's 15 oz roll	72" wide x 30 yards	540 sq ft	$384.39	$0.71	Jerry's
* Jerry's 15 oz roll	84" wide x 30 yards	630 sq ft	$378.29	$0.60	Jerry's
Jerry's 15 oz roll	96" wide x 30 yards	720 sq ft	$456.49	$0.63	Jerry's
Jerry's 15 oz roll	120" wide x 30 yards	900 sq ft	$550.89	$0.61	Jerry's
Jerry's 15 oz roll	144" wide x 30 yards	1080 sq ft	$709.99	$0.66	Jerry's
Creative Mark 15 oz blanket	96" wide x 6 yards	144 sq ft	$119.99	$0.83	Amazon
Creative Mark 15 oz blanket	120" wide x 6 yards	180 sq ft	$140.99	$0.78	Amazon
Creative Mark 10 oz roll	60" wide x 30 yards	450 sq ft	$283.49	$0.63	Amazon
Creative Mark 10 oz roll	60" wide x 30 yards	450 sq ft	$283.49	$0.63	Amazon
Creative Mark 10 oz roll	60" wide x 30 yards	450 sq ft	$283.49	$0.63	Amazon

Unprimed Canvas Price Comparison Chart — By The Yard

7 oz Lightweight Canvas	Size	Square Feet	Price per yard	Per Ft2	Shopping Link
Blick 7 oz canvas	72" wide x 1 yard	18 sq ft	$5.75	$0.32	Blick
Blick 10 oz canvas	37.5 wide x 1 yard	9.375 sq ft	$5.50	$0.59	Blick
Blick 10 oz canvas	63" wide x 1 yard	15.75 sq ft	$5.68	$0.36	Blick
Blick 12 oz canvas	48" wide x 1 yard	12 sq ft	$6.36	$0.53	Blick
Blick 12 oz canvas	60" wide x 1 yard	15 sq ft	$6.68	$0.45	Blick
Blick 12 oz canvas	72" wide x 1 yard	18 sq ft	$8.72	$0.48	Blick
Blick 12 oz canvas	84" wide x 1 yard	21 sq ft	$10.03	$0.48	Blick
Blick 12 oz canvas	96" wide x 1 yard	24 sq ft	$12.21	$0.48	Blick
Blick 12 oz canvas	120" wide x 1 yard	30 sq ft	$19.70	$0.66	Blick
Blick 15 oz canvas	60" wide x 1 yard	15 sq ft	$8.70	$0.58	Blick
Blick 15 oz canvas	72" wide x 1 yard	18 sq ft	$12.17	$0.68	Blick
Blick 15 oz canvas	84" wide x 1 yard	21 sq ft	$14.54	$0.69	Blick
Blick 12 oz canvas	96" wide x 1 yard	24 sq ft	$17.45	$0.73	Blick
Blick 15 oz canvas	120" wide x 1 yard	30 sq ft	$23.47	$0.78	Blick

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Advice for Stretching Canvas for the First Time

If you have never stretched canvas before, the best option would be to go to a store and pick up stretcher bars, a yard of canvas, and a staple gun, and see if you enjoy the process. You can also order these, but often you will need to commit to a pack of stretcher bars and that may be more than you need.

Start with something small, such as 16” x 20” or 14” x 18”, or a square shape, and cut your canvas with enough room on all sides so that it can stretch around the back of your stretcher bars.

Start by stapling one staple in the middle of each side. Then pull and tighten as you add more staples. Move across and then perpendicular to keep the tension even and as tight as possible. You’ll also want to keep the grain of fabric moving in a more-or-less straight line.

As you get to the corners, make a pocket fold and staple that in place. If you don’t get it right the first time, or it’s not tight enough, you can always take out the staples and try again!

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Other Tools Needed for Stretching Canvas

In addition to canvas, you will need stretcher bars, a staple gun and staples if desired, a canvas pliers. A small wooden or plastic mallet can help put your stretcher bars together as well.

Stretcher Bars

There are lots of options for stretcher bars, so pick a thickness you like, such as 1.5”, and get four stretcher bars.

A great option for stretcher bars or the Blick Standard stretcher bars, which are 1.5 inches thick and just under an inch wide. You can also find kits on Amazon that have 4 stretcher bars and some hardware. These kits are a good option if you are just trying out stretching a canvas for the first time and don’t want to end up with with a bunch of extra pieces.

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Staple Guns

The Arrow JT27 is a classic light-duty staple gun, but the all metal construction isn’t necessarily the most comfortable. But the small size is good for most hands.

Some of the kits come with tacks, which you can hammer in if you want an old school style of canvas look. Or, you can staple your canvas. When ordering a staple gun, make sure you get staples that match the size of the gun, and you can also choose staples based on the depth of the staple.

Options for stretching canvas include light duty and heavy duty staple guns. Both sizes are fine, but a light duty gun will be best for smaller hands.

You can also choose a gun based on ergonomic handles or upgrade to a full pneumatic gun, but that’s probably only necessary if you are stretching canvases all the time.

Light Duty:

For a light duty gun, look at the Arrow JT27, which costs are $20, or the Surebonder Light Duty Gun, which costs around $17.

Heavy Duty Staple Guns

For a heavy duty gun, there are a number of options but look for a quality gun from Stanley, Dewalt, Arrow, or Surebonder.

The all-metal Arrow T50 is around $20. The plastic and metal DeWalt Stapler is around $30, and the Surebonder Triggerfire Kit is around $24.

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Conclusion

This post has covered a variety of info on unprimed canvas, including a buyer’s guide and complete breakdown of where to find the best deals on canvas. The post has also covered basic tools needed for stretching canvas. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments.

You may also enjoy:

Colored Pencil Buyer’s Guide

Best Mixed Media Drawing Pads

Best Black Gesso for Painting

Colored Pencil Buyers Guide

Note: First published 2021; Prices and info updated July 2025.

For this post, 15 colored pencil brands were tested including 11 artist-grade pencils and 4 student grade. The goal was to find the best pencil for artists, along with the best set for coloring book enthusiasts and students. Special attention was paid to lightfastness ratings, which helps gauge how long the colors will stay vibrant and true. Other considerations included color range, vibrancy, materials, ease of use, shininess or “wax bloom,” if pencils are available individually, and cost.

I was hoping this head-to-head test would result in one clear favorite, but instead I’d be very comfortable recommending six of the pencils tested including (in alphabetical order) the Caran D’Ache Luminance or Pablo; the Derwent Coloursoft or Lightfast; Faber-Castell Polychromos; Holbein Artists’ Colored Pencil; and Prismacolor Premiers. Any of these, or a combination of these pencils, will give you everything you need in the studio. Other pencils will work too, but these six lines stood out for their bright, vibrant colors and lightfastness qualities that indicate artist-quality pencils.

But if you want a judgement, here’s my top picks.

Best Artist-Grade Pencil: Derwent Lightfast

After testing and comparing , the best artist-grade pencil is Derwent Lightfast. It’s a chunky, round-barreled, oil-based pencil with 100 colors that are all lightfast, which means they should hold up under museum conditions for 100 years or longer. The colors lay down with a matte quality with good vibrancy and ability to blend or smudge. The Lightfast line was a bit cheaper than the other 100% lightfast line, the Caran D’Ache Luminance. The Derwent Lightfast colors do have a more muted color palette than other sets, but overall these are the best pencils for artists who want their work to stand the test of time.

Derwent Lightfast 24 count tin

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Best All-Around Artist Pencil: Faber-Castell Polychromos and Prismacolor Premier

Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 count tin

Faber-Castell Polychromos and Prismacolor Premiers are some of the most popular colored pencils and when considering quality, lightfastness, and price, I felt that a combo of these two would be best for most artists. Prismacolors are soft, waxy and have vibrant, intense colors. They are also affordable, have decent lightfastness, and really show up on black paper. The Faber-Castell Polychromos are a harder, oil-based pencil that is more matte, easier to layer, stays sharper longer, and can still achieve saturated colors. (I also liked the Caran D’Ache Pablo pencils, but felt Polychromos gave a similar result at a lower price) A combination of Polychromos and Premier will give you the best of both worlds and if lightfastness is a concern, both manufacturers provide lightfast ratings. (Prismacolor Premier shopping links in next section)

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Best for Adult Coloring or Advanced Students: Prismacolor Premier

This is a harder distinction, as most of the student-grade (and cheaper) pencils tested were not as vibrant and pigment-rich as the artist-grade pencils. The Staedtler Ergosoft are a quality pencil designed to resist core breakage, and the Arteza Experts have lots of colors at a budget price but both of these have colors that lack intensity and depth. With that in mind, I think most artists and hobbyists would be happy with a soft, waxy pencil such as Prismacolor Premier. The main drawback with Premiers is that their soft cores are prone to breaking. But given that they cost just a bit more than $1.00 per pencil when purchased in sets of 24 or more, I’d choose the bright, saturated colors and just deal with the occasional broken core. The Premiers are a great option for coloring book enthusiasts or artists of any age. Even younger children will appreciate the bright colors and soft quality that is way more fun to use than the standard Crayola schoolroom pencils. And the Premiers are the best colored pencil to use on black paper of any set tested.

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Comparison Charts

All the pencils tested in alphabetical order. Test was done on Canson XL 98lb Mix Media paper, 11x14” size.

All the pencils tested in alphabetical order. Test was done on Canson XL Black 92lb Drawing Paper, 9x12” size.

Before jumping into individual reviews I wanted to share these comparison charts, which played a big role in analyzing the performance of each pencil. All of the pencils tested look ok on white paper. What’s harder to see is that the waxier pencils can develop shininess or “wax bloom” especially when viewed from the side, while the oil-based pencils have a more matte quality that looks good from all angles. Avoiding wax bloom is one of the main reasons to upgrade to artist-quality pencils.

On black paper, you can really see the difference in the pigment intensity in the artist-grade brands. To my eye, the pencils from Caran D’Ache, Derwent, Faber-Castell Polychromos, Holbein, and Prismacolor Premiers really stood out. The waxy, soft Prismacolor Premiers seemed to “pop” the most on the black paper.

A note on images: All the color charts in this test were made on the same paper, photographed at the same time, and edited exactly the same. They should be “true” to each other. White paper tests were done on Canson XL 98 lb Mix Media Paper; Black paper tests were done on Canson XL 92 lb Black Sketching Paper.

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Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Comparison Charts

• Artist’s Grade Colored Pencils Reviews:

  Blick Studio Colored Pencils; Caran D’Ache Luminance; Caran D’Ache Pablo; Derwent Coloursoft; Derwent Lightfast; Faber-Castell Polychromos; Holbein Artists’ Colored Pencil; Lyra Rembrant Polycolor; Prismacolor Premier; Prismacolor Verithin; Tombow Irojiten

• Student Grade Colored Pencil Reviews

  Arteza Expert; Crayola Colored Pencils; Faber-Castell Grip EcoPencil; Staedtler Ergosoft

• Lightfastness Background and Information

• Oil vs Wax in Colored Pencils

• Testing Methodology

• Summary

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Artist Grade Pencil Reviews

These reviews detail individual characteristics of 11 different brands and models of colored pencils aimed at professional artists. Artist-grade pencils have a richer pigmentation, 72 or more pencil colors, are made with higher-grade materials and pigments, and can be purchased individually as “open stock” in stores and online. The following reviews are presented in alphabetical order.

Blick Studio Artists' Colored Pencil 24 Count Tin

Blick Studio Artists' Colored Pencil 24 Count Tin

The set comes wrapped in plastic underneath the lid

Blick Studio Artist's’ Colored Pencils

The Blick Studio Artists’ Colored Pencils 24 count on white paper.

Blick Studio Artists’ Colored Pencils are available online and at Blick stores in North America. Made in the Czech Republic, the round pencils are economical and available in a range of 91 colors both in sets and open stock. The 24 count set tested came in a metal tin with a plastic tray liner. Blick produces a variety of sets, so that is an advantage if you are looking for smaller sets in a narrow color range, such as Landscape or Portrait.

The cores are on the stiffer side, and harder to blend than other brands, but they do hold a decent point and there were no issues with breakage. Coverage was best on white paper while disappointingly, the colors were more muted on black paper.

The Blick Studio Artists’ Colored Pencils 24 count on black paper.

These pencils are thicker than Prismacolors but not as chunky as Derwent pencils, I’d estimate somewhere around 7.8mm in thickness. For lightfastness, only about 27 percent of the line rates as a top Lightfast 1 or 2 rating. For the economical price, this is ok, but the majority of the pencils would not be suitable for artists concerned with artwork longevity.

To conclude, these are fine pencils, especially if you are on a budget. But with so many options on the market, I would look to other economical brands that are a bit softer and more vibrant, such as Prismacolor Premiers. But these would be great colored pencils for a student, older child, or someone looking for high-quality pencils for adult coloring books.

Blick Studio Artists’ Colored Pencils typical pricing:
12 count: $12.22 ($1.02 per pencil)
24 count: $19.84 ($0.83 per pencil)
36 count: $30.39 ($0.85 per pencil)
48 count: $39.99 ($0.83 per pencil)
72 count: $59.99 ($0.83 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $1.24 per pencil

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Caran D'Ache Luminance 20 count set

Caran D'Ache Luminance 20 count set

Caran D'Ache Luminance comes in a cardboard box with a foam tray liner

Caran D’Ache Luminance

Caran D’Ache Luminance 20 count set on white paper.

Caran D’Ache Luminance are premium, 100% lightfast, oil-based colored pencils made in the Switzerland and available in sets or individual pencils. In 2020, the line was upgraded to a total of 100 colors. Every pencil has a lightfastness rating of I or II, meaning that the under low-light museum conditions, the colors will stay true for at least 100 years. It’s an impressive set only rivaled by the Derwent Lightfast line. The manufacturer claims 80 percent of the line is a Lightfast 1 rating, while 20 percent is Lightfast 2.

Caran D’Ache Luminance 20 count set on black paper

The round pencils are chunky and light in the hand, and the cardboard box has a foam liner which is easy to use and protects the pencils. The lead is highly pigmented with beautiful, intense color on both white and black paper. The colors lay down evenly and stay matte, with no glossy “wax bloom.” They are also a joy to layer. I found that I really liked the look of the color on the page, finding it intensely pigmented with a matte, slightly chalky pastel quality.

The tradeoff of working with 100% lightfast pencils is a more muted palette. There’s a good range of colors but you won’t find any neons or colors like that. The core on the Luminance line is also on the harder, chalkier side. When pressing hard, this resulted in quite a few small bits gathering on the side of the pencil lead and crumbling off onto the page. It didn’t ruin any drawings, but I had to keep a dry brush handy to clean the page and occasionally, the tip of the pencil. To me, this was the main drawback on this line and why I went with the Derwent Lightfast as the top pick.

The Derwent Lightfast line would be the main competition for the Luminance. In comparing the two, I find the Luminance colors to be more matte and chalkier, while the Derwent Lightfast is just a tinge waxier. These are expensive pencils, there is no doubt about that, perhaps best reserved for artists and serious hobbyists. Note that some of the colors, such as the Anthraquinoid Pink and Russet are truly extraordinary colors on black paper.

Caran D’Ache Luminance colored pencils typical price
12 count: $48.00 ($4.00 per pencil)
20 count: $78.82 ($3.94 per pencil)
40 count: $156.00 ($3.90 per pencil)
76 count $324.00 ($4.26 per pencil)
80 count wood box: $379.51 ($4.75 per pencil)
100 count; $423.00 ($4.23 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $3.98 per pencil

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Caran D'Ache Pablo Colored Pencils 18 Count Tin

Caran D'Ache Pablo Colored Pencils 18 Count Tin

Caran D'Ache Pablo has a hinged tin case

Caran D’Ache Pablo Colored Pencils

Caran D’Ache Pablo 18 count set on white paper

Caran D’Ache Pablo colored pencils are Swiss-made with a hexagonal, cedar barrel that is thinner than the other Caran D’Ache offering, the Luminance. These wax-based pencils are neither hard nor soft but instead have a classic kind of colored pencil feel that results in a beautiful lay down on paper. The complete line has 120 colors. Rather than a lightfast rating, these go by the older 1, 2 or 3 stars method. Forty Five (37.5%) of the 120 colors have the top, 3-star lightfastness rating, 68 (56.6%) have a 2 star rating, and 7 (5.8%) have a 1 star or lowest lightfastness rating.

The 18 count tin tested had a good range of colors that worked well on both white and black paper. The core will hold a good point and the pencils are a pleasure to use, with the ability to stay light or quickly build up intense color. There were no problems with lead breaking or issues while sharpening.

Caran D’Ache Pablo 18 count set on black paper.

The Pablo line would fit well in anyone’s studio. Drawbacks include the relatively high price and the star rating system which doesn’t exactly conform to the latest lightfastness standards. You may need to do your own testing to determine if these pencils will hold up. When thickly applied, these pencils can be subject to the glossiness known as “wax bloom,” but careful work or avoiding excessive layering should prevent that problem.

In testing, I really enjoyed using these pencils but in the end, I feel that the Faber-Castell Polychromos offer similar results at a slightly lower price. But, with an impressive 120 color system and impeccable craftsmanship, these are a good deal at less than $2 per pencil when bought as the set.

Caran D’Ache Pablo colored pencils typical prices:
12 count set: $32.63 ($2.71 per pencil)
18 count set: $49.31 ($2.74 per pencil)
30 count set: $85.69 ($2.85 per pencil)
40 count set: $117.68 ($2.94 per pencil)
80 count set: $241.50 ($3.02 per pencil)
120 count set: $381.00 ($3.18 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $2.70 per pencil

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Derwent Coloursoft colored pencils 24 count tin

Derwent Coloursoft colored pencils 24 count tin

Derwent Coloursoft colored pencils 24 count tin

Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils

Derwent Coloursoft 24 count set on white paper.

Derwent Coloursoft are UK-made colored pencils with a round, 8mm barrel. As advertised, these are soft pencils with a crayon-like lay down similar to Prismacolor Premiers. One of the more affordable colored pencils in Derwent’s lineup, these worked equally well on black and white paper with an especially intense white on black paper.

For artists concerned with lightfastness, these are decent. Derwent uses the 1 through 8 blue wool lightfastness scale, 8 is the best, 7 is very good, and 6 is good. Twenty seven out of 72 are rated 8, 13 are rated 7, and 7 more rate a six. Overall, that’s 47 out of 72 pencils that rate top lightfastness. Derwent also provides complete lightfast ratings (click here) along with information such as which pencils are vegan. The company seems responsive to offering the most information possible on their pencils, which is much appreciated.

