Sponges are a key requirement for anyone who is trying to learn pottery. Not only are they great for cleaning out the mess, they are also extremely effective in making smooth surfaces on sculptures or pots. The two main types of sponges are natural sponges and synthetic ones.

Manmade cellulose sponges are tough and they last long. They are also good enough to carry a large amount of water. While this sponge is great for working in the kitchen it is not a very good sponge to use when you are trying to smoothen pottery. Poly sponges and cellulose sponges are therefore not used to for a pottery studio since they shred and disintegrate into shreds.

Seawool sponges are natural sponges that are made from sea wool, sheep wool and natural sponges. These hold moisture extremely well and can ensure that there are no drips too. Some of these seawool sponges are also used to apply glaze on stippling projects. Elephant ear sponges are flat, triangular shaped and natural. The texture is fairly absorbent and it is great at controlling the amount of water that you want to introduce to the wheel while throwing the wheel. These sponges are used to do pretty much everything and are great with removing dust from the pots before they go in for glazing.

Silk sponges are extremely natural and while they are similar to seawool sponges they are relatively finer in texture. These are also often used in cleaning up work before glazing is done.