Silver clay how does it work

Both of them are manufactured in Japan and both are excellent products. I like it the best because, in my opinion, the slower drying time allows for more creative freedom, and the low firing temperature is best for combining the clay with glass or stones. It also has the lowest shrinkage rate.

I find the finished product to be a bit smoother and brighter than pmc. All the silver is recycled and the binder is organic. Another plus is that the price of Art Clay Silver does not go up when the silver market price goes up.

The creative freedom of metal clay is so exciting. I have taught absolute beginners, who have never made anything before, and they have been so thrilled with what they have been able to create.

Artists and artisans have taken metal clay to fantastic places and the range of styles is unlimited. You just need a few basic tools and your imagination. While I recommend kiln firing, it can also be fired with a torch or on a gas stove.

Some people use camp stoves to fire it. If the piece you are working on is drying out too quickly you can spray it lightly with water to rehydrate it. I'm using metal clay and find that it is sticking to my fingers and work surface - how can I prevent this? Rub a little olive oil onto your hands, work surface, rolling pin and any other item that will come into contact with the clay, to prevent it from sticking.

I've bought metal clay sheet but I'm not sure where to start? Unlike the clay, you won't be able to impress textures into it, but you can create some really interesting effects that you couldn't with the clay.

You could cut the sheet with fancy edged scissors, cut it into strips and weave together, fold and drape it to create a fabric-like effect or even fold into origami. There are so many techniques that you could use, why not try incorporating the sheet and clay together in a design.

What will happen if I get my metal clay too hot whilst firing? If you get the metal clay too hot whilst firing then it will begin to melt. As with all silver, it has a melting temperature and if you get it too hot it will simply melt into a ball. The surface will begin to look mottled and silvery, this is a sign that the metal clay is too hot and you will need to remove the flame to prevent it melting.

If you are new to metal clay and silverwork it is a good idea to experiment with a small ball of clay and fire it to the melting point so that you can recognise the signs of when a piece is getting too hot.

What are the options when it comes to firing metal clay? You have three options! You can fire the clay with a gas torch, kiln or even on your gas hob. For more information on these firing processes, read our advice page with detailed advice and instructions.

My metal clay design looks white after firing - is it meant to? After firing, the piece will have a white, matt look to it, this is normal due to the surface being uneven and porous.

Wrap up carefully, keep adding water, poking holes and massaging it every now and then and soon it will be back to normal! When you store your clay, add a little sheet of wet fabric or tissue in the pouch to keep the moisture sealed in. Oh - one thing.

Don't use aluminium tools or kitchen aluminium foil with the clay! The aluminium contaminates the clay and will cause loads of problems - some only noticable after firing. The finished piece needs to be completely dry before firing to avoid any damage.

Be careful when usingforced heat , if it gets too hot the binder might start burning off, and this can distort the shape. And, with a thick piece, the forced drying can dry the surface which will lock the moisture inside the clay.

Drying the piece slowly in a warm environment with circulating air is definitely the best option if you have the time. Remember to also turn the piece to check that the back has dried. When the clay is dry and leather hard, use files and abrasive sponges to adjust the shape and smooth the piece. Make sure that all little burrs or nicks are removed, remember they'll turn into metal when fired - not very comfortable. It is worth spending some time on finishing your piece prior to firing, as this will make an enormous difference to the finished look.

The different types of clay have different requirements. A flat thin piece can easily be torch fired, while larger piece or shapes based on a core material should ideally be fired in a kiln. Read more about the different firing options on the Firing information sheet. NOTE - Sterling silver contains copper 7.

Fine silver, or metal clay, has to be designed carefully if used for things which takes a lot of stress, like a clasp. If you make the piece sturdy it will work, but you might notice that there is a slight give in the material compared to sterling silver. Gift Certificate Login or Sign Up 0. Home Learn more What is silver clay and how does it work? Join Our Mailing List for special offers! Email Address. If you are creating delicate shapes, you will need to work quickly and choose softer clay which will give you an extended working time.

Add a few drops of water to leather — hard clay and knead with your hands to make it fully pliable again. Keep this slip in an air tight container and it can be used to bond pieces of clay together like glue. The different types of silver clay available will deliver a range of varied properties, so it is essential to choose the right one for your chosen project.

For example, some are stronger than others which can mean a firmer clay which can dry more quickly which is suitable for pieces requiring good durability.

On the flip-side, some are smoother than others which normally results in a sticky texture that has a longer working time, which is ideal for more complicated designs. You will also find a range of different metals to choose from including Sterling Silver and Fine Silver as well as Gold, Copper and Bronze versions so there are many decisions to make.

Silver clay shrinks during the heating process as the binding agent is burnt away and the silver particles fuse. Save this for later. Privacy Policy. Is it really silver? How does it work?