Derwent Coloursoft 24 count set on black paper.

In use, I did experiencing one lead breaking a few times, but this is to be expected with softer leads. And with heavy application, the dreaded wax bloom can develop. I also noticed that some pencils felt a bit harder than others, so there is some variation within this line.

Overall, this is a great set of colored pencils. I love thicker, chunkier pencils so these felt good right from the beginning. And I appreciate the straightforward lightfastness info from Derwent. If that’s of concern to you—purchase the individual pencils that have top lightfastness ratings. In the end, Prismacolor Premiers offer a lot of the same results at a lower price than the Coloursofts, but these pencils do have a wider barrel and higher “build quality” that feels great in the hand and most importantly, the colors look good on paper.

Derwent Coloursoft Colored Pencils typical prices:
12 count: $21.59 ($1.80 per pencil)
24 count: $43.19 ($1.80 per pencil)
36 count: $64.46 ($1.79 per pencil)
72 count: $124.40 ($1.73 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $1.79

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Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils 24 count tin

Derwent Lightfast 24 count tin

Derwent Lightfast 24 count tin

Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils

Derwent Lightfast 24 count set on white paper.

Derwent Lightfast is a line of oil-based colored pencils made in the UK where each of the 100 colors is in the top-rated Lightfast I or Lightfast II category. A direct competitor to the Caran D’Ache Luminance line, the Lightfast have a similar chunky feel with lightly finished, unpainted cedar barrels. The oil-based lead is on the harder side (like all oil-based leads) and in conforming to the Lightfast standards, these are more of an earth tone line of colors.

The main selling point of these is their lightfast ratings: 62 of the 100 are rated Lightfast I and 38 are Lightfast II. Derwent even provides a breakdown here.

Derwent Lightfast 24 count set on black paper.

A super-sharp tip will break under pressure, but overall I found that these pencils kept a good point and would provide a lot of coverage before needing to be sharpened. There were no issues with lead breakage during sharpening. In comparing to the similar Caran D’Ache Luminance, (which developed lots of crumbs under heavy pressure,)the Lightfast had a cleaner lay down. But it still was not as smooth as a soft wax-based pencil such as the Derwent Coloursoft or Prismacolor Premier.

In comparing all the harder oil-based lines (Caran D’Ache Luminance and Pablo, Faber-Castell Polychromos, Holbein, and Lyra) I felt that these had one of the best feels while drawing and though the colors were more muted than most of those other sets, this was the top pick because of the 100% lightfast rating. However, you could also pick and choose colors from various sets to build your own lightfast palette.

In use, these were not as chalky as the Luminance, but still had a matte quality to a heavy application without any shine or gloss. Surprisingly, I felt that these didn’t “pop” as much on black paper and some of the earth tones seemed to fade a bit on white paper. But overall, I really like the chunky 8 mm Derwent barrel and certain colors were real favorites such as Heather, Venetian Red on black paper, and the Mallard Green on white paper.

Derwent Lightfast colored pencils prices vary quite a bit, so check Blick, Amazon or wherever you shop
12 count: $30-$37 (around $3 per pencil)
24 count: $59-$70 (around $2.50 per pencil)
36 count: $111 (around $3 per pencil)
72 count: $187 ($2.59 per pencil)
100 count: $240 to $309 ($2.40 to $3 per pencil)

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Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 count tin

Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 count tin

Faber-Castell Polychromos has a hinged tin

Faber-Castell Polychromos colored pencils

Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 count set on white paper.

Faber-Castell Polychromos are an oil-based colored pencil made in Germany. Favored by many artists, there are 120 colors in the series and while these are on the thicker side, they seemed a millimeter or two thinner than the Derwent pencils. The 24 count set tested had a classic range of colors and came in a hinged tin with a plastic liner tray.

Lightfastness for the Polychromos is rated on a 3 star scale by the manufacturer: 100 colors have the best 3 star rating and 20 have a 2 star rating. What this means in terms of lightfastness by the latest standards is unclear, but there is no doubt that this is the pencil that many artists swear by and are comfortable using.

As with all oil-based colored pencils, the Polychromos has a harder lead that holds a point well and provides good coverage before needing to be sharpened. The colors are intense and looked great on white paper but seemed a bit more muted on black paper when compared to other top pencils. The colors are matte on the page but when viewed at an angle, I did see a few developing the dreaded “wax bloom” shininess when viewed at an angle.

Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 count set on black paper.

These pencils are easy to layer, have a good color palette, and really just give you everything you need in a colored pencil. I could see how these could become my go-to studio pencils, but I would want to do my own lightfastness tests to determine which colors were best for final drawings. It would be great to see Faber-Castell embrace the latest Lightfastness standards (now about 15 years old) and provide testing results on their pencils such as the info provided by Derwent, Caran D’Ache, and Prismacolor.

In the scheme of things, the Polychromos are a good value, costing about $1.40 each when purchased in sets or $2.25 individually. This is a lot more than Prismacolors, but quite a bit cheaper than artist-grade pencils from Caran D’Ache or the Derwent Lightfast series. If you’ve only ever used soft colored pencils such as Prismacolor or cheaper student-grade pencils, the Faber-Castell Polychromos are a good introduction to premium pencils. For many artists, it’s been the go-to colored pencil for decades. Based on the relatively low cost when compared to other brands, and above average lightfastness, these were my all around pick for best colored pencil.

Faber-Castell Polychromos typical prices:
12 count: $22.75 ($1.90 per pencil)
24 count: $35.43 ($1.48 per pencil)
36 count: $51.00 ($1.42 per pencil)
60 count: $82.75 ($1.38 per pencil)
120 count: $159.90 ($1.33 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $2.23 per pencil

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Holbein Artists' Colored Pencils 12 count tin

Holbein Artists' Colored Pencils 12 count tin

Holbein Artists' Colored Pencils has a hinged tin

Holbein Artists’ Colored Pencils

Holbein Artists’ Colored Pencil 12 count set on white paper.

Holbein Artists’s Colored Pencils are oil-based pencils made in Japan. There are 150 colors in the line, and the 12 count set tested came in a hinged tin with a corrugated paper liner.

In appearance, the Holbein look very similar to the Faber-Castell Polychromos and they also follow the same 3 star Lightfastness rating. As in the Polychromos, star ratings are displayed on the barrel. For Holbein, the star rating breaks down to 72 pencils with the top 3 star rating, 60 pencils with 2 stars, 12 with 1 star, and 6 newer colors that are not rated.

Holbein Artists’ Colored Pencils 12 count set on black paper.

The Holbein colored pencils have a soft and smooth lay down. The core is softer than the Polychromos but not soft like the waxier Prismacolor Premier or Derwent Coloursoft. The colors look best on white paper, they were a bit muted on black paper.

In North America, Holbein colored pencils can be hard to find but they are available online. They are on the more expensive side, costing over $3 each unless you buy the complete 150 count set. Based on price, I would choose the Polychromos over these, but if the Holbeins were cheaper they would definitely find a place in my studio. As the prices stand, I’d be more inclined to choose one of the 100% lightfast lines over these, or go with the Polychromos but I do enjoy using these pencils, somehow they just feel very good in the hand and are a pleasure to use.

Holbein Artists’s Colored Pencils typical prices:
12 count: $39.55 ($3.29 per pencil)
24 count: $78.75 ($3.28 per pencil)
36 count: $117.95 ($3.27 per pencil)
50 count: $164.50 ($3.29 per pencil)
100 count: $332.50 ($3.33per pencil)
150 count: $497.00 ($3.31 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $2.98 per pencil

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Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor 24 count tin

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor 24 count tin

Cardboard sleeve slides off tin

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor has a hinged tin

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor 24 count set on white paper.

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils are a line of oil-based pencils made in Germany. There are 72 colors in the line and the 24 count set tested came in a hinged tin with a plastic liner.

Oil-based pencils are known for their hardness but these were definitely the hardest colored pencils in this test. The result is a beautiful matte surface with no gloss or wax bloom, but the drawback is it can be hard to lay down the color or build up areas of intensity. The Polycolors look good on white paper, but either due to the hardness or possibly a lack of pigment intensity, the colors faded away on black paper, seeming on par with student-grade pencils.

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor 24 count set on black paper.

For lightfastness, the Polycolors use the 3 star system with 47 colors receiving the highest 3 star rating, 21 with 2 stars, and 4 with 1 star. The star ratings are not included on the barrel of the pencil. The barrels are on the narrow side with a clear, natural color with the color displayed on the endcap.

Pricewise, these are right in the range of standard artist-grade pencils, costing about $1.25 to $1.50 in sets or $2 individually. The Polycolors have the 2nd thinnest barrel of the oil-based pencils tested, so if that’s your preference you may want to check these out. But overall, due to the somewhat limited color palette and the hard lead, I don’t recommend these pencils.

Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor Colored Pencils typical prices:
12 count: $13.43 ($1.11 per pencil)
24 count: $44 ($1.83 per pencil)
36 count: $63.03 (1.75 per pencil)
72 count: $92.65 ($1.29 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $2.75

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Prismacolor Premier 24 Count Tin

Prismacolor Premier 24 Count Tin

Prismacolor Premier 24 Count has two trays that stack in the hinged tin

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Premier 24 count set on white paper.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are wax-based pencils made in Mexico for the US-based Newell Office Products. Known for bright, intense colors, there are 150 colors in the Premier line. The 24 count set tested came in a metal tin with a removable lid, and two plastic trays that stacked in the tin.

Prismacolor Premier spans the range of an artist pencil that is also used by hobbyists, adult coloring book fans, and kids. I would recommend Premiers for anyone, even kids as young as 8 or 10. The colors look great on white and black paper. In testing, they were the brightest, most intense colors on black paper.

Prismacolor Premier 24 count set on black paper.

Known for it’s waxy, soft cores and crayon-like laydown, many online forums reviewing artists coloring pencils will compare Prismacolor Premiers vs Faber-Castell Polychromos as the two most popular artist-grade pencils. In the United States, you can’t walk into an art store without seeing a large display of these pencils and other Prismacolor products. I have long used these myself and many of my artist friends do too. I will continue to use them but they have their drawbacks.

The main complaint against Prismas is broken cores. I have generally had good luck with these pencils over the years but I ordered a new 24 count tin for this test and one pencil (black) did have a broken core that took an inch of sharpening to resolve. A few others had minor breaks after the first sharpen (I only sharpen colored pencils by hand.) But this is the tradeoff with a soft core. The similarly soft Derwent Coloursoft was the only other pencil in this test that had some issues with breakage.

The other tradeoff, when considered as an artist-grade pencil, is the relatively low lightfastness rating. Prismacolors are very affordable, so they may actually overperform on the lightfastness charts relative to cost, but if you are using these in final drawings just be aware: 59 out of 150 (39%) are rated the best Lightfast I, 26 colors (17%) are Lightfast II, and 65 colors (43%) are rated below museum grade at Lightfast III through V. For individual colors, this chart from Prismacolor details the Lightfastness rating.

Another consideration with Prismacolors (and all wax-based pencils) is that they are not as good at layering and mixing colors as the harder and more matte oil-based pencils. And these colors will definitely get shiny and waxy with a heavy buildup.

With those caveats, the Prismacolor Premiers are a great deal, costing as little as $0.93 per pencil if you get the 150 count set, or $1.38 each when purchased individually. I have long used these pencils and will continue to do so, but I will pull the Lightfast I and II pencils aside so that I can make drawings with the best possible materials. If you are not as concerned about Lightfastness, then these are great pencils that are a pleasure to use and easily get intense, solid colors. Great for kids and adults, these are the most popular and top recommended pencil for a reason, and that’s why I recommend a combo of these and Faber-Castell Polychromos for artists, and recommend these alone as the top pencil for coloring book enthusiasts and students.

Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils typical prices:
12 count: $14.47 ($1.21 per pencil)
24 count: $24.80 ($1.03 per pencil)
36 count: $37.99 ($1.06 per pencil)
48 count: $48.80 ($1.02 per pencil)
72 count: $74.99 ($1.04 per pencil)
132 count: $129.99 ($0.98 per pencil)
150 count: $139.80 ($0.93 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $1.38 each

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Prismacolor Verithin 24 Count Cardboard Box

Prismacolor Verithin 24 Count Cardboard Box

Prismacolor Verithin box converts to pencil stand

Prismacolor Verithin Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Verithin 24 count set on white paper.

Prismacolor Verithin Colored Pencils are a line of wax-based colors made in Mexico for the US-based Newell Office Products. The hexagonal barrels are thinner than the Premiers and the line has just 36 colors, but the Verithins are distinguised by a harder core that will hold a sharper point than the Premiers. Available in sets or individually, the 24-count set tested came in a cardboard box that can be converted to a stand. The line has just a total of 40 colors and the pencils come unsharpened.

Prismacolor Verithin 24 count set on black paper.

In testing, the colors are fine on white or black paper, but they are definitely less intense than the Premiers. In the head-to-head testing, the Verithins sort of fade away on black paper in a similar manner to student-grade pencils. But broad, intense coverage isn’t the main use for these pencils, instead think of them as harder pencils for detail work in combination with other pencils.

In terms of Lightfastness, 11 out of 36 are Lightfast I, 7 are Lightfast II, and the remaining 22 are rated below museum grade at Lightfast III through V.

The Verithins are affordable and would make a good complement to a set of Prismacolor Premiers. But, if a harder core was your goal, I would recommend trying a harder oil-based pencil such as the Faber-Castell Polychromos. Because of their relatively low-impact colors due to the core hardness, I wouldn’t recommend these as your only set of colored pencils.

Prismacolor Verithin Colored Pencils typical prices:
12 count: $12.37 ($1.03 per pencil)
24 count: $17.89 ($0.75 per pencil)
36 count: $27.49 ($0.76 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $1.29 each

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Tombow Irojiten Vivid 12 Count Set

Tombow Irojiten Vivid 12 Count Set

Tombow Irojiten Vivid set comes with a colored-pencil eraser and sharpener

Tombow Irojiten Colored Pencils

Tombow Irojiten Vivid 12 count set on white paper.

Tombow Irojiten Colored Pencils are wax-based pencils made in Vietnam for the Japanese brand Tombow. An interesting addition to this test, the pencils are sold as 12 count sets (such as the “Vivid” pack tested here) or in three 30-packs that build a “color library.” The tested set came in a plastic case with a Tombow “sand” colored pencil eraser and a small sharpener. The pencils are unsharpened and there are a total of 90 colors in the line.

Tombow Irojiten Vivid 12 count set on black paper.

The pencils have a hard core and are very good at holding a point. This makes light application a breeze, but it can be harder to get more saturated, intense colors. But, in the test the colors did look good on white paper and ok on black paper.

Regarding Lightfastness, there was no information I could find on the product or online. You would need to do your own testing to determine which colors are lightfast. The pencils will layer well and the neon colors of the Vivid set are particularly intense.

Given the lack of Lightfastness and set packaging, I wouldn’t recommend these as artist-grade pencils (though you can buy individual pencils.) But, these could be great for adult coloring books or as a gift set. I did really love the colored pencil eraser from Tombow, so it is nice that they package everything as an all in one set.

Tombow Irojiten Colored Pencils typical prices:
12 count set: $29.99 ($2.49 per pencil)
30 count set: $53.99 ($1.80 per pencil)
Individual / open stock: $2.46

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Student Grade Colored Pencils

The main goal of this test was to find the best, high-quality artist grade colored pencil. But I included these four sets in the testing because of other online reviews, and to determine if the artist-grade prices are really worth paying for. As can be seen in the head-to-head tests at the top of this post, these 4 sets look fine on white paper when compared to other brands, but the colors really fade away on black paper, indicating a lack of pigmentation. These options only come in sets, so if you can’t replace just one or two colors that you may use often. They also have middle-of-the-road lightfastness ratings (Arteza) or no lightfastness info at all. Some, such as Crayola, had very hard cores that were just not fun to use. I realize many are on a tight budget. If I had to pick one of these, I would say the Artezas for their many colors at a budget price. But in general, I think most people would be happier upgrading to Prismacolor Premiers or some of the other artist brands recommended above.

Arteza Expert 48 Count Tin

Arteza Expert 48 Count Tin has two stacking plastic trays

The tin is shipped in a cardboard box

Arteza Expert 48 Count Tin

Arteza Expert Colored Pencils

Arteza Expert Colored Pencils 48 count set on white paper.

Arteza Expert Colored Pencils are wax-based pencils made in China for the US-based Arteza. Available only in sets, this is a popular and well reviewed online brand that you might also find in stores. With Lightfastness ratings included on each pencil, this line has aspirations of being artist quality but after testing and reviewing, I would place these pencils in the student / hobbyist category. They simply aren’t intensely pigmented or have the lightfastness rating of an artist-grade pencil.

Arteza Expert 48 count set on black paper.

The round pencils are on the 8mm chunky side and have a soft quality that still seems a bit harder than Prismacolor Premiers. There were no issues while sharpening or with core breakage. These looked best on white paper, the colors were muted on black paper.

Some of the colors were a bit softer than others, and those softer colors usually had the most intense pigmentation. Others were a bit harder and that resulted in a lighter application.

The Arteza Experts were the only set tested that had a noticeable smell. It smelled like wood with a slight chemical undertone. It wasn’t bothersome, but was noticeable.

Regarding lightfastness, I couldn’t find much online but I did appreciate Arteza’s one through five “plus mark” ratings (essentially stars) displayed on each barrel and the inside of the tin. I hope that Arteza’s plus systems corresponds with a Lightfast I–V rating, but there was no indication of that. For the 48 count set, 2 pencils had the top rating, another 2 were rated two pluses, 27 pencils had 3 pluses (similar to a below-average Lightfast III), and the remaining 17 pencils were rated a 4 or 5. For the budget price, this middle of the road lightfastness is to be expected.

The pencils are available in sets of 48 or 72. They are not available individually. The pencils are very affordable but given the drawbacks of the below-average pigmentation and lack of lightfastness, I would recommend paying a bit more for Prismacolor Premiers.

