Q: Some one ask me about smoothing out a clay surface.
A:
To flatten or even out a surface:
Using rake tools, a triangular wire loop and add thin metal wire to loop around this to form a rake. Can also use dremel to cut grooves into it
Do this to a medium size and small rake.
After you lump on your clay on - no doubt its uneven, using the rake tool to go over the surface in crosshatch pattern
you will see that your surface is not even you keep going over it until your surface is nice and flat/ even.
You can add tiny clumps of clay raked up (if clay is still clean) to add back onto the concaved craters to make it even
keep raking until flat. Use the smaller rake tool to keep raking until evrything looks flat and even.
To smooth out surface by melting oil clay:
Use 75% to 99% alcohol in small cup/ container and dip your fine hair brush in the solution and brush over the surface until nice and smooth.
Alcohol/ turpenoid will only melt oil clay. The stronger the alcohol/solvent the more melting factor. Try on some test clay to practice your brushing/smoothing skills. Try not to smoke or have open flames near by. Avoid using near electrical outlets or power strips.