Whether you’re just starting your pottery journey or looking to improve your ceramics business, having the right tools is essential. From shaping your clay to stamping your mugs with a pottery stamp before they go in the kiln, investing in high-quality pottery tools and equipment can make all the difference. We know that a well-equipped studio leads to professional results. That’s why we’ve put together this pottery starter kit guide - perfect for beginners and established ceramic artists!
1. Clay Stamps – Personalise Your Pottery
A custom clay stamp is a must-have for any potter looking to brand their work. Whether you want to mark your logo, initials or a unique signature, a clay stamp ensures every piece is recognisably yours.
- Customisable with your logo, initials or a design
- Creates a crisp, professional debossed mark
- Proudly display your name so your customers never forget who they purchased from, even years later
Explore our custom clay stamps here. We have a selection of sizes and a curved text option to fit all your pottery branding needs. Our pure walnut handle is our most popular, which is mounted on to an acrylic base.
ninapaloma_ on Instagram showcased her Stampit maker’s mark in this stunning image of her stamped mug bases.
2. A Reliable Pottery Wheel
For those looking to refine their throwing skills, investing in a quality pottery wheel is a game-changer. Whether electric or kick-wheel, a smooth-turning wheel is essential for consistent shaping and better control over your forms.
- Choose an electric wheel for ease of use
- Opt for a kick wheel for a traditional, hands-on approach
- Ensure the wheel head is the right size for your pottery projects
3. Kiln – The Heart of a Pottery Studio
Firing your work is what transforms raw clay into durable ceramics. A reliable kiln allows you to experiment with different firing temperatures, glazes and finishes. Energy efficiency is also a key consideration.
- Choose a kiln size based on your production volume
- Electric kilns are easy to use making them ideal for beginners and small studios
- Gas and wood-fired kilns provide unique surface effects and offer a wider temperature range
4. Essential Hand Tools
Having a collection of basic hand tools is crucial for shaping, trimming and detailing your pottery. Here are some key tools every potter should have:
- Wooden and metal ribs for shaping and smoothing
- Needle tools for scoring and fine detail work
- Sponge and brushes for adding slip, glaze and texture
5. Packaging Stamps For Pottery
Once your ceramics are ready to sell, how you package them matters. A custom packaging stamp is an affordable and sustainable way to brand your boxes, bags and wrapping paper. A personalised stamped box is much more aesthetically pleasing for your customers than basic brown packaging.
- Customised with your logo or business name
- Cost-effective branding without the need for printed packaging
- Eco-friendly and ideal for small businesses
Shop Packaging and Branding Stamps here
This is our Large Packaging Stamp which allows you to add up to 16 lines of text and your logo. It measures at 115mm x 70mm, perfectly sized for leaving a bold impression on boxes. Available in a small and medium version also, they are all self-inking meaning you do not need to purchase a separate stamp pad. This effortless stamping experience is perfect for busy business owners who value time efficiency.
6. Glazing and Decorating Tools
Glazing is what gives pottery its final look. It is an impenetrable layer applied to bisque-ware that is used to decorate and waterproof an item. Ensure your clay and glaze are compatible to prevent crazing, bubbling or even cracking. Invest in quality glazing tools such as:
- Glaze brushes for precise application
- Sprayers or airbrushes for even, layered glazing
- Wax resist for creating unique patterns and textures
Final Thoughts
Whether you're just starting out or growing your ceramics business, having the right tools is key to crafting beautiful, professional pieces. Custom pottery stamps help establish your brand, while a packaging stamp adds a polished, cohesive look to your products. Combine these with quality pottery tools and equipment and you’ll be on your way to being a top class potter!