Arteza Expert Colored Pencils typical prices:
48 count: $23.00 ($0.48 per pencil)
72 count: $31.67 ($0.44 per pencil)

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Crayola 24 Count Box

Crayola 24 Count Box

Crayola 24 Count Box

Crayola Colored Pencils 24 count on white paper.

Crayola Colored Pencils

Crayola Colored Pencils are an extremely affordable schoolroom classic with 100 wax-based colors. Although this review is focused on artist-grade colored pencils, I added these to see how they might stand up. After testing I would say they too hard to recommend to anyone. Even the youngest artists will appreciate using something that is softer and more vibrant.

Crayola Colored Pencils 24 count set on black paper.

The Crayola Colored Pencils have hard 3.3mm cores that are easy to sharpen and hold a point. They provide decent coverage but appear lighter on the page than other brands, even on white paper. On black paper, the lack of pigment with these pencils really shows. Even a heavy application did not result in saturated colors on the page.

One plus of the harder cores is that the colors really resist smudging, which might actually be a feature when thinking of young children. But in the end, even for the youngest children I’d recommend better quality pencils such as the student-grade options from Faber-Castell, Staedtler (see below), or even Prismacolor Premiers.

Crayola Colored Pencils typical prices:
8 pack: $1.62 ($0.20 per pencil)
12 pack: $2.91 ($0.24 per pencil)
24 pack: $4.50 ($0.19 per pencil)
36 pack: $5.43 ($0.15 per pencil)
50 pack: $12.87 ($0.26 per pencil)
100 pack: $26.00 ($0.26 per pencil)

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Faber-Castell GRIP Ecopencils

Faber-Castell GRIP Ecopencils

Faber-Castell GRIP Ecopencils

Faber-Castell Grip EcoPencils 24 count set on white paper.

Faber-Castell GRIP Colored EcoPencils

Faber-Castell GRIP Colored EcoPencils are a student-grade line of pencils made in Indonesia for Faber-Castell, the venerable German pencil company. Available in sets of 12 or 24, these are aimed at children, but they would work for adult coloring if you like a triangular pencil.

The pencils are unlabeled but the color on the barrel matches the core. Running along each side are grey or black “GRIP dots” that aim to give kids better control.

Faber-Castell GRIP EcoPencils 24 count set on black paper.

Using these on the page is fine, although like all student-grade pencils these have washed-out colors when compared to artist-grade pencils. These worked best on white paper. On black paper, I found these to be a bit more dull than the comparable Staedtler Ergosoft pencils.

There is no lightfastness ratings on these pencils as they are not really designed with artists in mind. The best price I found worked out to about $0.54 per pencil, putting them in the same range as the comparable Arteza Experts, however Arteza offers a significantly wider range of colors with their pencils.

The cardboard container is easy to use (as opposed to Crayola’s doubled-up box) but don’t expect it to last too long. If you press hard enough, these pencils will give good coverage. And they are easier to use than the ultra-budget Crayola. Just don’t think of these as a replacement for artist-grade pencils.

Faber-Castell GRIP Colored EcoPencils typical prices:
12 count: $7.50 ($0.63 per pencil)
24 count: $15.00 ($0.63 per pencil)

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Colored Pencils Comparison Chart

Click links in chart to shop at Blick.

Pencil	Number of Colors	Open Stock?	Materials	Typical Individual Price	Barrel Shape	Core thickness	Barrel thickness	Country of origin	Lightfastness
Blick Studio	91	Yes	Wax	$1.33	round	3.8mm	7.8mm	Czech Republic	27.5% LF1 or LF2
Caran D'Ache Luminance	100	Yes	Oil	$5.13	round	3.8mm	8mm	Switzerland	100% LF1 or LF2
Caran D'Ache Pablo	120	Yes	Oil	$2.66	hexagonal	3.7mm	6.7mm	Switzerland	94% 3 or 2 stars
Derwent Coloursoft	72	Yes	Wax	$1.77	round	4mm	8mm	UK	47% LF1 or LF2
Derwent Lightfast	100	Yes	Oil	$3.88	round	4mm	8mm	UK	100% LF1 or LF2
Faber-Castell Polychromos	120	Yes	Oil	$2.23	round	3.8mm	8mm	Germany	100 colors 3 star, 20 colors 2 star
Holbein Colored Pencils	150	Yes	Oil	$3.29	round	3.8mm	7.8mm	Japan	72 colors 3 star, 60 colors 2 star
Lyra Polycolor	72	Yes	Oil	$1.81	round	7.4mm	8mm	Germany	47 colors 3 star, 21 colors 2 star
Prismacolor Premier	150	Yes	Wax	$1.51	round	3.8mm	7.4mm	Mexico	56.7% rated LF1 or LF2
Prismacolor Verithin	36	Yes	Wax	$1.07	hexagonal	3mm	7mm	Mexico	50% rated LF1 or LF2
Tombow Irojiten	90	Yes	Wax	$2.39	round	3.8mm	8mm	Vietnam	No info
Student Grade Pencils
Arteza Expert	120	No	Wax	only sets	round	4mm	7.8mm	China	3.3% rated LF1 or LF2
Crayola Colored Pencils	100	No	Wax	Only in sets	round	3.3mm	7.2mm	Brazil	Not applicable
Faber-Castell GRIP EcoPencils	24	No	Wax	only in sets	Triangular	3.5mm	7.4	Indonesia	Not applicable
Staedtler Ergosoft	36	No	Wax	only in sets	Triangular	3.3mm	7.4	Germany	Not applicable

Lightfastness Background and Information

Lightfastness rates how colors will hold up over time, and are one way of gauging which pencils are right for you. Lightfastness is of utmost concern to artists who are selling their work, but should be a consideration for anyone who is making something they hope will last for the long term. It can be confusing to determine lightfastness, as different manufacturers use different standards, and manufacturer will even use different scales for their various lines. It’s frustrating. One option is to do your own test by making a chart, cover 1/2 of the color, and expose the other side to the sun for a period of weeks, then compare to the original colors.

Lightfast is rated I through V with LF I being the best with colors that will stay true for 100 years in low-light museum conditions. Another scale is the Blue Wool 1 through 8 scale, where 8 is the best. Finally, the older model still employed by many manufacturers is 1, 2 or 3 star scale, with 3 being the most lightfast. The star scale is hard to parse in comparison to Lightfast or Blue Wool, but a comparison of Lightfast and Blue Wool is below.

Although companies have been rating their pencils for decades, the official standards with a Lightfast I – V scale were first released in 2003 by the standards organization ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) in collaboration with the Colored Pencil Society of America. If you join the CPSA, you will have access to the society’s proprietary testing results. Since this Lightfast standard was released, companies have developed premium pencil lines that conform to these standards and with every color receiving the top Lightfast I or II rating, such as the Derwent Lightfast and the Caran D’Ache Luminance lines.

Lightfastness Comparison

Description	ASTM Lightfast rating	Blue Wool rating	Normal Condition Longevity
Very poor lightfastness	V	1	less than 2 years
Poor lightfastness	IV	2 3	2–15 years
Fair lightfastness	III	4 5	15–50 years
Very good lightfastness	II	6	50-100 years
Excellent lightfastness	I	7 8	over 100 years

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Oil vs Wax in Colored Pencils

If you read through online forums and reviews, many will tout oil-based pencils as the “best.” Typically, the oil-based pencils do have harder cores, are easier to layer, and have a more matte appearance. They are also more expensive. But it’s not as if it’s an either/or situation with wax or oil. Manufacturers don’t release their proprietary core blends, but you can assume that every colored pencil is made with some wax in it. It’s just some also have an additional oil-based binder.

In general, I like drawing with softer pencils but I see the advantage of the oil-based pencils and I do really like the matte quality of the resulting color. In testing, I did note that wax-based lines such as Derwent Coloursoft and Prismacolor Premier are generally brighter and more vibrant, but also were more prone to the waxy build up and shiny quality known as wax bloom.

To get the best results, I recommend finding a combination of pencils that work for you. To start, I believe most artists should try the wax-based Prismacolor Premiers and the oil-based Faber-Castell Polychromos. If you want 100% lightfast, try the Derwent Lightfast line for an upgrade pick.

Of the six pencils I would recommend based on this test, two are wax based (Derwent Coloursoft and Prismacolor Premiers) and four also have oil in them (Caran D’Ache Pablo and Luminance, Derwent Lightfast, and Faber-Castell Polychromos).

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Testing Methodology

The first part of this test was deciding which pencils to test. My initial criteria was to look for pencils that have at least 72 colors in the line and are available for individual or open stock purchases. (As an artist, you know you’ll use certain colors more and it makes sense to be able to replace those as needed without buying a whole set.) From this initial criteria, I found 10 lines of pencils that met these qualifications. Next, I added Prismacolor Verithins to test as sort of detail pencil, and I also picked 4 well reviewed and popular student-grade lines for comparison to see if the artist grade pencils were really worth the extra expense. Next, I ordered all the pencils online to see if shipping would cause any problems with breakage. I tried to buy 24 count sets for comparison sake, but had to modify based on ability and how pencil sets are packaged.

After receiving the pencils, I made doodles and sketches, and sharpened the pencils by hand. I also researched manufacturers websites, read through reviews online, watched YouTube review videos, and also read customer comments on shopping websites. Finally, I made the color charts on white and black paper. While writing this review I was constantly going back to these notes, along with retesting each pencil to really understand the individual characteristics.

To my knowledge, this is the most comprehensive and exhaustive review of artist-grade colored pencils. There are many sites that review individual pencils, but this is a head-to-head review of high quality pencils with hands-on testing as opposed to sites that just reprint information they have found elsewhere.

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Summary

For this post, 14 colored pencils were tested to determine the best colored pencil for artists. After rigorous use and testing, reading reviews online, and comparing lightfastness and other product information, recommendations were made.

In the end, I would be comfortable recommending six different lines of artist-grade pencils. A combination of 2 or more of these lines will give you everything you need in the studio.

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Lithium Carbonate for Ceramic Glazes Price Tracker

In the past few years, there has been a lot of upheaval in the materials market and to my eye, one of the most volatile has been the price of lithium carbonate.

My memory is that a pound of ceramic-grade lithium carb cost about $17 in 2019. Recently, I have seen prices as high as $80 or $90 a pound. Fearful that the price was only going to go higher, I bought a few pounds in summer of 2024 at around $75 a pound. But by fall of 2024, prices had started dropping again, particularly at one supplier, Sheffield Pottery.

I can’t claim to know what will happen with lithium carb prices in the future, but I do know that they currently vary widely. This price tracker was created to identify the best places to shop for lithium carbonate and it will be updated every six months or so. Most vendors will have slightly cheaper prices when buying in bulk, but the chart below shows the price if ordering just 1 pound.

Lithium Carbonate Price Tracker

Supplier	Jan '25 Price	July '25 Price	Shopping Link
Sheffield Pottery 1 lb	$33.60	$33.60	Sheffield
U.S. Pigment 1 lb	$50.00	$45.00	U.S. Pigment
Paul Brown Art Supply 1 lb (eBay vendor)	$54.00	$44.50	Paul Brown
Clay King 1 lb	$57.37	$57.37	Clay King
Ceramic Shop 1 lb	$76.40	$76.40	Ceramic Shop
Clay Planet 1 lb	$78.10	$78.20	Clay Planet
Krueger Ceramic Supply 1 lb	$87.35	$87.35	Krueger
Axner 1 lb Fine Grade (*Min order 5 lbs)	$75.10	$103.26	Axner

This chart is by no means comprehensive, but I sought to find a variety of vendors from around the United States. If you know of a vendor that should be added, especially one that has prices that would be in the “top 5” in regards to price, let me know via a comment or email.

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You might also enjoy:

Testing Silicon Carbide in Cone 6 Glazes

Greener Options for Packing and Shipping Supplies

Gift Guide for Potters

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The Best Chunky Colored Pencils for Drawing and Sketching

Chunky colored pencils are some of my favorite drawing tools. They can be used for detail work or for covering large areas quickly. They’re also great for kids or anyone who likes a thicker pencil.

My go-to favorite used to be Prismacolor Art Stix, but since being discontinued a few years ago, I’ve had to find replacements. This post covers all the thick, chunky, and oversized colored pencils I could find.

Top Pick: Cretacolor Megacolors

The Cretacolor Megacolors set of 12.

Cretacolor Megacolors are oversized colored pencils with a quality wood pencil surrounding a 6.4mm core of buttery smooth color. These pencils can make intense blocks of color, and are easy to sharpen. The back end is finished and sealed. All in all, a great pencil!

Available in sets of 12, 24, and 36 or individually, these are my top pick for big colored pencils. Prices range from $28-$30 for a set of 12 up to to around $72 for a set of 36 or about $3.00 per individual pencil. Cretacolor also makes a set of 12 metallic colors in the same thick pencil style. (Shop metallic pencils at Blick.)

Cretacolor Megacolors test pages

Cretacolor Megacolors on white paper.

Cretacolor Megacolors on black paper.

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: Cretacolor Megacolors

• Runner Up: Koh-I-Noor Woodless Pencils

• Lyra Color Giants

• Stabilo Woody

• Caran D’ache Fluo

• Prismacolor Art Stix (discontinued)

• Summary

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Runner Up: Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colour Pencils

The Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colour Pencils set of 24.

The 24-color set comes in two stacking trays that slide into the original cardboard packaging.

The Koh-I-Noor Woodless Pencils are made of colored lead sealed in a plastic finish. These pencils are smooth, easy to sharpen, and fun to use. They are the closest to the Prismacolor Art Stix, but with the sealed sides, they can’t be used horizontally to make wider marks.

While great to use, one drawback is these are prone to breaking. A few were broken in shipping and more broke from pressing too hard. But even when broken, the pieces can be sharpened and used. Just be gentle with this.

Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colour Pencils are available in sets of 12 for around $12 or 24 for $22, or they can be purchased individually for $1.60 each.

Koh-I-Noor Woodless Colored Pencil test pages

Koh-I-Noor woodless colored pencils on white paper.

Koh-I-Noor woodless colored pencils on black paper.

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Lyra Color Giants

The Lyra Color Giants set of 12.

Lyra Color Giants are large wooden pencils with a 6.25mm core with an unfinished end. They are similar to the Cretacolor Megacolors, but I found the lead to be stiffer and harder to use. You may prefer this hardness for detail work, but it was a drawback for me.

Overall, the Lyra Color Giants felt like school grade pencils and just weren’t as smooth as the Cretacolors.

The pencil are available in packs of 6 ($14), 12 ($26) or 18 ($39) and also a variety of special packs such as metallic colors, skin tones, or triangular versions.

Lyra Color Giant test pages

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Stabilo Woody Pencils

Stabilo Woody set of 10 colors and sharpener.

Stabilo Woody 3-in-1 pencils are an interesting entry. Soft, waxy, and definitely chunky, these are designed for kids but some professional artists love them for their smooth quality and flexibility: in addition to being similar to colored pencils and wax crayons, they are also water soluble. The Woodys are definitely and interesting drawing tool for artists of all ages

Stabilo Woodys are so large that they come with their own sharpener. Available in sets of 6 ($17), 10 ($21) or 18 ($42) and also 6 pastel colors or individually for around $3 each.

Stabilo Woody test pages

Stabilo Woody test on white paper.

Stabilo Woody test on black paper.

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Caran D’Ache Fluo

Caran D’ache Fluos are a series of 4 colored pencils with 4.5mm cores that are available in fluorescent pink, green, orange, and yellow. They are a fun addition to your colored pencil kit, but not a full-color set.

The Caran D’Ache Fluos are available for $5 each.

Caran D’Ache Fluo test pages

Caran D’Ache Fluo on white paper.

Caran D’Ache Fluo on black paper.

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Discontinued Favorite: Prismacolor Art Stix

Prismacolor Art Stix were blocks of solid colored pencil. Similar in shape to pastels but not powdery like a pastel, they could be used to draw or rubbed sideways to cover large areas of paper. The lead and colors were the same as regular Prismacolors. Originally made in 48 colors, the Art Stix were discontinued in 2020 or 2021. Hopefully Prismacolor will bring them back! Definitely pick some up if you see them for sale anywhere.

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Conclusion

This post has covered a variety of thick, large, and chunky colored pencils. The top pick is Cretacolor Megacolors for their intense, smooth colors are overall quality but there are a variety of options that may be perfect for your studio.

What is your favorite colored pencil? Let us know in the comments.

You might be interested:

Colored Pencil Buyer’s Guide

Best Mixed Media Drawing Pads

Best Black Paper Drawing Pads

Gift Guide for Painters

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Best Mixed Media Sketchbooks and Drawing Pads

Originally published March 2021. Prices and info updated July 2025.

Mixed media pads are a real upgrade from a regular drawing pad, and they don’t cost too much more. They have thicker and more versatile paper that can handle wet media such as ink and watercolor, and the thicker paper is just more pleasurable to use. They are ideal for drawings, sketches, note-taking, prepatory paintings, student work, and might just be thick enough to use for final drawings. They will also work ok for the occasional watercolor, but none of these is a true watercolor pad.

To find the best option, nine mixed media sketchbooks and pads were evaluated. Testing included a variety of media during a two-month period and my top picks are posted below followed by an overview of each pad. The pads were compared on how they handled different media including watercolor, overall construction and feel, and price, which ranged from $0.11 per sheet to around $0.50 per sheet.

The good news is that all the pads were fine and I’d definitely recommend choosing any of these over a drawing pad with thinner paper. Ultimately, what I was looking for was the best all around pad that could be carried around, thrown in a bag, and would produce great results.

TOP PICK: Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media

Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Pad, our top pick for a mixed media sketchbook.

When considering overall quality, ability to handle wet media, and price, the best all-around option is the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Pad. It has smooth vellum paper with a good tooth, and the 117lb paper can handle watercolor, ink, and markers with ease. You do pay extra for this, around double the price of the budget options, but I feel that it is worth it if you are looking for a true mixed-media pad.

The Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media pads are available in three sizes. A 9x12”, 40-sheet pad typically costs around $14.50, or about $0.36 per sheet.

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BUDGET PICKS: Blick Studio or Canson XL

Blick Studio Mixed Media Pad.

If you are looking for an everyday sketchbook with mixed media paper, the Blick Studio or Canson XL pads are great options that check all the boxes except the paper will buckle when using watercolor or heavier applications of wet media. Not ideal, but for everything else, these are nice pads that typically cost $9 to $10 for the Blick, or around $12 for the Canson XL for a 60 sheet, 9x12” pad. They do cost a bit more than comparable drawing/sketch pads, but the thicker paper is worth it.

