A stainless steel roller for flattening, smoothing and pressing texture into polymer clay. Steel is the right material for this: it is heavy enough that its own weight does much of the work, it does not warp, and clay releases from it far more cleanly than from wood or plastic, which grab and leave a dragged surface.

The 304 in the name is the grade of stainless steel — the same everyday rust-proof steel used for kitchen sinks and cookware. It will not rust or pit in normal studio use, and it wipes clean after solvents or alcohol ink without staining.

Using it: roll from the center outwards rather than end to end, and turn the sheet a quarter turn between passes to keep the thickness even. Two strips of card either side of the clay act as depth guides if you want a consistent slab without a pasta machine. Chilling the roller makes it release better from soft or warm clay.

• Cernit reference: CE902C
• Material: 304 stainless steel