Using roofing paper to throw wide pieces - does it work?

As potters, we’ve all been there—trying to throw larger pieces, like platters, only to mess them up when the wiring off the bat. I’ve certainly had my fair share of frustrations. That’s when I decided to explore a solution that could help me avoid those stressful moments.

I came across a method that’s been gaining attention in the pottery community—using reusable roof lining paper. I first saw this material used for creating reusable templates when slab building then saw others use it for throwing, I thought I’d give it a try. And let me tell you, with a few tweaks, it made a world of difference for me.

Why You’ll Love This Hack

If you’ve ever thrown a wide piece, you know the pain of trying to wire it off the bat without ruining your hard work. This trick helps keep everything in place, until you are ready to remove it from the bat. Here's a breakdown of how I used roof lining paper for my throwing sessions—and why you might want to give it a go yourself.

How it worked for me (With A Few Helpful Tips!)

Get Your Materials Ready
First, you’ll need to cut some reusable roof lining paper. I had to buy a VERY large roll so I’m offering small amounts of the paper for sale, which will be enough for about three standard bats. Check it out if you’re ready to try this method.

Start with Softer Clay
I found that using softer clay than usual really helped when working with the paper. It made centering the piece on the wheel so much easier. You’ll be amazed at how this small tweak can make a huge difference!

Slow the Wheel Down
When centering your piece, make sure the wheel is moving a little slower than usual. This helps prevent the paper from shifting or bunching up.

Prepare the Bat
Fix your wooden bat to the wheel using your normal method then brush on a thin layer of slip—soft slurry from your reclaim bucket or wheel pan works well. Apply to moving bat with fingers and smooth with a kidney until about 1mm thick. Just enough to get the paper to stick. I didn’t notice any difference in which side of the paper faced up.

(Optional but recommended) Secure the Paper with Tablecloth Clips
Now, this part may seem a bit awkward, but, after a few unsuccessful, bunchy attempts this made all the difference! I used some inexpensive metal tablecloth clips to keep the paper in place while I centred the clay. You could skip this step, but I highly recommend it—it keeps the paper steady and ensures the best results. Just be mindful of where your fingers are as the wheel turns—safety first, keep them back from the clips.

Throw Your Piece
Remember to slow down the wheel while centring so the paper stays in place. It takes a few goes to get the hang of it. You might need to pull the paper from time to time to flatten it. Once you’ve centred your piece, remove the clips (if you used them) and continue throwing the platter/plate as usual.

Wire Off Carefully
When you're done, carefully wire between the paper and the bat. It’s important to keep the paper and piece intact while drying. Be sure to wire off regularly—once or twice daily—as the piece dries. Skipping this step could make it difficult to remove the piece later on.

Finish Up
Once the paper releases from the bat (mine took 2-3 days, dependant on conditions), let the piece it dry until it’s leather hard. Then, flip it over using another board and carefully peel off the paper. Smooth out any texture left behind by the paper with a kidney, sponge, or trimming tool to finish it off to your liking.

The Result? A Smooth, Less Stressful Throwing Experience

I’ll be honest—this method has been a game-changer for me. Throwing larger pieces, like platters, has never been easier, and the end result is clean and intact. If you're tired of battling with your bat and getting frustrated with large pieces, this trick could be just what you need. It does take a few attempts to get it right but after that you wont look back.

Want to give it a try for yourself? I’m selling small amounts of the reusable roofing paper here—enough for about three standard bats. It’s an affordable way to try something new in your studio without committing to a giant roll. Trust me, once you try it, you may never go back!

Happy throwing!