Canson XL Mix Media Pad.

Choose the Blick Studio Mixed Media Pad if you prefer a natural white paper, or the Canson XL if you want a bright white paper. The Canson XL also features a much thicker cardstock cover, so if you are rough on your sketchbooks, that’s a good option.

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UPGRADE PICK: Bee Paper Aquabee Super Deluxe

Bee Paper Aquabee Super Deluxe Sketchbook.

For an upgrade pick, take a close look at the Bee Paper Aquabee Super Deluxe Sketchbook. It’s got a thick, maroon-colored leatherette cover that feels like a fancy sketchbook, but with easy-to-use, lay flat wire binding. The 93 lb, natural white paper is great for everything except watercolor, which will cause it to buckle a bit. But even with that, the watercolor results are very nice. The Strathmore 300 Series may be the best all-around option but the Bee Paper sketchbook just feels nicer and looks better—and it doesn’t have an annoying image on the cover like Strathmore is so prone to do. It’s also a great option for giving a nice but functional sketchbook as a gift.

A 60-sheet, 9x12” Bee Paper Super Deluxe Sketchbook typically costs around $22, or $0.37 per sheet. On a per-sheet basis, it’s a bit cheaper than the Strathmore 300 but it has more sheets so it costs more.

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Paper Color Comparison

Comparison shot of the 9 pads tested.

This image shows all the pads together to compare the relative brightness of the paper and pad styles. These are all “white paper” pads and ranging from a bright white to what manufacturers call “natural white.” None of these is a true cream-colored paper. Note that the Fabriano Fat Pad and Strathmore 400 Pad are glued, while the other 7 have wire binding.

Bright White Paper: Bienfang, Canson XL, Grumbacher

White Paper: Fabriano Fat Pad, Strathmore 300 Series and 400 Series

Natural White Paper: Bee Paper Super Deluxe, Blick Studio, Strathmore Vision

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Table of Contents

• Top Picks

• Color Comparison

• Bee Paper Super Deluxe Mixed Media

• Bienfang Mixed Media

• Blick Studio Mixed Media

• Canson XL Mixed Media

• Fabriano Mixed Media Fat Pad

• Grumbacher Mixed Media

• Strathmore Vision Mixed Media

• Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media

• Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media

• Notes on Testing

• Summary

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Bee Paper Super Deluxe Mixed Media Pad

Tests with different media on the Bee Paper Mixed Media paper.

The Bee Paper Aquabee Super Deluxe Mixed Media Sketchbook is a high-quality pad made in the USA in Beaverton, Oregon. It features a stiff, maroon-colored, “leatherette” water-resistant cover and cardboard back, wire binding with perforated paper, and 93lb acid-free paper. The paper has an even tooth, which really brings out pencils, charcoal, and other dry media. In testing, the paper did buckle a bit with watercolor, but it stayed flat with ink.

These pads are available in a variety of sizes and they do feel like a real upgrade pick. They’re one of my favorite pads to carry around and to give as gifts, but I do wish the paper handled watercolor a bit better. The extra-thick cover protects the pad and makes it resilient for carrying around. Bee Paper offers these pads in a variety of shapes and you also can buy the paper as loose sheets.

The 9”x12” 60 sheet pad typically retails around $22 or $0.37 per sheet. These pads do come at a premium price but I believe that Bee Paper delivers a lot of value for that price in a handsome-looking sketchbook.

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Bienfang Mixed Media Pad

Tests with different media on the Bienfang Mixed Media paper.

The Speedball Bienfang Mixed Media sketchbook is a thinner notebook-style pad made in Canada for Bienfang / Speedball. It features a thin, glossy-paper cover, cardboard back, spiral wire binding, non-perforated pages, and 90 lb acid-free paper. The paper has a sort of broad tooth that I didn’t mind but is a bit different from other sheets.

With 40 sheets, this pad is on the thinner side, making it easy to slip in a bag or backpack to carry around. The bright white paper has a nice body to it and though the spiral wire binding signals to me that this is “student grade,” I ultimately did like using this paper and pad. I don’t mind that the paper is not perforated, but that may matter to you. It seems like an ideal student sketchbook.

These pads are available in three sizes for as low as about $8.25 for a 9x12” pad with 40 sheets, or $0.21 per sheet.

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Blick Studio Mixed Media Pad

Tests with different media on the Blick Studio Mixed Media Pad.

The Blick Studio Mixed Media Pad is a traditional style art pad with a cardstock cover, cardboard back, wire ring binding, and perforated sheets with 80lb, natural white paper. It’s made in the USA for Blick, but I couldn’t find info on exactly where it’s made. The paper is smooth, almost vellum-like but still has a slight, even tooth that shows up with broad strokes such as the chunky Art Stix colored pencils. The perforations are quite close to the wire ring which some online reviewers find annoying but it is an efficient use of paper.

I haven’t always been impressed with Blick store-brand products, but this pad really overdelivered. It handled watercolor well even though it was the thinnest paper tested. It’s also an incredible value and the most affordable pad tested. A 9x12” 60 sheet pad retailed for around $9.50 or $0.16 per sheet.

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Canson XL Mix Media Pad

Canson XL Mix Media tested with different media.

The Canson XL Mix Media Pad has a very sturdy cardstock cover, cardboard back, and perforated, bright white, acid free 98lb paper. It’s made in the USA with materials from France by the Dixon Ticonderoga Company in Wisconsin (The same company that makes Strathmore papers.) These pads are a great value and in the past few years, are often available in a 2-for-1 sale at the beginning of the school year.

The paper has a nice thickness, even tooth, but did buckle a bit with watercolor. They are right in the same price range and quality as the Blick Studio and Strathmore Vision pads, but pick this pad if you want bright white paper as opposed to a natural white.

These pads are available in 6 sixes and you can also buy the paper loose and in rolls, or one size is available with rough paper. These pads are a good deal, with a 9x12” 60 sheet pad typically costing $12 or $0.20 per sheet.

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Fabriano Mixed Media Fat Pad

The Fabriano Mixed Media Fat Pad with different media.

The Fabriano Mixed Media Fat Pad truly delivers on its name. It is a 150-sheet pad of 108lb acid-free paper. Made in Italy, it has a paper cover designed to fold back, a stiff cardboard back, and glued pages at the top that can be peeled off individually or in chunks. This is not really a notebook that would be comfortable to carry around (it’s about 1.5 inches thick) but it’s great for individual sheets or to be divided up into multiple pads.

The paper has a rougher tooth that really brings out pencils, pastels and colored pencils, and it only buckled slightly with watercolor. I’ve always had a soft spot for Fabriano paper and while this pad is a great addition to any studio, I’d personally still also want a wire-ring notebook that is more suitable for carrying around.

The Fabriano Mixed Media Fat pad is only available in one size, 9x12” or 22.75cm x 30.5 cm. Although it has a higher price, this is still a great value. A 9x12” pad retails for around $29 or about $0.19 per sheet.

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Grumbacher Mixed Media Pad

Different media tested on the Grumbacher Mixed Media Pad.

The Grumbacher Mixed Media Pad is distinguished by its innovative “in & out” tabbed pages that can be removed and reinserted in the wire ring binding without tearing. It’s innovative but not something I’m sure I need—the pages are also perforated to remove the side tabs. The paper itself is 90lb, acid free, and has a rougher tooth. Even though it’s advertised as 90lb paper, it felt thicker to me and it handled watercolor very well. The pad is made in the USA for Grumbacher / Chartpak, Inc.

These pads are available in four sizes, with a 9x12”, 60 sheet pad typically costing around $22.50 or $.38 per sheet. This is more expensive then a lot of the pads tested, but it’s worth it if you want a sketchpad that can also double as a pad for light watercolor washes and other wet media.

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Strathmore Vision Mixed Media Pad

Note: this mixed media pad in the Strathmore Vision line has been discontinued.

The Strathmore Vision Mixed Media Pad is one of three Strathmore pads in this test and would be the more entry-level / everyday option of the three, comparable to the Blick Studio or Canson Xl pads. It has 98lb, perforated acid free paper, wire binding, cardboard back and two covers: the top glossy cover can be removed to expose a steel blue, mixed-media cardstock cover that can be customized if desired. The pad is made by the Dixon Ticonderoga Company in Wisconsin, USA.

The paper has a smooth, vellum surface, fine grain tooth and when using the chunky Art Stix colored pencils, I did notice some vertical lines in the paper from the manufacturing process. The paper buckled a bit with watercolor.

Part of a line of entry-level Strathmore Vision papers, these pads are available in three sizes. A 70-sheet, 9x12” pad typically costs around $10 or around $0.14 per sheet.

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Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Pad

Different media tests on the Strathmore 300 series Mixed Media Pad.

The Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Pad is the best option for an affordable pad that can really handle watercolor and wet media. The 40 sheet pad has 117lb, acid-free paper with perforated sheets, and a smooth vellum surface. In my tests, the paper didn’t buckle at all with light watercolor applications. The paper is made in the USA with materials from France by the Dixon Ticonderoga Company (The same company that makes Canson XL pads.)

This paper has a smooth, even tooth that looks great with dry media. I typically gravitate towards a pad with a rougher tooth but I’m glad I did a test: this has become my new favorite everyday pad because of it’s thicker paper, ability to handle wet media, and affordable price.

These pads are available in 3 sizes and a 9x12”, 40-sheet pad typically costs around $14.50 or about $0.36 per sheet.

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Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad

Different media tested on the Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad.

The Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Pad is not an everyday, wire-bound pad for carrying around, but it is an affordable way to get 15 pages of thick paper appropriate for final artworks. It has 184lb, acid free heavyweight paper that is glued at the top. It is manufactured in the USA with materials from France by the Dixon Ticonderoga Company of Appleton, Wisconsin.

This paper has a smooth, vellum surface with a medium grain, and it didn’t buckle with watercolor. It’s much more expensive on a per-sheet basis than other pads in this test, but if you are experimenting with with mixed media or making final drawings or paintings, this is a great paper to add to the mix. For just watercolor, I’d probably switch to a true watercolor paper but this is wonderful for colored pencils, ink, and finished artworks in all sorts of dry and semi-wet media.

This paper also is available in 8-yard rolls, and the pads are available in 4 sizes. A 9x12”, 15-sheet pad typically costs around $6.48 or about $0.43 per sheet. If you like this paper but want an even thicker version, check out the 500 series pads with 12 sheets.

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Notes on Testing

For this post, nine mixed media pads were evaluated and tested over a period of two months. The pads were compared on overall quality and features, paper type and quality, and tested with pencil, colored pencils, Sharpie markers, ink pen and watercolor.

In the tests pictured above, the materials used were:

• Prismacolore Ebony Pencil

• Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils

• Sharpie Marker

• Prismacolor Art Stix

• Pentel Brush Pen with ink

• Holbein Cobalt Blue Hue Watercolor

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Summary

Mixed media pads have become my go to, carry-around sketchpad. I like the thicker and more versatile paper. I had tended to choose the Canson XL pads in the store, but I wanted to test a wide range of pads to see which was the best all around pad. The 9 pads include 7 wire ring pads and two that were glued at the top.

After testing, I definitely revised my previous assumption. Though they were all nice pads with great features, moving forward, I’ll be using the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media pad as my everyday sketchbook. I’m also partial to the Grumbacher and Bee Paper Pads, for features such as upgraded paper and an overall pleasurable feel when using. For a budget pad, I’d go with the Blick Studio or Canson XL pads.

What is your favorite everyday sketchbook? Do you like mixed media paper or another option? Let us know in the comments.

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The Best Small, Portable Slab Rollers for Ceramic Studios

The North Star Portaroller is our top pick for a small / portable slab roller.

A slab roller is useful tool in any ceramic studio, and a small or portable roller can make professional-grade slabs while still being able to fit in just about any space. You’ll find that the uniform slab results from a roller will help you with making slab forms, tiles, or any shape where you roll out clay. This guide covers all the small slab rollers on the market.

Reasons to choose a portable slab roller:

1. Even thickness slabs for tiles and slab building

2. Save space by not having a dedicated table for slab rolling

3. Portability and ease of storing when not in use

The 18” Portaroller in action, rolling out a 16 inch wide slab.

TOP PICK: North Star Portaroller

The North Star Portaroller is the top pick for a small slab roller. It features a metal roller housing that is 18 inches wide with two 2.5” rollers! These double rollers will quickly and evenly roll out clay, and your slab is less likely to warp because it is getting even pressure from the top and bottom. The 18 inch wide housing results in a maximum slab width of about 16 inches.

The rollers are 2.5 inches in diameter and feature North Star’s signature “knurled” or diamond-textured surface, which helps grab the canvas or slab mat. The rollers are turned by a detachable hand crank, similar to an old-fashioned wringer washing machine. And the two melamine support tables latch on by gravity (no tools) and stay in place firmly while you are rolling, but can be easily removed for storage.

Pros:
> Double rollers for compressed, even slabs
> Easy to change slab thickness with two knobs
> Great build quality
> Easy to store and move

Cons:
> 16 inch slabs may not be wide enough for some projects
> On the heavy side (but…double rollers are great!)

The Portaroller is 18 inches wide and can make 16” wide slabs up to 2 3/4” thick. The length of the slab can be as long as your canvas but in reality, it’ll probably be about the size of the melamine tabletop, which is approximately 24 inches long on either side of the rollers.

The Portaroller disassembled: Rollers, crank, and two table top pieces. No tools are required for assembly or disassembly.

The three pieces of the Portaroller can be quickly taken apart and put away on a shelf, making these ideal for home studios or small spaces, but with the quality of the North Star rollers, you could also put this roller to use in an academic or studio environment.

The only drawback of the Portaroller is it is somewhat heavy, with a total weight of around 60 pounds. The two table top pieces are sturdy and light, but the roller housing is probably around 30 pounds. North Star advertises this as a roller that teachers can move around and yes, it can be put in a car and taken places (you’ll probably want a Magna Cart to carry it around) but for me, I like the Portaroller because it can be quickly broken down and put on a shelf when not in use.

Overall this is a great slab roller and will be a wonderful tool for most studios. It’s small, but well built and if you need slabs up to 16 inches wide or less, this is the perfect slab roller for your studio.

North Star 18” Portaroller Slab Roller
18 inches wide, detaches to 3 pieces plus a crank for storage
List Price: $1016, typically available for $950

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UPGRADE PICK: North Star Polaris Roller

The North Star Polaris slab roller makes 22” wide slabs. Note that some stores sell this roller and table tops separately. Make sure to order both.

The North Star Polaris is the same as the Portaroller in every way, except that it is 24 inches wide and can make a slab that is 22 inches wide. If you have the space, order this roller and the matching table pieces for a larger portable roller that disassembles into three pieces with no tools.

North Star Polaris 24” Slab Roller
The Polaris Roller and matching table tops are sold separately
List Price: $1,350
Typically available for $1,150

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BUDGET PICK: Solid Maple Rolling Pin

The 24” solid maple rolling pin is 3 inches in diamter.

A solid maple rolling pin is a must-have for any ceramic studio, even if you have a slab roller. For small things, it’s usually easier to roll by hand. Pair this with a few wooden slats or yard sticks, and you’ve got an adjustable slab rolling system.

A solid rolling pin is better than a rolling pin with bearings or moving parts, because there is nothing to break and it is easy to clean the entire rolling pin with water. Rolling pins come in a variety of sizes but a 24” wide rolling pin is still easy to maneuver but large enough to make really big slabs. At around $32, this is an affordable studio tool that will last forever.

Solid Maple Rolling Pin
24” long, 3” in diameter
$32

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: North Star Portaroller

2. Upgrade Pick: North Star Polaris Roller

3. Budget Pick: Solid Maple Rolling Pin

4. Other Small Rollers

5. Slab Roller Accessories

6. Summary

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Other Small Rollers

In addition to the North Star rollers and a simple rolling pin, there are small rollers made by Bailey, Brent, Shimpo, and AMACO.

The Bailey Minimight 16 is a crank slab roller that can make 16” x 18” slabs up to 3/4” thick.

Bailey Minimight Slab Rollers

Bailey Ceramics makes two small slab rollers, the Minimight II 16 and the Minimight II 22. The models are the same build quality and style: the smaller can make 16” x 18” slabs, while the larger can make 22” x 24” slabs. The 22” model can also be paired with leg extensions, for a standalone small slab roller.

The Bailey Minimight 22 can be used as a table top or with optional legs (as pictured here) and can make slabs up to 22” x 28”.

This is a cheaper and more compact roller than the North Star Portaroller, and it does have two rollers. However, the rollers are much smaller in diameter, so it is harder to roll clay through. Plan to thin your slab considerably before running it through these machines, so as to not stress the rollers and crank. The rollers are also not adjustable, instead different shim thicknesses are used to create slabs ranging from 1/8” to 3/4” thick. It’s not a terrible design, but not as easy as adjusting the knobs found on other rollers.

Overall, this is a simple, quality roller that is cheaper and smaller than the North Star Portaroller, but is harder to use and not as flexible in slab thickness and length. But it’s perfect if you make small slab projects.

Minimight 16 Tabletop roller: weighs 36 lbs and typically retails for around $493
Minimight 22 Tabletop roller: weighs 87 lbs and typically retails for around $525.
Minimight 22 with legs: weighs 103 lbs and typically retails for around $861.

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Brent Mini SRC Slab Roller

The Brent Mini SRC Slab Roller is an overbuilt little roller that can make 14” x 15” slabs.

The Brent Mini SRC is a really strange slab roller: it’s basically a scale model of Brent’s much larger slab rollers and it really seems like overkill for a small roller. The Mini SRC is overbuilt and tough, just like all Brent products, and it employs the same moving rollers and wires as other Brent rollers. The roller can make slabs up to 14” x 15”, and is adjustable from 1/8” to 3/4” with a series of shims.

I’ve always found all the Brent slab rollers to be confounding machines and this is no different. For what you get, it is heavy at 63 lbs, hard to adjust, doesn’t make very large slabs, and has the wires that can snap and need to be repaired. I would steer clear, unless you are some kind of masochistic diehard Brent-head.

The Brent Mini SRC weighs 63 lbs and retails for around $1,210.

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Nidec Shimpo SRM-1624 Mini Slab Roller

The Nidec Shimpo Mini Slab Roller features an easy-to-adjust sliding top bar and a board that moves through the roller housing.

