Q: If you want your piece to have additional texture, add it while the clay is still soft for the best effect. Use items like leaves, needles, or rubber stamps for a variety of different textures.  Always be gentle when using tools and stamps, as it can be easy to puncture or dent the clay. If you happen to make a stamp or mark you don’t like, simply dip your fingers in water and gently rub them over the area until the mark is smooth. If your piece is made of air-dry clay, be sure to check the directions to find out how long you should let the piece dry before handling it. For clay that needs to be fired in a kiln, make sure the clay is dry to the touch, which can take 12-24 hours, depending on the clay that you used and the size of the project. Then, carefully transport the piece to the kiln. For air-dry clay, you can use a fine grain sandpaper, such as an 80- or 120-grit, to remove small imperfections and smooth the surface before adding paint. with an acrylic or latex paint if you want to add color. Select a paint that is safe for use on clay and that doesn’t require firing in a kiln, since air-dry clay can’t withstand high temperatures. Apply the paint using brushes, sponges, or other techniques, and then let it air dry according to the directions on the paint. If you plan to use the pottery for eating or drinking, opt for a food-safe paint and apply a food-grade sealant all over the piece after the paint is completely dry. Locate a kiln at a local community center, art space, or library, and schedule a time to fire your piece. Carefully lower the item into the kiln, and close the lid. Make sure the kiln is set to the correct temperature for “bisque” firing, which is the first stage of firing the pottery. When it’s finished, carefully remove the item from the kiln to add a glaze. If you’re not sure what that temperature should be, check the directions on the clay packaging. If you don’t have the packaging, research the type of clay you’re using to find the ideal firing temperature. Dip the item into the glaze, or paint the glaze onto the newly-fired piece. If you want to add multicolor designs, use brushes or sponges to apply the glazes in an abstract design, since they will sometimes blend and run together in the kiln. If you prefer the natural color of the clay, apply a clear glaze for extra protection.  Keep in mind that the color of the glaze when it is applied can look different than when it is fired. Be sure to choose the glaze based on the fired color! Avoid putting glaze on the bottom of the piece, since this can make it stick to the kiln. Transfer the item to the kiln by holding the base to avoid smudging the glaze. Check the glaze packaging and set the kiln to the correct temperature, which is normally lower than the bisque firing temperature. Make sure the item isn’t touching any other pottery in the kiln, and close the lid to start firing. Once it is finished, carefully remove the item from the kiln!  After it’s fired, you can safely touch and handle the kiln without affecting the glaze, since it should be completely cured and hardened. If you’re not sure of the appropriate temperature, check online for temperature charts that list a variety of glazes.
A: Create texture with imprints, stamps, and other tools. Let the clay dry overnight until it becomes lighter in color. Paint air-dry clay Fire the clay in a kiln if you aren’t using an air-dry clay. Apply a glaze according to the instructions on the packaging. Place the piece in the kiln for a second time to seal the glaze.

Q: Talk to your guidance counselor about what options are available for PSAT prep at your school. Most schools offer classes and workshops that are geared towards preparing students for the PSAT exam.  Typically, these classes meet once a week after school for several weeks, or are live online courses that last several weeks. If you find a PSAT prep course at your school, it is most likely free for enrolled students. Taking PSAT prep courses is important, so make sure you find one in your community. You might have to look at neighboring schools, even universities, to find one in your area. This is an especially good idea if your school doesn’t currently offer a PSAT prep class. There are quite a few online PSAT prep courses that are intended to help you score higher on PSAT exam when you actually take it. These online classes help you review strategies and techniques that have proven successful for taking the PSAT.  These courses often cost between $300 and $1000 US, depending on the length and intensity of the course.  You can typically choose which subject you need the most help with and focus on that section of the text. Or you can sign up for several modules that will cover more of the test subjects. This is really only necessary if you want to qualify as a National Merit scholar or if you want to get a really high SAT score for a college scholarship. A PSAT tutor can help you go through sample tests, learn helpful test-taking skills, and explain any concepts or topics you might be struggling with.  These types of tutors typically cost between $15 and $25 US per hour, depending on level of education and experience. The PSAT doesn’t count for college admission, but it does give you an idea of what kind of score you’ll get on the SAT when you take it.
A: Sign up for a PSAT prep course at your school. Inquire about PSAT prep courses at nearby schools. Take an online PSAT prep course. Hire a PSAT tutor.

Q: Place your hands on either side of the paint can and carefully lift the tin over your paint tray. Gently tip the container and fill the bottom of the tray with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of paint. Place the lid back onto the paint can to keep the paint fresh. Purchase a paint tray at a hardware store or paint store. Place the roller into the paint so that it sits flat in the tray. Roll it back and forth in the tray until the roller is evenly covered in paint. Tap the handle on the side of the tray to remove any dripping paint from the roller. Start painting at the top of your surface and work your way down to the bottom, this will help to stop any drips from causing bumps in your paint work. Use up and down strokes to cover the area with a thin coating of paint. Maintain a consistent pressure as your move the roller up and down the area.  Paint over the areas you have already painted using a brush. Leave the paint to dry for 24 hours before applying further coats.  Try to keep dust away from the wet surface as the paint is drying. Once the first coat of paint is completely dry, apply a further coat of paint using the same method as listed above. Let this dry for 24 hours before touching the paint. If the surface isn’t yet completely covered or isn’t as even as you would like, repeat the process of applying another coat of paint. Don’t move the laminate or place anything onto the painted surface for at least a week. This will give the paint a chance to cure properly. Placing pressure on the paint after a few days could put marks or dents in your paint-work.
A:
Pour the paint into a paint tray. Cover the paint roller with paint. Paint the laminate using up and down stokes. Apply 1-2 more coats of paint. Leave the paint to dry for 1 week.