Mudman

The First Pot Kit

Everything you need to make your first wild pot. No kiln, no studio, no pottery wheel.

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1. Home Depot Essentials — same or next day 2. Amazon Stain + sealant — 2–3 days

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A quick note before you shop

The heaviest part is the sand. Once that’s in place, the project happens at table height and you’re working with small amounts at a time.

Essentials

RapidSet CementAll

Home Depot · 25lb box · about $23

Not Quikrete, not a generic mix. Get the blue box, not the green box. RapidSet gives you the right consistency, cure time, and strength. You’ll only mix one small batch at a time. The box makes 3–6 pots depending on size.

→ Buy on Home Depot

Play Sand

Any hardware store · 50lb bag · about $8

This is your mold. Look for premium play sand if they have it — that’s the one most hardware stores carry. We use the whole bag in the course, but we scoop it out in small amounts so you don’t have to lift the full bag.

→ Buy on Home Depot

9 Gal Storage Tote

Home Depot · about $13

Your sand basin. Big enough to dig forms and let the work breathe. Put it on a sturdy table so you’re not bending over the whole time.

→ Buy on Home Depot

5Qt Mixing Container

Any hardware store · about $3

Where you mix one small batch of concrete. Light hand mixing, about 2 minutes.

1Qt Paint Bucket

Any hardware store · about $2

Your inner mold. This becomes the opening of your pot.

Foam Rod (1" dia.)

Amazon · about $10 for 9

Creates the drainage hole in the base of your pot. The right diameter, and one pack makes a lot of pots.

→ Buy on Amazon

One-inch white foam rod on a worn workbench

WD-40

Any hardware or grocery store · about $5

Your mold release. Without it, the mold bonds to the concrete and is a real pain to get out.

Measuring Cup

Kitchen or grocery store · about $5

Any measuring cup with markings on the side. You need to measure water for the mix ratio.

Metal Putty Knife

Any hardware store · about $4

For mixing the concrete and scraping concrete off the bucket after pouring.

Plastic Cups

Amazon · about $5

For scooping concrete into the form and mixing stain. Grab a small stack.

→ Buy on Amazon

Garbage Bag

Any hardware store · about $5

Cut it open and lay it flat to cover your surface. Catches stain drips and wet concrete so your workspace stays clean.

Safety

Thick Nitrile Gloves

Any hardware store · about $10

Keeps wet concrete off your hands. The thick ones hold up better.

N95 Dust Mask

Any hardware store · about $5

Wear this when handling dry concrete or sanding. Simple, easy protection.

Safety Goggles

Any hardware store · about $5

Keeps dust and stain out of your eyes while you work.

Refine

Round File

Any hardware store · about $7

Smooths out the mold line so your pot feels finished. Also handy for flattening the base if it needs a little help.

Metal Brush

Any hardware store · about $5

For brushing sand off the piece after removing it from the sand.

Color

Surecrete Eco-Stain

Amazon · about $14

You can never have too many colors. Get one to start. My favorites: Ruby, Spanish Red, and Autumn Gold.

→ Buy on Amazon

Cheap Medium Paintbrush

Any hardware store · about $4

For applying stain. Not too large or it won't get into the depressions. Not too small or it'll take forever to cover the piece. Medium is right. Gets destroyed by concrete, so don't buy a nice one.