The Nidec Shimpo SRM-1624 Mini Slab Roller is an interesting entry that is similar in many ways to the Bailey Minimight, but with lighter weight and can make slabs up to 16” wide by 24” long. It features an adjustable top roller and can make slabs up to 1 inch thick, and it has a board and canvas that moves through the bottom of the unit. It weighs just under 38 pounds and measures 19” wide by 28” long. The one piece design makes storing a bit harder, but this is definitely something that could be put away when not in use.

Nidec Shimpo SRM-1624 Mini Slab Roller
List price: $750
Typically available for $640

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Activa Slab Roller

The Activa Slab Roller

This is a model of slab roller that seems really ineffective and probably would not make a good addition to your studio. The Activa Slab Roller is a small plastic board with different size rails and a plastic tube for rolling. Clay sticks to plastic so you’ll need to use canvas or corn starch or something with this, and it is quite small, at about 10 x 10.5”. You’d be better served by getting a piece of canvas or slab mat, and a wooden rolling pin. But, if you only do small things or maybe you are looking for something to use with polymer clay, this might be just what you need.

The Activa Slab Roller typically retails for around $36.

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Slab Rolling Accessories

Here’s a few things that will help you work with clay slabs in your studio.

Blick #12 unprimed canvas.

12 oz Unprimed Canvas

For slabs, there’s nothing better than unprimed canvas for rolling and moving. With a canvas blanket, you can cut to your desired shape and either hem or leave the edges unhemmed. Canvas can be washed over and over again by hand or in the washing machine. Frequent washing will help keep the dust down, and does soften the material over time. #12 / 12 oz canvas is a great place to start, or go slightly thicker with #10 / 15oz canvas.

There are also a wide variety of texture mats designed for clay, or look for burlap, lace, or any other interesting textural pattern that can create a low relief in the clay.

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Slab Mat

Slab Mats are a plastic fabric with one side smooth and the “working” side has a bit of a fuzz. They are less flexible than canvas, but are also great for putting through rollers, moving slabs around, or just as a working surface to protect your table tops. A sharp knife will go through this material, but most normal clay uses (fettling knives, craft knives, needle tools, etc) won’t cut through these. Small sizes can also be used as small bats for handbuilding, or get a larger roll to run through your roller. Slab Mats are just awesome and you should have them in your studio.

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Slab Sticks

Available from a variety of generic vendors, these slab sticks are usually around 13 inches long allow you to make exact thicknesses, and include 3mm, 5mm, 7mm, 10mm and 12mm sticks. Pair these with a Slab Mat and a rolling pin, and you can make quality slabs.

Slab Sticks
various sizes and vendors
Typically $9-$11

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Summary

This post has covered a wide variety of portable or small ceramic slab rollers. The top pick is the North Star Portaroller because it provides a combination of top-quality rollers with a design that makes it easy to take apart and store. But there are a variety of options. At the very least, consider getting a solid maple rolling pin for rolling out slabs by hand.

What do you use for small or portable slab roller? Any favorite slab rolling accessories? Let us know in the comments.

You Might Also Enjoy:

Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

Best Banding Wheels for Ceramics

Best Dust Masks for Ceramic Studios

Best HEPA Vacuums for Ceramic and Sculpture Studios

Gift Guide for Potters

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Best Pottery Wheel Stools

If you sit at the pottery wheel, you need a comfortable, functional stool that can be cleaned and will hold up over time. There are a few pottery-specific stools that really are best for throwing, but a basic stool will also get the job done and can double as a step-stool in the studio.

The following post covers a variety of stool options for the pottery wheel, including our top pick, the Shimpo Potter’s Stool. There are also a variety of budget options or stools with other features. In general, pottery stools range in price from about $50 to $125.

The recommendations come from decades of personal experience working with the pottery wheel, and managing academic and community studios and observing stools that have been subjected to heavy use. The following recommendations are based on that experience to give you the best option for a stool that matches your style and budget.

The Shimpo Pottery Stool has four adjustable legs and can be set up at an angle if desired.

TOP PICK: Shimpo Potter’s Stool

The Shimpo Pottery Stool.

The Shimpo Potter’s Stool is the most versatile, comfortable, and functional pottery stool on the market. It has four adjustable legs with nine adjustable slots on each leg, with a range of 19 to 26 inches high. The legs are adjusted by pushing a pin in and moving the leg to the desired slot and letting the pin snap back in to place. The legs also can be adjusted independently, allowing for the stool to be set at an angle if desired. (Most pictures show this stool set up at a precipitous angle but even a slight angle or flat will work for throwing) It also has a comfortable, padded seat, but the padding makes this an uneven surface to stand on so it is hard to use as a step stool in the studio.

The stool can be turned upside down on a wheelhead when not in use, and with a 16 x 16 inch footprint, it is compact and won’t get in the way. Ongoing upkeep is simple: a bit of oil on the adjustable legs when needed.

The only drawback is the adjustable pins can be a bit unwieldy to press in to change, but most potters probably don’t need to adjust their stool too often. Another drawback is that the blue seat cover can be cut or pierced if you somehow get a knife close to the padded surface. But these are relatively minor concerns. Overall, it’s compact, functional, and comfortable stool that is easy to clean and will last forever.

Shimpo Potter’s Stool
19 to 26” high, adjustable
Generally priced $100 to $130 (price seems to vary widely so shop around!)

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo Potter’s Stool

2. Budget Pick: National Public Seating 18” Stool

3. Other Pottery Stool Options

4. Discontinued Pottery Stools

5. How to Find the Best Seat Height for Throwing

6. Conclusion

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Budget Pick: 18 inch Fixed Height or Adjustable Stools from National Public Seating or OEF Furnishings

18” Stool from National Public Seating in grey.

National Public Seating’s stools are the utilitarian workhorses of studios. Sturdy, stackable, and virtually indestructible, they will last for years of heavy use, and the shorter 18” stool can easily double as a tall step stool or low pedestal for use with your favorite banding wheel. The 18” fixed height stool is a fairly good option for the pottery wheel but some may find it a little short. You can adjust the height by adding a cushion or boards.

There are also adjustable models from 18 to 27 inches however this is a screwed-in adjustment that needs a hex wrench to change. You won’t be making quick adjustments like with the Shimpo Pottery stool.

Another plus to these stools is they are available in a few colors: a basic gray, black, and a grey with a padded vinyl cushion. These stools are very common and widely carried, so it can be good to shop around and see if there’s a sale. Typically they are around $60-$75 and a bit more for the padded or adjustable models, but you might find them on sale or as a multi-pack. They aren’t as versatile as the easily adjustable Shimpo stools, but there’s a lot to be said for having a simple stool around.

National Public Seating 18” Stool in black.

You can also find these stools with a backrest option. That can be nice for taller chairs used for hand building at a table, but a backrest makes it impossible to turn the chair upside down on a wheel head when not in use.

On Amazon, very similar stools are available in many of the same options from OEF Furnishings. Do they come from the same factory? I don’t know, but you can check out the shopping links below and find what works for you.

National Public Seating 18” Fixed Height Stool with hardboard seat
Black or grey with hardboard seat
Available for $60 at Blick or $67 at Amazon

OEF Furnishings 18” Fixed Height Stool with hardboard seat
Grey or Black with hardboard seat
Available for $53 each or as 2 pack for $90 at Amazon

18” Stool in grey with padded vinyl seat from National Public Seating.

National Public Seating 18” Fixed Height Stool with padded vinyl seat
Available in grey or black, $60-$65

The National Public Seating 19”-27” adjustable height “small” stool in black with hardboard seat.

National Public Seating 19”-27” Adjustable Height Stool with Hardboard Seat
Available in black or grey
$75-$85

The National Public Seating 19”-27” adjustable height “small” stool with padded seat in grey.

National Public Seating 19”-27” Adjustable Height Stool with Padded Seat
Available in black or grey
$83-$95

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Other Options for Pottery Stools

National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool

Another option is the National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool. Rather than a hydraulic column that can break down over time, this seat is adjustable by turning the seat and moving what is essentially a big screw up or down.

The adjusting mechanism is housed in a steel center sleeve but the “teeth” of the swivel are exposed as you raise the seat. As long as this is kept clean, the stool should last for a long time. It’s great for academic studios, anywhere you need an adjustable stool, but it is heavier and harder to stack. The stool is available in a variety of styles including wood and hardboard seats, and can adjust from 17 3/4” to 24 1/4” high.

National Public Seating Adjustable Swivel Stool
Available in a variety of colors and styles
$125-$160

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Artisan CK-21 High Density Foam Potters Stool

The Artisan CK-21 is an adjustable stool with a wide base and high-density foam chair.

The Artisan CK-21 High-Density Foam Potter’s Stool is a comfortable and adjustable stool that can go from 15 to 20 inches in height via a hydraulic column. Speedball used to make a very, very similar chair that is no longer listed on the Speedball website, so I assume this rebranded model is about the same and comes straight from the manufacturer. The Speedball chairs were super comfortable and long lasting, although do expect the hydraulic to not work as well over time (i.e. more than a decade) but it’s great to see the Artisan model as this style is one of the most comfortable and adjustable pottery stools on the market.

There are also two upgrade models of the Artisan stool. One model is the same seat but has a tilt adjustment, or you can choose a model with a flat, round, padded seat.

It is on the heavier side and won’t stack, but otherwise it’s a great option. Available only at Clay King in South Carolina for $111.

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How to Find the Best Height for Throwing

Seated throwing at the pottery wheel can be very comfortable if you get your body positioned in the right way. I prefer to sit at least equal or higher to the wheelhead. This allows my upper body and torso to be involved in the throwing. The lower you set your seat in relation to the wheelhead, the more you will only rely on your shoulders and upper back for power, which can lead to strains and problems. You definitely want your abdomen, torso, and even your thighs to be involved in throwing.

Here’s how I suggest you find the position that is right for you. Keep in mind that every body is shaped differently. Different lengths of torsos and arms are really what come in to play with wheelthrowing:

1. Set your chair or stool to be approximately 1 inch higher than your wheelhead. Keep in mind that bats may change the height of the wheelhead. I always sit higher than the wheelhead and instruct my students to start the same way. This allows you to “lean” in and really get a lot of power simply from the weight of your torso.

2. If this is not comfortable, adjust your seat higher in lower in approximately 1/2” intervals until you find a comfortable position.

3. Feel free to move your foot pedal from left to right if possible. You can also raise the footpedal on bricks or boards.

4. Add a brick or upside down bucket underneath your non-pedal foot. Raising your leg allows your thigh to get a bit involved with adding power to your arms.

5. While throwing, try to keep a curve in your lower back by keeping your chest up. This is hard to do.

6. Take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch your arm, or move a bit so your body doesn’t get locked into a static position.

If you have aches and pains, you may need to consider switching your throwing position. It also doesn’t hurt to have a regular stretching routine, either before or after throwing. And adding core / ab exercises to your week will only improve your comfort and ability on the wheel.

If seated throwing is not working for you, keep in mind that many manufacturers make legs for wheels, or you can place a wheel on a table top or elevate it with cinder blocks. (Click here for a guide to table top wheels.) Many people find that a standing wheel is more comfortable and this is what you will find at many factories that work with jigs and molds on wheels. Keep in mind that if you are new to pottery, you may just need to develop new muscles, so start with 30 to 60 minute throwing sessions and grow from there over time.

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Conclusion

This post has reviewed the best stools for use at at pottery wheel and covered some ideas on how to find the most comfortable position for throwing. Our top pick is the economical, sturdy, and functional adjustable Shimpo Pottery Stool. But there are other options so that everyone can find the best stool for their studio.

What stool do you use at the wheel? Let us know in the comments.

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All Pottery Wheel Posts

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The Best Aprons for Pottery, Ceramics, and Art Studios

Updated March 2025

A functional, comfortable, and good-looking apron can really elevate your studio. It doesn’t have to be super fancy or expensive, just something to get the job done. An old T-shirt or button down shirt might work, but if you want your arms free of extra fabric, a traditional apron just works best. And if you are sitting at a pottery wheel, a specialized, split-leg apron can make a big difference in keeping the rest of your clothes free of clay.

Posted here are some studio favorites that have worked for me, friends, and students. A few are specific to wheel-thrown pottery with a split leg, but others will work for just about any studio situation. In general, most of these aprons feature a simple loop that goes over the neck and ties in the back. There are a variety of smock-like aprons that often have difficult-to-put on straps, but the recommendations below are easy to use, functional, and durable.

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Top Pick: The Claypron

The Claypron is the original, full-coverage pottery apron and was developed by the Echo Ceramics studio in Los Angeles, so it has been tried and tested by many potters. The apron has a loose, easy-to-put-on style with a neck loop, a tie at the waist, and two large overlapping leg panels. It is made from 100% cotton, has two pockets, and is 48” long. It’s a great option if you want a long, full-coverage apron.

This is the favorite of many potters, and the overlapping leg fabric provides ample coverage to protect your pants and legs from clay drips and splashes.

The only drawbacks with this apron is the neck loop is not adjustable and at 48” inches long, it may be too long for some.

The Claypron
Available in a few colors including denim, olive, deep purple, and others
$39.99

The Claypron in blue or red. It is also available in olive. Shop this apron at Blick.

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Budget Pick: Revco Split-Leg Apron

The Revco apron has an adjustable neck and quick-release leg clips.

This affordable, cotton, split-leg apron is a studio favorite that comes in 36”, 42”, and 48” lengths. Although it has thinner fabric than the Claypron, the Revco Split-Leg Apron has the added bonus of an adjustable, quick release neck loop along with two quick-release leg loops per leg, keeping the apron in place as you move. It’s an ok pottery wheel apron but a great option for general duty handbuilding / glazing / everything apron. In the summer months, the lightweight fabric is appreciated.

Sold as a welding apron, this split-leg apron is also a decent option for working on the potters wheel. The cotton fabric covers your thighs and a bit of your knees, and with three lengths you can choose a size that fits you. The reinforced leather leg joint adds strength and durability. But unlike aprons designed specifically for pottery such as the Claypron, the split leg is not double layered, it is simply hemmed down the middle. The apron is machine or hand washable.

The Revco apron. Note the leg clips which can be used or not. The neck strap has the same quick-release clip, making it easy to take on and off.

Overall this is a great apron that typically retails for $24–$28. The 36” length will work for around 5’ 8” or shorter, while the 42” will work for those around 5’ 8” to 6’ feet in height. Select the 48” length if you are taller or prefer full coverage.

Revco Split Leg Apron
36” $24
42” $28
48” $23

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Deluxe Pick: Potters Apron from Atelier Pracht

The Atelier Pracht Potters Apron, pictured here in yellow ochre. Note the towel loop!

The Atelier Pracht Potters Apron is a well-thought out, heavy-duty canvas apron made and shipped from the Netherlands. It has a doubled-over, split-leg design along with an adjustable neck loop, long tie straps, and a loop for holding a towel. It’s available in six colors in normal and also “petit” or shorter sizes. You can also communicate with the Etsy seller and request custom lengths or different fabrics.

This is a great potters apron. Go for this one if the Claypron is too long or if you prefer thicker fabric. This is an apron that will last forever. It has great fabric, styling, and features. The only drawback would be it might be too thick if you are working in hot or humid climates.

This apron is available via Etsy and typically retails for around $51 plus shipping from The Netherlands.

Potters Apron from Atelier Pracht
Available in yellow ochre, marine blue, beige, grey blue, forest green, and black
$51

This deluxe potter’s apron features thick, doubled-up cotton with nice details on the neck loop and ties.

A detail shot of the adjustable neck loop, which is riveted to the apron fabric.

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Table of Contents

• Top Pick: The Claypron

• Budget Pick: Revco Split-Leg Apron

• Upgrade Pick: Atelier Pracht Potter’s Apron

• More Apron Options

• Under NY Sky Pottery Aprons

• ClayNGlaze Pottery Apron

• Jspft Generic Pottery Apron

• makemake tools Pottery Apron

• Hedley & Bennet Aprons

• BKLYN Claypron

• Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron

• Denim Apron options

• Print-on-demand Aprons with fun designs

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More Apron Options:

Under NY Sky Pottery Aprons

The Under NY Sky Pottery Apron is a 43 inch long, split-leg apron available in three colors.

Under NY Sky makes a few pottery aprons.

The Under NY Sky Pottery Apron is a newer option that is a strong competitor to the Claypron. It’s 43 inches long, has overlapping fabric at the legs, an adjustable neck strap and is a bit cheaper than The Claypron. The main difference is that it is made from an 82% cotton / 18” poly blend while The Claypron is 100% cotton.

Under NY Sky Pottery Apron
Available in Beige, Grey, or Green
$32–$35

Under NY Sky also makes a 53” long, full-coverage option made from a poly / cotton twill with a variety of pockets and loops. It also has an overlapping, split leg design that makes it comfortable and functional for sitting at the potter’s wheel. It is very long and best for taller adults.

Under NY Sky Full-Coverage Potter’s Apron
Available in five colors
$43

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ClaynGlaze Pottery Apron

The ClaynGlaze split leg pottery apron also has two hip pockets on the sides.

The ClaynGlaze Pottery Apron features blue cotton, a split leg, along with straps that tie at the neck and at the waist. It has full leg coverage and two hip pockets. It’s a great, full-coverage option for throwing on the wheel.

This apron is just under 45 inches long and ties at the neck as well as the waist. It also has two hip pockets. It ships from the UK and is available via Etsy.

ClaynGlaze Split-Leg Pottery Apron
$54

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Jspft Split-Leg Pottery Apron

The Jspft Split-Leg Pottery Apron is available in five colors and 3 lengths, including pumpkin color pictured here.

One of those strangely named “Amazon” brands, Jspft makes a simple split-leg pottery apron in “mid-weight” 100% cotton in five colors. The nice thing about these aprons is they come in three sizes, ranging from 36” to 43” and it has an adjustable neck strap.

Hand-builders may want the shorter option, but the longer 43” option will be great on the wheel for most people. Choose this option if you want a lighter weight material than The Claypron.

Jspft Split-Leg Pottery Apron
Available in 5 colors
36”, 39” and 43” lengths available
$35

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makemake tools Pottery Apron

The makemake tools pottery apron is available in five colors included cinnamon.

A newer option is the split-leg pottery apron from makemake tools. It seems to be modeled after The Claypron but is a bit shorter, around 39” inches, and is made from a 65% cotton / 35% poly blend fabric. It has an adjustable neck loop, back ties, and is available in five colors.

makemake tools Pottery Apron
$55–$58

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The Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron in purple.

Hedley & Bennett Aprons

Beloved in kitchens, the Hedley & Bennett Aprons are equally at home in studios. Available in variety of prints and styles, the basic Essential apron typically retails for around $85 and features high quality fabric, an adjustable neck loop, tie straps, and a length of around 33 inches. These stylish aprons are great for handbuilding, but plan to add a towel for your knees and thighs if you are on the wheel.

These aprons really hold up—personally I’ve had one for kitchen use at home (and occasional studio use) and it is weathered but going strong after more than a decade.

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BKLYN CLAY-PRON

The BKLYN CLAY-PRON

Designed with Leslie King, the BKLYN CLAY-PRON is a 43” long, 100% cotton split leg apron. Made of a thicker but still comfortable fabric, it’s available in 5 colors and would look just as good in the kitchen as the studio. It has an adjustable D-ring on the neck, side pocket, and ties in the back. It has a thicker fabric than the Claypron, but it weathers and wears into a comfortable and stylish studio favorite.

Made in Brooklyn, New York, the apron costs $80 and is available directly from BKLYN CLAY.

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Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron

This split-leg nylon apron is long-lasting and super tough and is a great hand-building apron. At 35 inches long with water-resistant nylon fabric, it’s also great for sculpture or painting.

Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron.

This apron will cover your torso and upper thighs. The split leg makes it comfortable for sitting down, but you’ll need to grab some extra towels if you are using this on the pottery wheel as it won’t cover your knees.

This apron attaches with quick-release buckles at the neck and waist. It has reinforced corners, a variety of open and zippered pockets, and loops for hanging a hammer or other tools. It’s a well thought out, functional apron.

The only drawback is that it’s not very long (this may be a plus for some) and the thicker nylon fabric may not move as easily with your body. But it’s a super tough apron that will last for many years.

Under NY Sky Cross-Back Barber Apron
Available in Black
$40–$43

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Denim Apron options

These simple denim aprons are a good option if you are looking for a durable split-leg pottery aprons that also happens to be very short. These aprons are most suitable to those who are 5’ 6” or shorter The apron is made from a thin denim with a tie at the waist. There are also two small pockets.

The aprons are 35” inches long from the top of the chest fabric to the bottom and the fabric is hemmed down the middle. They are a significantly cheaper than other options because of the simpler design and thinner denim, typically retailing for $13, but these are a good option for classroom settings.

Bestoall Denim Apron
$13

The Bestoall Denim Split-Leg Apron

A similar but discontinued Mocohana Pottery Apron. Note the very high seam and short torso coverage. It’s best for people 5’ 6” or shorter.

Blick Thrower’s Apron

The no-frills Thrower’s Apron is available at Blick.

Blick art stores also carry a generic “thrower’s apron” made from denim. It’s 45 inches long with no frills. It just ties at the top and back, it has optional leg loops, and the material is hemmed down the middle.

Thrower’s Apron
$23

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Aprons with Fun Designs

Bad Pottery Cat apron. Find it at Redbubble.

Print-on-demand powerhouse Redbubble has aprons as one of their options, and there are a lot of interesting and funny aprons available with pottery themes. Generally they retail for $24 each plus shipping. Here are a few of our favorites, but you can also search the site and find dozens of examples.

ClayBoss pottery apron. Find it at Redbubble.

Pottery Cat on the wheel apron. Find it at Redbubble.

Ceramica Kiln ‘Em All pottery apron. Find it at Redbubble.

Pottery apron. Find it at Redbubble.

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Conclusion:

This post has covered a wide variety of aprons for use on the potter’s wheel, in ceramic studios, or in any sort of painting or sculpture studio. In general, a longer split-leg apron is good for those working at the potter’s wheel, while a shorter apron is great for ceramic hand building or sculpting. Our top picks range from a budget option of $24 to an upgrade pick of around $55. Most ceramic aprons are in the $30-$40 range, and they also make a great gift if you are looking for a gift for a potter.

What kind of apron do you use in the studio? Let us know in the comments.

You Might Also Enjoy:

Click here to read our recommendations on the best tools for pottery beginners.

Gift Guide for Potters and Ceramic Artists.

Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

Best Masks for Ceramic Studios

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Testing Low Fire Clear Glaze Recipes G1916Q and Duncan 1001 Clear

Inspired by the recently published Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors, I have been testing low fire glazes. This post compares the G1619Q glaze vs the commercially available Duncan 1001 clear glaze.

G1916Q was developed by Tony Hansen of the website Digital Fire. In the Low-Fire Glazes book, author Ben Carter mentions that he and his students at the workshop renamed the glaze “Quigley Clear.” I happen to like Hansen’s numbering system, but maybe the Quigley Clear will stick.

In any case, it’s a simple recipe that contains 3 different frits and ball clay. I haven’t tested it yet, but I believe it will work well with stains.

I did test it with the oxides I recently mixed up for a low fire majolica test, and those test tiles are below. (Had similar mixed results on this clear glaze as with the white majolica glaze.)

To see how this stacked up, I also ran the same tests with the Duncan 1001 Envision clear glaze. On white clay, it was the same, but the Duncan clear had an interesting bluish cloudiness on the Standard 103 red clay. Just goes to show, you should test everything before you put it into production!

If you are looking for more low fire glaze recipes, definitely check out the book!

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G1916Q "Quigley Clear" Low Fire Clear Glaze Recipe

Ingredient	Percentage	1000g batch
Frit 3195	65	650g
OM4 Ball Clay	15	150g
Frit 3110	10	100g
Frit 3249	10	10g

Instructions:

Weigh and mix the dry ingredients together.
Then, add the dry ingredients to water and mix to a specific gravity of 1.45.

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G1619Q vs Duncan Envision 1001 tests

G1916Q glaze on top, Duncan Envision 1001 Clear on bottom. The Duncan turns a bluish hue on the red clay.

A closer look at the Duncan Envision test tiles.

Low Fire Clear tests with Oxide Washes

This image shows the G1916Q glaze on top and Duncan Envision 1001 Clear on the bottom, tested with oxide washes. These are the same washes from the recent test on low fire white majolica glaze. The oxide washes need some refinement, in my opinion (maybe more frit) but it’s what I had on hand so I ran the tests.

If you need a guide on mixing a glaze, click here. And this is a guide to the best glaze mixing tools and accessories.

You can also have a lot of success with commercial low fire glazes. Duncan Pure Brilliance is similar to the Duncan glaze used in this test, and Blick also makes an affordable low fire clear. There are a lot of other options out there too.

Duncan Pure Brilliance Low Fire Glaze
formulated for brushing (with gums) or dipping
Brushing pint: $9
Brushing Gallon: $35
Dipping Gallon: $31
Dipping 3.5 Gallons: $71

Blick Essentials Low Fire Clear Glaze
formulated for brushing
Pint: $8
Gallon: $31

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Have you mixed a low-fire clear from scratch that you like? Let us know in the comments.

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Pottery Wheel Buyer’s Guide

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Best Banding Wheels

Best Bats for the Pottery Wheel

Updated for 2025

This is a complete guide to all the different types of pottery wheel bats on the market, including different materials, bat systems, and assorted tools that are useful with bats.

Bats are available in various sizes and a variety of materials, including plaster, plastic, medex, MDF, and tempered hardboard such as Masonite. In addition to individual bats, there are also bat systems with inserts that can speed up the throwing process.

This post will attempt to cover all the bats available on the market, explain the options, and help you pick the right bats for your studio. This guide is based on more than 20 years of personal experience with pottery and wheelthrowing, including managing a variety of studios and using all sorts of different bats.

A 12” Speedball Plastic Bat on a 14” wheel head.

TOP PICK: Speedball Plastic Bats

The top pick for most studios are Speedball Plastic Bats. Available in 3 sizes and a variety different colors, they have a lip that makes picking up and removing from the wheel a breeze, they don’t warp, and they are long-lasting.

Injection molded, all the bats (even the square!) have universal 9” and 10” pin spacing. They are easy to clean and store, and a good value for the money.

One tradeoff is that plastic bats are not absorbent. Absorbent bats, such as Hydrobats, are a definite upgrade but they often cost almost twice as much. But given the price, durability, and all-around functionality, the Speedball plastic bats definitely have a place in a lot of studios.

Speedball Plastic Bats
7 1/2” square, $8-$10
12” round, $11-$13
14” round, $12-$15

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The bottom of a 12.5” HydroBat, note the red rubber bat pin grommets.

UPGRADE PICK: Hydro-Bats

Hydro-Bats are made from Hydro-Stone, a gypsum compound that is harder than plaster, and feature rubber grommets cast into the bat. Most have 10” pin spacing but there are other sizes as well. The absorbent Hydro-Stone virtually eliminates the need to cut your works off with a wire, and it is more resistant to chipping and scraping than plaster. They are thicker than plastic bats, about 1/2” thick, but if you have the room, these are a joy to use.

Hyrdo-Bats are manufactured by The Ceramic Shop in Philadelphia, PA and are available there and from a variety of other ceramic suppliers.

Hydro-Bats
Available in almost 20 sizes both flat and shaped like plates, bowls and platters,
Prices range from $10 to $50 each
As an example, the flat 12.5” bats are around $21

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About Bats:

Bats are useful for a variety of reasons: they provide a platform to pick up and move your work as it is drying, they protect the wheelhead, and they might even make clean-up easier. You can throw directly on the wheel head, but for wide or flat forms, you will definitely need a bat to successfully move it off the wheel.

Scroll down for a full review of a all types of bats.

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Table of Contents:

• Top Pick: Speedball Plastic Bats

• Upgrade Pick: HydroBats

• Amaco Plasti-Bats

• Laguna Plaster Bats

• Masonite Bats

• Medex Bats

• Bat Systems

• Bat Accessories

• Summary

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The 7.5 inch square Speedball Plastic Bat

Top Pick: Speedball Plastic Bats

The bottom of the Speedball Plastic Bat.

Speedball Plastic Bats are injection molded and available in three sizes: 14 inch round, 12 inch round, and 7.5 inch square. All feature universal 9 and 10 inch pin spacing (yes, even the square!). They have a grid of support on the underside, are about 1/4” thick, and do not warp. They don’t chip, but they can be cut by sharp knives.

A side view of the lip on the Speedball Plastic Bat.

The best feature of these bats is the lip on the side. This makes them very easy to remove, as opposed to the Amaco Plasti-bats, which sit flush with the wheel head. The one drawback is with the pin opening on the bottom, you can find yourself hunting to match the bat up with pins.

These bats can be stored horizontally or vertically. The most interesting is the space-saving 7.5 inch square bat, which can really reduce storage space if you are making a variety of bowls or platters.

They are available in a variety of different colors, including brown, blue, green, orange, teal, purple, pink, and red.

Speedball Plastic Bats
7 1/2” square, $8-$10
12” round, $11-$13
14” round, $12-$15

The 12 inch Speedball Plastic Bat on a 14” wheel head.

The 14 inch Speedball Plastic Bat.

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Upgrade Pick: Hydro-Bats

The bottom of a 12.5 inch diameter Hyrdo-Bat, with the red rubber grommets that fit on standard 3/8” bat pins.

Hydro-Bats are a line of bats made from HydroStone, a U.S. Gypsum product that is harder and stronger than plaster but still absorbent. They are widely available, but are manufactured by the team at The Ceramic Shop in Philadelphia. In addition to the absorbent surface, the bats have a lip for easy removal, and rubber grommets that easily fit over bat pins.

The complete line has flat bats, hump bats, and a variety of plate and platter shapes. The flat bats have two sizes of pin spacing: the standard 10” pin spacing comes in diameters ranging from 12.5 to 28 inches, and the smaller 6” pin spacing has bats that are 8.5 and 10 inches in diameter. The 6 inch pins might fit tabletop wheels or there is also a 10” to 6” adapter available.

Hydro-Bats do take up more space, they are about 1/2 inch thick. And if they become saturated with water, they won’t be very useful until they dry out. But the absorbency of the HydroStone makes these a great option for throwing bigger forms, as you will have more even drying on all sides of the vessel. When the clay pulls away from the bat without sticking, your ware will be at the perfect dryness for trimming.

Hydrobats will chip or take cuts from very sharp knives, but from experience I can say that you can drop them without much risk of them breaking (you might get some chips though.) Overall, these are my favorite bats to use because they make trimming much easier, and they are stronger and easier to use than homemade plaster bats, or other absorbent bats without grommets. They do cost more, but it’s worth it.

Hydro-Bats
Available in almost 20 sizes, prices range from $10 to $50 each.
Flat 12.5” bats are around $21

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Amaco Plasti-Bats

Amaco Plasti-Bats are available in 12” and 14” diamater.

Amaco Plasti-Bats are 1/4” thick hard plastic with holes for bat pins drilled through. Available in 14 and 12 inch diameter, and 9 inch square, the holes are a universal 10 inch spacing. It would be simple to drill new holes if needed for alternative pin spacing. Simple, easy, and effective, these are functional bats that will get the job done.

There is also a 9” square Amaco Plasti-Bat, which also has holes for 10” pin spacing.

With no ribs or lip, either side can be used and cleanup is very easy. As with all plastic bats, they are non-absorbent.

The drawback with these is that while they are easy to attach to the wheel head because you can see the pin holes, the lack of a lip makes removal a bit hard. Some sort of tool or knife is needed to wedge one side of the bat up, so that your fingers can get underneath. Without the ribbing, these can warp if stored incorrectly. It’s best to store these horizontally, but they can be stored vertically as long as pressure is not applied.

These bats used to be some of the cheapest on the market, but now they cost almost as much as Hydro-Bats, making them a less attractive pick.

Amaco Plasti-Bats
9” square, $16.75
12” round, $25
14” round, $30

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Medex Bats

Medex Bats are a made by a variety of manufacturers including Speedball and Penguin Pottery. Medex is a 3/8” thick, engineered particle board that is made with no formaldehyde. It’s smooth, dense, and water resistant. Think of it as thicker Masonite.

With Medex, avoid soaking or long-term ware storage, or the bats may warp and/or grow mold. But if kept clean and cycling through your studio, these bats should stay flat and are cost-effective. They are more prone to warping than plastic bats, but if used correctly, they are a cost-effective option.

Potters choose these over plastic bats as the absorbency of the material will help your ware dry more evenly. Depending on the vendor, these range from half the price of a Hydro-bat to just a few dollars less, so it might be worth it to pay extra and upgrade to the Hydro-bats

Speedball Medex Bats
12” round, $12-$17
14” round, $14-$20
16” round, $17

Penguin Pottery Medex Bats
9” square, set of 5 bats: $45 ($5 each)
12” round, set of 5 bats, $65 ($13 each)

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Masonite Bats

A 12” Masonite bat with universal 10” bat pins.

Masonite bats are made by a variety of manufacturers. They are affordable, thin, and can be real workhorses if used correctly. Masonite is a 1/4” thick, tempered, water-resistant hardboard that is usable on both sides and is slightly absorbent, making it ideal for helping pots dry. Their affordability also makes these common in production pottery, but if they stay wet for a long time (such as long-term storage of wet ware) or are soaked, they will warp, break down, or get moldy. They will also scratch if metal tools are used too aggressively on the surface.

The best way to use masonite bats is to remove the pot when it is ready for trimming, then clean the bat with a minimum of water, and allow the bat to dry before using again. Also, never soak a Masonite bat or flex it when wet, and store them horizontally. With care, Masonite bats can last a long time.

Masonite bats, generic manufacturers
12” round, around $5 per bat (usually sold in multi-packs)

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Baltic Birch / Tiger Ply Plywood Bats

Plywood bats

Bailey Ceramic Supply in New York makes 3/4” thick Plywood Bats in either Baltic Birch or Tiger Ply. (Baltic Birch Plywood is hard to come by because of the war in Ukraine so they have switched to Tiger Ply.) Absorbent like plaster, these bats are lighter than plaster or Hydro Stone, and won’t break or chip if you drop them. They are also more rigid for larger forms—plastic gets floppy at larger diameters. You could make your own plywood bats but these are predrilled and ready to go.

Like Masonate / Medex / hardboard, plywood will warp and get moldy if clay and ware is stored on them for a few weeks. Clean up with a minimum of water, and remove your piece as soon as you are able. It’s also a good idea to let these dry out in between uses. If properly cared for, plywood bats are long lasting.

Plywood bats
12” round to 29.5” round, $17 to $74

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Bat Systems

Bat systems feature a large bat and smaller inserts that can be swapped out. The idea is to save space on the shelf, and not have to bother attaching bats over and over. It’s particularly ideal for smaller work such as mugs, and small cylinders and bowls. The downside is that you commit to one manufacturer if you need extra or replacement bats. Some potters make their own version of these using a drill and a jigsaw. Only commit to a bat system if you know it’s the right system for you, the size of work you make, and your studio. It can be a definite space saver, though, so it is worth considering if it makes sense for you..

The Penguin Pottery Heavy Duty Bat System is made from MDF.

Penguin Pottery Heavy Duty Bat System

This system features a 14” circular bat with 6 inch square inserts, all made of Medex / MDF. The pins on the large bat are set for a 10” bat pin spacing, and the system is made in the USA. The inner bats are easily removable via four finger holes.

The Penguin Pottery Bat System comes with the 14” bat and 5 inserts, along with 2 pins.
Listed at $71

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Dirty Girl Bat Systems

The Dirty Girl round bat system.

Dirty Girl tools makes two bat system, a square and round set. The large bat is 12.5”, and the smaller bats are 6.5 inches.

It’s not listed on the site, but it appears the larger bat is Medex or pressboard, and the inserts are thinner Masonite or some kind of tempered hardboard.

Dirty Girl Bat System
includes 10 bat inserts, $78

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Snap Bat Throwing System

The all plastic Snap Bat system.

The Snap Bat Throwing System is an all-plastic option developed by The Ceramic Shop in Philadelphia. The large bat is 11.5” round and 1/2 thick, and the smaller bats 7 x 7 inches square and 1/4” thick.

Snap Bat Throwing System
comes with 5 inserts
Listed at $83

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Generic Bat Systems

The WonderBat Square Bat System.

There are a variety of generic bat systems available on Amazon.

As with all the sort of generic “Amazon Brands,” these products seem to come and go, and are often direct copies of some of the bat systems listed above.

Buyer beware! These may be a great deal, or they might be a piece of junk.

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Bat Accessories

There are a variety of accessories and add-ons that can help with bats and the throwing process.

Xiem Studio Tools BatMate.

Xiem Studio Tools BatMate

The BatMate from Xiem Studio Tools is a 12-inch diameter piece of synthetic fabric that can be placed in between a bat and wheel head to virtually eliminate any wobble, improving the accuracy of throwing and trimming. Many potters, however, wet the fabric and place it directly on a wheel head to use when trimming pots. Pots will stay put just by tension, without adding little balls of clay wadding. This saves time and works just as well.

It’s probably not necessary if you get Speedball Plastic Bats or Hydro-Bats, but it may be helpful for masonite or other bats that might have a slight warp. And it’s also a great tool for trimming small pots. At around $15, this is a tool that gets used all the time once it’s in a potter’s kit.

Xiem BatMate
12 and 14 inch diameters, $11-$14

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Xiem Tools Bat Lifter

If you have bats without a lip, the Xiem Tools Bat Lifter will save your fettling knife or nails, helping you easily pick up one side of the bat. If you have Amaco Plasti-Bats, you definitely want one of these!

Xiem Tools Bat Lifter
$7-$15

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WiziWig Tools Clay Shield

The WiziWig Tools Clay Shield.

The WiziWig Tools Clay Shield is a set of 14 flexible panels that will guard your throwing area from trimming and throwing splatters. Each panel is 4 1/4” wide, 8 3/4” tall, and has a base that slides under your splash pan. When combined, the Clay Shield will cover a 20 inch diameter. Coverage varies depends on set up and your wheel, but overall, this is a simple tool that can make a big difference in cleanup. It does require some set up and can get in the way, but if you’re working in tight quarters it can really help.

If this doesn’t seem right for you, some people tape newspaper, cardboard, or even flexible cutting boards to achieve the same ends.

WiziWig Clay Shield
$35-$37

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Foam Trimming Bat

Foam Trimming Bats by StudioPro.

StudioPro and others make foam trimming bats. These are foam glued to a bat. You can make your own, but StudioPro offers two options: one has 1/4 in foam for smaller pots, and another has 3/4” foam for heavier or uneven pots. Simple, easy and time saving, if you think a foam bat is going to help you, it probably will.

StudioPro Foam Trimming Bats
14” or 18” round
1/4” or 3/4” thick foam

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Brent Batmobile

The Brent Batmobile is a mobile cart perfectly designed to hold scores of round bats. It can accommodate bats that are 12 to 14 inches tall, and has locking 4 inch rubber casters. It’s not cheap—you might try a DIY option—but Brent’s entire product line is built to withstand heavy use in a production or busy academic studio. It will last forever.

Brent Batmobile Bat Cart
$790

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Grinding Discs

There are now a variety of grinding discs that fit right on your wheel head. A great solution—you’ve already got this spinning motor with a waterproof splash pan! Some grinding discs have sticker backs that can be used with a bat. If you’re interested in this, a good place to start is with our DIY grinding disc tutorial.

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Summary

This post covered a variety of bats for use on the pottery wheel. There are bats available in plastic, HydroStone, plaster, Masonite and other hardboards, and even plywood. There’s also a variety of bat systems and other bat accessories. Overall, my favorite bat is the Speedball Plastic Bat for it’s easy to move lip and resistance to warping. Hydro-Bats are my favorite for absorbent bats.

What are your favorite bats?

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Clay weight for throwing — in ounces and grams

“How much clay do I need?” is a common question from potters. Truthfully, the amount will vary based on how you throw and if you trim a foot or have flat bottom. But these measurements are a starting point and if you keep notes, over time you will develop your own approach.

Below is a chart of suggested starting weights of clay in pounds and grams for throwing various pottery forms—adjust accordingly depending on how you throw. These weights are listed with the goal of about a 1/4 to 3/8 inch wall thickness. If you are having trouble achieving a particular size or shape, add clay and plan to trim more. Good luck and have fun.

The Accuteck Postal Scale is a great option for weighing clay and costs around $20. To keep it clean, try placing it inside a clear plastic bag.

Scales for weighing clay:

Our budget pick is the $20 Accuteck shipping scale.
Accurate to about 2 grams. (shop at Amazon.)

Our upgrade pick is the $55 Oxo 11 pound kitchen scale.
Accurate to about 1 gram. (shop at Amazon)

Our manual scale pick is the Lem 44 lb scale
Accurate to about 2 ounce increments. $50 (shop at Amazon)

If you need a more accurate scale, check out our complete guide to scales for pottery studios.

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Weight of Clay for Pottery Forms

Form	Weight (lbs)	Weight (grams)
Drinking Vessels
Mug (8 oz)	12 oz	340 g
Large Mug (12 oz)	16 oz	450 g
Small cup	14 oz	400 g
Tumbler	16 oz	450 g
Pint Glass	1 lb 4 oz	565 g
Bowls
Small Bowl (no foot)	1 lb	450 g
Small Footed Bowl	1 lb 4 oz	565 g
Soup Bowl	2 lb	900 g
Footed Serving Bowl	4 lb	1800 g
Large Footed Bowl	5 lb 8 oz	2500 g
Small Mixing Bowl (no foot)	1 lb 8 oz	680 g
Medium Mixing Bowl	3 lb	1360 g
Large Mixing Bowl	4 lb 8oz	2040 g
Plates
Saucer	1 lb	450 g
Side Plate	2 lbs	900 g
Medium Plate	4 lbs	1800 g
Large Plate	5 lbs	2270 g
Pitchers and Bottles
Sake Jar / Small Creamer	12 oz	340 g
Small Carafe	2 lbs 8 oz	1130 g
Large Carafe	4 lbs	1800 g
Small Bottle	1 lb 8 oz	680 g
Large Bottle	3 lbs	1360 g
Jars
Small Jar	2 lbs	900 g
Medium Jar	4 lbs	1800 g
Large Jar	6 lbs	2700 g

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Need a scale to weigh your clay?

Check out our review of scales for pottery and ceramic studios.

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What weights do you use for throwing pottery forms? Let us know in the comments.

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The Best Cone 6 Glossy Clear Glaze Recipe

Updated for 2025

Cone 6 Glossy Clear applied over three clays from Standard Ceramics, from left: 308 Brooklyn Red, 112 Brown Speckle, 182 White Stoneware. The top half had a quick dip, bottom half had a second dip. Note the crazing on the thickly applied glaze over white stoneware.

This is a glaze that is actually glossy and clear, and can be mixed from scratch in bulk for pennies. It can be surprisingly hard to mix a clear glaze that is as good as the much-more expensive commercial options, and this is the best recipe I have found. It doesn’t develop bubbles or a milky quality when applied correctly (not too thick!) and for the most part, doesn’t develop crazing except when applied thickly over white clays as shown above.

This glaze works great over underglazes and slips, and can be double-dipped and layered with other glazes. It also works with oxide washes. And not only does it work, it’s cheap. When materials are ordered in bulk, this glaze costs about $10 for 3,000 grams, or enough to make approximately 1.5 gallons of glaze. Similar commercial glazes, such as the Penguin Pottery Mid-Fire Clear cost as much as $65 for a gallon. All in all, this is a simple, effective glossy clear and could also be a great base glaze to build your own studio palette.

One issue with this glaze is that it has 24% Gerstley Borate. By around Spring 2023, Gerstley Borate was no longer available. If you still have some, then great, this glaze will work for you. You can also substitute Gillespie Borate, but in my experience, that doesn’t always give the desired results.

In the studio, I am currently testing a few other glossy clear recipes and will update this post if I find one that works as well as this glaze.

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The glaze tests tiles posted below were oxidation fired to Cone 6 in an electric front-loading kiln, with a 10 minute soak and very slow cooling due to the 6-inch+ thickness of the kiln walls.

Cone 6 Glossy Clear Glaze

Ingredient	Percentage	3000g batch
Nepheline Syenite	30	900g
Gerstley Borate	24	720g
Silica	20	600g
Kaolin (EPK)	16.5	495g
Wollastonite	9.5	285g
Talc	2	60g
	102	3060g

#Glazes That Work

This recipe is part of our series of posts of glazes that just work. There’s a million glaze recipes out there, but we’re posting a series of our tried-and-true favorites. Click here to see the other recipes we’ve posted.

For more info:
Read our guide on mixing glazes from scratch.
See our reviews of the best scales, cordless drills, or corded drills for mixing glazes.
Check out our recommended glazing accessories.

Mid-Range Glaze Book by John Britt

If you’d like to learn more about mid-range glazes, the best place to start is the book The Complete Guide to Mid-Range Glazes by John Britt. The book provides a comprehensive overview of materials, techniques and glaze recipes. Listed at $33, it’s usually available for less.

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Test Tile Images

Cone 6 Glossy Clear over Standard Ceramics 308 Brooklyn Red, 112 Brown Speckle, and 182 White Stoneware. Top half is a quick first dip, bottom half of test tile shows a second dip. Fired to cone 6 in oxidation with a slow 36-hour cooling simply due to the thickness of the kiln walls.

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Commercial Clear Glaze Options for Cone 5-6

This Cone 6 Glossy Clear glaze is a great addition to any studio. To make it, you will need a variety of tools to mix it from scratch, including a scale, drill, ventilator or dust mask, and other tools.

If you don’t have the tools and space to mix a glaze, you can also order pre-mixed glazes. Generally these cost a lot more as you are paying for the labor of mixing and the cost of shipping the heavier product with water added. But if they work for you, it can be a great option. Generally, they are available in pints or gallon jars.

Another more affordable clear glaze option is to order dry glaze and add water in your studio. You can make it a dipping glaze with water, or add CMC gum and other materials to make a brushing glaze (brushing glaze tutorial here.) Standard Ceramics makes a nice glaze called 1199 Clear Glaze that your local clay supplier might carry. Or check below for premixed or dry glazes from a variety of companies via Amazon or Blick.

Penguin Pottery Mid-Range Clear
Pint: $26
Gallon: $69
5 lbs dry mix: $61

Spectrum Stoneware Transparent Gloss
Pint: $9.50

Mayco Stoneware Clear Glaze
Gallon: $36
10 lbs dry mix: $60

Mayco Stoneware Zinc-Free Clear
Gallon: $44
10 lbs dry mix: $60

*Zinc interacts with some underglaze colors and makes them milky or washed out, so if you have issues with a regular clear glaze, try the zinc-free clear.

Speedball Stoneware Glaze Clear
Pint: $12.50

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Do you have a favorite Cone 6 Glossy Clear glaze? Let us know in the comments.

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Orton Pyrometric Cone Chart in Fahrenheit and Celsius

Melted large Orton pyrometric cones 5, 6 and 7. Cone pack is pictured after being removed from the kiln.

Pyrometric cones are designed to melt at certain temperatures in a kiln. They measure “heat work” during a firing, or time plus temperature.

A digital pyrometer can give an accurate temperature, but pyrometric cones are useful for determining how the firing went for your ceramic ware, and they can be useful for noting if you have different temperature zones in your kiln.

The rate of the firing, or the speed at which the temperature climbs per hour, can determine when the cone bends.

Generally, a cone accurately measures the temperature when it has bent to approximately “9pm” on the left side. This can vary a bit based on if you are using regular or self supporting cones.

To make a cone pack, generally you will use three cones. One cone, the “guide” cone, is lower than your target temperature. The next cone is your target temperature. And then the next higher temperature cone is your “guard” cone. Make sure all the cones are lined up in the same direction so they will bend in the same direction. In practice, if you were firing to say, cone 6, you would have a cone 5, 6, and 7 cones in your pack.

Self supporting cones can be placed directly on kiln shelves. It’s still a good idea to use the guide and guard cones with self supporting cones.

Pyrometric cones can be purchased at ceramic suppliers, or in the US shop Orton Cones at Blick.

Most kilns now have temperature sensors, but you can also purchase high-temperature thermocouple sensors that can be moved from kiln to kiln. Shop High Temperature thermocouple at Amazon.

Below is a chart of temperature equivalents for cones. This chart is for large cones, and the temperature rate increase measures the speed of firing in the last 90 to 120 minutes of firing.

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Orton Pyrometric Cone Chart in Fahrenheit and Celsius

Cone number	60°C/hour	108°F/hour	150°C/hour	270°F/hour
019	676°C	1249°F	693°C	1279°F
018	712°C	1314°F	732°C	1350°F
017	736°C	1357°F	761°C	1402°F
016	769°C	1416°F	794°C	1461°F
015	788°C	1450°F	816°C	1501°F
014	807°C	1485°F	836°C	1537°F
013	837°C	1539°F	859°C	1578°F
012	858°C	1576°F	880°C	1616°F
011	873°C	1603°F	892°C	1638°F
010	898°C	1648°F	913°C	1675°F
09	917°C	1683°F	928°C	1702°F
08	942°C	1728°F	954°C	1749°F
07	973°C	1783°F	985°C	1805°F
06	995°C	1823°F	1011°C	1852°F
05	1030°C	1886°F	1046°C	1915°F
04	1060°C	1940°F	1070°C	1958°F
03	1086°C	1987°F	1101°C	2014°F
02	1101°C	2014°F	1120°C	2048°F
01	1117°C	2043°F	1137°C	2079°F
1	1136°C	2077°F	1154°C	2109°F
2	1142°C	2088°F	1162°C	2124°F
3	1152°C	2106°F	1168°C	2134°F
4	1160°C	2120°F	1181°C	2158°F
5	1184°C	2163°F	1205°C	2201°F
6	1220°C	2228°F	1241°C	2266°F
7	1237°C	2259°F	1255°C	2291°F
8	1247°C	2277°F	1269°C	2316°F
9	1257°C	2295°F	1278°C	2332°F
10	1282°C	2340°F	1303°C	2377°F
11	1293°C	2359°F	1312°C	2394°F
12	1304°C	2379°F	1324°C	2415°F

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The Best Cut Off Wire for Ceramic Wedging Tables

The best wedging table cut off wire is Music Wire or Piano Wire.

The best cut off wire for clay is Music Wire or Piano Wire. It’s durable, flexible, and strong enough even with harder clay. Under normal use, a few feet of wire can last for years, making this the perfect choice for a DIY cut off wire or as replacement wire for a wedging table. One package of almost 200 feet of this wire costs about $20 and that might be a lifetime supply of cut off wire for your studio.

Pair it with a 4 or 5 inch hook and eye turnbuckle and you’ve got a flexible, adjustable cut off wire for your wedging table. Images of how to set up a cut off wire are below. (Shop 4 pack of turnbuckles at Amazon) You may have better luck finding a single turnbuckle at a local hardware store.

The 0.031 inch music wire is preferred but if that’s not available, try the slightly thicker 0.045 inch music wire. There are a variety of other thicknesses available.

Precision Brand Steel Alloy Music Wire
0.031 in, approx, 185 feet, $21
0.045 in, approx. 185 feet, $20

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There’s a lot more you can do with music wire:

> Use to hang plates, bowls or tiles

> Super-strong picture frame wire

> Attach test tiles to screws on the wall

> ??? Sky’s the limit but some extra wire always comes in handy when you need it

Here’s a few pictures of music wire in use with a wedging table:

Here’s a close up of the eye and eye turnbuckle that can be used to fine tune the tension on the wire. This helps to get the wire very taught.

To “tie” the wire to the bottom of the wedging table, we just wrap and twist it a few times. Pliers are helpful for this task. This example is from a Bailey Wedging Table, but you can also screw in an eyelet screw if you have a wooden edge on your wedging table.

Our last tip is to take a soft plastic blue rib (shop at amazon), screw a hole in it, and attach it to the table with rope or twine. With this set up, you’ll always have a scraper handy to clean your wedging table.

How do you set up your wedging table? Let us know in the comments.

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The Best Banding Wheels for Pottery and Ceramics

The Nidec Shimpo 9 1/2” wide banding wheel.

Banding wheels are one of the most useful tools in a ceramic studio, especially for handbuilding, decorating, and carving. They allow you to turn a piece while building, and can be extremely useful during the glazing process.

A good banding wheel will spin freely and with some speed, allowing you to hold a brush steady and paint a “band” or line of or underglaze glaze. But they can be so much more than that.

This post will cover quality banding wheels that can handle the weight of clay and be cleaned. You don’t want to mess with cheap plastic options, or lazy susans that aren’t designed to get dirty and be cleaned again. Those cheaper options will often break down or don’t have enough weight to spin freely.

The best banding wheels are heavy and made out of metal, but there are a variety of options to fit each studio and budget. Read below for a full buyer’s guide to banding wheels.

This guide is based on personal experience with all the banding wheels, along with observations of what works and holds up in academic and community ceramic studios, and what tends to fall apart and not be worth the money.

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Table of Contents

1. Top Pick: Shimpo Banding Wheels

2. Budget Pick: CSI Banding Wheels

3. Great option: Generic Metal Banding Wheels from Falling in Art etc

4. Other Banding Wheels

5. Summary

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Top Pick: Nidec Shimpo Banding Wheels

The complete line of Shimpo Banding Wheels. The three shorter options are 2 1/4” tall while the two “pedestal” banding wheels are 4 3/4” and 7 1/2” tall.

Nidec Shimpo banding wheels are made of cast iron and painted with rust-resisted blue paint and are heavy, durable and will last a lifetime. They have sealed ball bearings, a one-piece design that will not come apart when picked up, and the weight of the cast iron results in a smooth, even spin. These banding wheels are a pleasure to use whether you are coil building, painting, carving, or sculpting.

Once again, these are solid, durable cast iron. Take good care of this banding wheel and it you will be passing it down to the next potter in decades or longer. They are easy to clean, just don’t submerge the whole thing in water.

Shimpo banding wheels come in five sizes ranging from 7” to 11 3/4” wide. The three smaller wheels are all 2 1/4” tall, while the two taller sizes are 4 3/4” tall and 7 1/2” tall.

My preference is for the shorter, lower-profile banding wheels but a pedestal-style banding wheel may work for your studio. Some may find these banding wheels to be on the heavy side, but the weight works to your advantage to create a steady, even, long-lasting spin.

Shopping tip: These banding wheels tend to be cheaper at Blick than Amazon. Yes, the Nidec Shimpo are the most expensive banding wheels out there but they are also the heaviest, most durable, and the weight allows them to spin for much longer than other banding wheels. In the 5 years we have been maintaining this guide to banding wheels, the Nidec Shimpo banding wheel prices have only increased by a few dollars to they have remained a good value.

The Shimpo 25L Banding Wheel is 9 7/8” x 2 1/4”

Shimpo Banding Wheel Specs:
Model number, diameter, height, and weight:

18L 7” x 2 1/4”, 6.5 lbs, $66-$82 (Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick)

22L 8 3/4” x 2 1/4”, 13 lbs, $77-$90 (Shop at Blick)

25L 9 1/2” x 2 1/4”, 15 lbs, $131 (Shop at Amazon)

25H 9 7/8” x 7 1/2”, 19 lbs, $123-$148 (Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick)

30M 11 3/4” x 4 3/4”, 28 lbs, $142-$172 (Shop at Amazon | Shop at Blick)

More pics of the Nidec Shimpo banding wheel

Top view

Bottom view

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Budget Pick: CSI Banding Wheels

CSI Banding Wheels come in sizes ranging from 8” to 16” in diameter.

CSI Banding Wheels are heavy-duty, economical banding wheels made from two Formica-covered particle boards with stainless steel ball bearings. They are 2 inches tall and range from 8 to 16” in diameter. These banding wheels are portable and stackable, and are lighter than cast-iron options such as the Shimpo. They have decent turning capacity but they don’t turn as readily and easily as the Shimpo banding wheels. They are great for everything except a very fast and continuous painting of a line or band.

For heavy sculptures or vessels these are great options for handbuilding where you will be turning the piece slowly. The 8” and 10” wheels have a 200 lb capacity, the 12” is rated to 300 lbs, and the 14” and 16” are rated to an 800 lb capacity.

The CSI banding wheels range in price from around $28 to about $42. That’s an incredibly great deal for a heavy-duty banding wheel, making this a great option for educational studios, beginners, or those more focused on sculpture and handbuilding rather than spinning decoration.

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Metal Wheel Budget Pick: Falling In Art Banding Wheel

These generic metal banding wheels, available under a variety of names online such as Falling In Art or US Art Supply, are highly rated and run about half the price of the Shimpo banding wheels. Available in 7” and 12” diameter, with a 4 inch pedestal, and a weight of about 10 lbs, these wheels have a set screw to hold the top and bottom pieces together. They are not quite as heavy as the Shimpo, but much heavier than other options such as the CSI Turntables or plastic wheels. For 1/3 to 1/2 of the price of the Shimpo banding wheels, these are a decent option for any studio, especially if you are on a budget.

As with all the banding wheels, do not submerge these in water for cleaning to avoid damaging the ball bearings.

7” banding wheel, generally $28

12” banding wheel, generally $38-$40

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Other Banding Wheels options:

Laguna Banding Wheels

The Laguna NL-278 Banding Wheel is 12 inches wide and 2 inches tall.

Laguna Clay makes a line of banding wheels with a cast iron base, steel bearings, and aluminum wheel head. Often, the wheel head will be very similar to the wheel head of a regular pottery wheel.

There are 6 options in the Laguna product line; 4 pedestal banding wheels that range from 5” to 6.5” tall, and 2 that are 2 inches tall. My favorite model is NL-278 which is 12 inches wide and 2 inches tall and retails for around $140. It’s basically a full-size wheel head, but as a banding wheel.

Because these are aluminum on top, they don’t spin as long as the Shimpo wheels, but they are well made and hold up. These wheels are available at a variety of ceramic suppliers, or directly from Laguna via their Axner Clay website.

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Yncotte 7” Aluminum Banding Wheel

This light duty banding wheel is 7” wide, made out of aluminum, and is ok for light duty work. It doesn’t spin very long, due to the light weight. But it can be used in either direction and it fits just about anywhere as it is small.

I have used these more recently in a number of academic studios and they are definitely better than a plastic banding wheel, but given the $32 price tag, I would go for either the Falling In Art banding wheel, or spend more and get the Nidec Shimpo Banding Wheel.

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Amaco #5 Banding Wheel

The Amaco #5 Banding Wheel is a 7” wide aluminum banding wheel that sits on a pedestal stand. Along with the Shimpo and CSI banding wheels, it’s quite common to see this in many ceramic studios. The smaller size, lighter weight, and pedestal stand makes it popular for decorating, carving, scraffitto work, and painting. It is not designed for heavy weight, but it is sturdy.

The drawbacks with this stand is that it is in two pieces and will separate if picked up by the top piece. There are also a variety of mixed reviews online, mentioning poor construction quality. AMACO may be having production issues with this unit, but in my experience, it’s a quality turntable that is great for small decorative tasks.

As of 2025, this turntable doesn’t appear to be listed on the Amaco website or at any stores. It is most likely out of production, but you may still see it for sale used.

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Shop pottery shirts and aprons at Redbubble.

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Plastic Banding Wheels

The Richeson Plastic Banding Wheel is 8” wide and 1 1/2” tall.

To be completely honest, I feel that plastic banding wheels are not worth buying. They can’t really be used for painting or banding, as the light weight doesn’t result in any lasting spin. They are also prone to breaking. You’ll be better off spending a bit more to get a CSI wheel or Falling in Art.

The only reason I can see to get a plastic banding wheel is for working with young children. They are lightweight and stackable (but not robust…treat them carefully!) Or the other reason if you just need a lightweight turntable for detail work such as carving or fine detail sculpting.

Given the price of these, ranging from $21 to $36, the money would be better used to get a metal banding wheel.

Richeson Plastic Banding Wheel
8” diameter, 1 1/2” tall, $21

The Amaco Decorating Wheel is 8” wide, all plastic, and is available in brown or off white.

Amaco Plastic Banding Wheel
8” diameter, $36

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Jack Richeson Mobile Sculpture Stand and Turntable

A mobile sculpture stand gives you the freedom to work on pottery and sculptures from all sides, and roll your work station out of the way if needed. This can be a great option for figurative sculpture, or if you want to create an additional workspace without adding another table. To work on this stand comfortably, you’ll need a tall stool or work standing up. The center shaft is adjustable for a working height of 39.5 to 44 inches. The wooden work surface is 12 inches square, and the base is 29 inches square with 4 locking caster wheels. It’s a great stand for working on sculptures, pottery, or as a display stand.

Jack Richeson Mobile Sculpture Stan
$215 to $225.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of banding wheels, turntables, and sculpture stands. In general, the best option is the heavy-duty cast iron Shimpo banding wheels, especially if you need to get a smooth, steady spin for painting pottery. If you are working with heavy sculptures, the CSI Turntables are a sturdy, economical option. And there are other cheaper and lighter options.

What banding wheels do you use? Let us know in the comments.

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Best Masks for Silica Dust in Pottery and Ceramic Studios — updated for 2025

The 3M Half Mask with P100 particulate filters is the best mask option for ceramic studios.

Silica dust is a real hazard in ceramics studios and it’s important to have the right mask. Cloth masks or basic nuisance-grade dust mask will not offer enough protection against silica. The best options are respirators with P100 or P95 filters, or N95/KN95 masks. This is also the level of protection businesses are required by OSHA to provide to employees if silica dust is present.

Respirable silica is very fine with almost invisible particles that can stay airborne for some time, and repeated exposure can lead to silicosis or black lung. To protect against silica, it is important that masks fit correctly. If air can leak around the sides, it really defeats the whole purpose. This is especially of concern if you have facial hair, as that can cause the mask to not be properly sealed to the face. In that case, you may need a full face mask or to trim your beard.

Overall, the best mask is going to be one that you reach for and wear during dust-generating tasks. Any protection is better than none. Personally, I use a respirator with P100 filtration whenever I am working with clay, plaster, wood, or other materials that create dust.

Also consider what is causing dust in your studio and seek to minimize that activity if possible. Keep an organized studio, use wet cleaning and sanding methods, and avoid creating dust. You may want to consider adding a dust collection system. For additional recommendations, visit our guides for cleaning tools and HEPA vacuums.

The reviews in this article are based on personal experience with a wide variety of masks along with experience working in ceramic studios for more than 20 years.

TOP PICK: 3M Half-Facepiece Respirator with P100 Filters

3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Mask without filters attached.

The 3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Respirator is a comfortable, reusable mask with filters that can be replaced as needed. This facepiece will take the round P95 or P100 particulate filters, or the cartridge style filters that are rated for particulates and some types of gases. Either will work, but you might find the round particulate filters to be more breathable. 3M also makes upgraded half masks (see below for more info) but this basic model is affordable, long-lasting, and will get the job done.

The Half-Facepiece respirator can be purchased as a plain mask, or packaged with filters or cartridge filters. Amazon has a variety of options; Home Depot and Lowes and other hardware stores tend to sell the more expensive version with cartridge filters. This may be useful if you also paint or have volatile gases in your studio, but the round P100 filters are perfect for ceramic studios where silica and other airborne dust particles are the main concern.

Note: this half-facepiece mask has unfiltered exhaust valves that are not appropriate for Covid safety in shared spaces.

3M 6300 Half-Facepiece Respirator
Available in size small, medium and large
Typical price
Respirator only: $14-$21
With P100 filters: around $25-$26
With cartridge filters: around $39

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The pink, round 3M 2097 P100 filters will fit the half facepiece mask.

P100 Filters and other options

The round, pink 3M 2097 Filters rated to P100 will offer the highest level of particulate protection. You could go with the slightly cheaper, white P95 filters but in my opinion, P100 filters are the way to go.

When using these half masks, there can be some moisture buildup inside, but in general, I find them more comfortable than disposable masks.

Replacement prices:

P100 filters are around $14-$20 for a package of two sets of filters

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DISPOSABLE MASK TOP PICK: 3M 8210 N95 Masks

The 3M 8210 N95 mask has straps that go over the head.

N95 or KN-95 Masks are NIOSH rated to filter 95 percent of dust particles and are good for multiple uses if kept clean. N95 Masks have straps that go over your head, making them fit more snugly. KN-95 masks typically have ear bands and fit more loosely, however, they often seem to be constructed with a bit more breathing room around your mouth.

A solid option for an N95 is the 3M 8210 N95 Mask. It typically comes in bulk packs where each mask costs about $1 to $1.50 each or around $20-$30 for a box of 20 masks.

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ALTERNATE DISPOSABLE PICK: KN-95 Masks

Armbrust is an Austin, Texas-based mask manufacturer. Their KN-95 masks are available in a variety of colors. Shop at Armbrust

Throughout the Covid pandemic, the availability and quality of masks varied widely, with a variety of manufacturers attempting to fulfill the demand. There also have been reports of fake name-brand masks and other problems. It can be very confusing to buy a “real” N95 or KN-95 mask, as detailed in this NY Times report from 2021.

KN-95 masks, which have ear bands as opposed to the over-the-head N95 style, have become quite common but the number and variety available are confusing. One place to start is by reviewing CDC-approved mask manufacturers as explained here or listed by the CDC here.

The Texas-based, U.S. manufacturer Armbrust makes very high quality surgical masks, KN-95 masks, and kids KN-95 masks. Not only are they NIOSH approved, but the masks are available in a variety of colors and they are made in the USA.

Prices for Armbrust KN-95 range from $15 for a pack of 5 (or $3 per mask) to almost $1,000 for a pack of 540 masks. There are significant discounts if you subscribe to regular mask delivery.

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Tightest Fit: Pouch or “Duckbill” Style N95s

The Kimtech Pouch Style N95 has two soft straps that go over your head.

They may look sort of funny, but in my experience, the pouch or “duckbill-style” N95s have the tightest fit of any disposable masks. You can see the mask material move in and out as you are breathing, and it seems to provide excellent coverage for Covid and dust.

A great option for this style of mask is the Kimtech line from Kimberly-Clark. Made in the USA, the Kimtech N95s cost $50 for a box of 50 masks.

More mask reviews below:

Those are my top picks for studio dust masks that are appropriate to use for silica. Keep reading for a deeper look at various half-facepiece masks and other disposable mask options.

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Table of Contents

• Half Facepiece Masks (3M 6300, 3M 6500, 3M 7500)

• Filters for Half Facepiece Masks

• RZ Masks

• Disposable Masks

• Summary

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Half Facepiece Masks: 3M Models

As reviewed above, the top pick for a dust mask for a pottery or ceramic studio is a 3M 6300 Half Facepiece mask. It’s the basic model but will get the job done. But that’s not the only model made by 3M. There is also “upgraded” models made with softer plastic which also have a few different options for valves and latching straps.

The 3M 6300 Half Facepiece Mask.

3M 6000 series Half Facepiece Mask

The 6000 series is the standard mask in the 3M line, and seems to be readily available in the 6300 model, but you may occasionally see the 6200 or 6100. From what I can tell, these are all about the same. Made of “thermoplastic elastomer,” the masks will work with 3M filters or cartridge filters, and can be taken apart and cleaned.

The masks are available in size small, medium and large and range in price from around $14 to $20.

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3M 6500 Cool Flow Half Facepiece Mask

3M 6503QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch model.

The 3M 6500 series is termed the “rugged comfort line” and features a softer silicone face seal, a low profile design, a “Cool-Flow” valve, and some models have a quick-latch drop down feature.

The most common and popular model in this series appears to be the 6503QL Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Model. In addition to the silicone lining, this mask features upgraded straps.

Available in small, medium or large sizes, it typically retails for $28 to $31 for the mask and filters are extra. The model sold at Home Depot is around $50 and comes with cartridge-style filters.

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3M 7500 Half Facepiece Mask

The 3M 7502 Half Facepiece Mask.

The 7500 Half Facepiece line from 3M has the same features as the 6500 line, with the silicone lining and Cool Flow valve, but it has one main difference: the exhalation valve air is routed down to reduce fogging. If you wear glasses or googles, you should consider this mask.

Available in small, medium, and large size, the 7500 line typically retails for $33 to $45 for the mask and filters cost extra. plus filters.

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3M Filter Options for Half Facepiece Masks

There are two styles of filters available for 3M masks: round particulate filters and cartridge filters, which work for particulates and gasses. For ceramics, particulate filters are adequate but if you stain wood, paint, or other activities with volatile gases, the cartridges will be a better option.

Particulate Filters

There are two options for round particulate filters: P95 and P100. The P100 offers a higher level of filtration. For a ceramic studio, the 2071 or 2091 filters are your best options. There are a few other filter options aimed at welders, smelting, and chemistry applications.

The P100 filters cost around $14-20 for a box of 4 filters.

3M Cartridge Filters

3M Cartridges are almost all rated P100 and will filter particulates, gases, and vapors. There are a variety of options but the basic 60291 should cover most art studio applications. These are a bit overkill if you are just worried about silica / particulates, but are a good option if you are painting or working with anything that produces volatile fumes. The cartridges are generally about double the cost of particulate filters. At big box hardware stores, they typically only sell the cartridge filters or mask combos, as shown below.

The cartridge filters cost around $20-$30 for a replacement pair of filters. At the time of this write, Home Depot had the best deal on replacement cartridges.

For a complete overview of all the mask and filter options available from 3M, click here or here.

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RZ Masks

The M3 Mask features 3 strap options. Pictured here is the dual strap configuration.

RZ Reusable Face Masks are an interesting mix of a disposable mask with some features of a respirator. Founded in 2010, you can now find these masks at a lot of hardware and home improvement stores, as well as online. The masks are not yet NIOSH rated but they now have some models with a European FFP2 rating. Full approval of these masks would be helpful in comparing these to other masks on the market, but in general these are great workshop masks and there are a variety of sizes and features. (For technical info on RZ masks and the testing they have undergone, click here. )

The M3 Mask from RZ is the top seller and features 3 different strap options so that you can find the perfect fit. The options include a neck strap, ear loops, or dual head strap (pictured at right). RZ claims a 50% increased airflow with their new filter options, and the same 99% filtration of particles down to 0.1 micron.

The M3 Mask retails for $40 and includes the 3 strap options, a carrying case, and 2 filters. Replacement filters cost $15 for a 3 pack.

The RZ M2.5 Two Strap Mask is an upgraded version of the M2 bask with two head straps.

The M2.5 Two Strap Mask from RZ features a mesh fabric, hook and two straps, with carbon filters that filter 99% of particles down to .1 micron. The filters are somewhat similar to a disposable mask and fit into the bigger mask housing. These masks were designed with unfiltered exhalation valves but the company now makes valve caps for use in shared environments where only filtered exhalation is recommended for the best Covid safety.

You will need to replace the carbon filters over time. Think of this mask as a more comfortable hybrid of a respirator and a disposable mask.

The RZ M2.5 retails for $30 and comes in a variety of colors. Replacement filters are available in a 3 pack for $8 to $15.

The Original M2 mask from RZ has a neck strap.

RZ makes a variety of masks with different strap configurations and colors, along with filter options.

Shop all RZ products by clicking here.

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Other Disposable Masks

The 3M N95 and KN-95 masks listed at the top of this post are great options, but there are other disposable masks.

Moldex 2300

The Moldex 2300 Mask.

The Moldex 2300 is another N95 particulate respirator that also features an exhaust valve. This helps reduce moisture buildup.

The Moldex 2300 is available in a 10 pack for around $44.

The Moldex 2200 (does not have an exhaust valve) is available in a 20 pack for around $26.

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Honeywell Nuisance Masks

Honeywell Nuisance Masks

The Honeywell Nuisance Masks are cheap and easy to find, but they are not rated for hazardous dust or particulate use. Too often, I’ve seen these as the masks offered to students in ceramic classes. I guess they are better than no mask but there’s no reason to be casual about silica dust. These might be fine in a pinch, but they are not NIOSH approved and may give a false sense of security. For art studios, it’s best to use the proper N95 or higher masks.

The reason these masks are shown here in this review is that this is what I have seen stocked in many ceramic studios for student use. They are not suitable for silica protection.

These masks cost around $15 for a 50 pack.

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Summary

This post has covered a variety of masks to deal with silica and other particulates in a ceramic studio. The first step should be to avoid making dust if possible. But to deal with silica, use a NIOSH approved half facemask respirator, or N95 rated disposable masks. Your long-term health is worth it, and investing in quality personal protective equipment is always a good idea.

What type of mask do you use to protect against silica and other particulates? Let us know in the comments.

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