How to Use Silver Low Fire Art Clay

Silver low fire art clay can be worked just like any other clay. Silver clay contains 99.9 percent pure silver mixed with clay. This allows you to, in effect, mold silver into any shape and then fire it, turning it back into a metal. Silver low fire clay can be fired at only 1200 degrees F. This allows many precious and semiprecious stones to be fired directly onto a clay object, which would not be possible if higher firing temperatures were required. Silver low fire art clay is much more expensive to purchase than standard clay. Metal clays also dry more quickly and so must be worked more quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Silver low fire art clay
• Sponges
• Towels
• Water
• Butane torch
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Watch for timing

Instructions

1. Moisten the surface that you will be working on with a sponge dampened with water. Wet your hands. Place a lump of silver low fire art clay on your working surface.

2. Shape your object the same way you would shape an object made from standard clay. Keep your hands and tools damp as you work.

3. Press gemstones, obsidian or metal ornaments into your clay prior to firing. Make certain that any objects included in your firing can take temperatures of 1200 degrees F. Glass should not be included if you will be firing your clay using a torch; glass can be included if you will be firing your objects in a kiln.

4. Allow your objects to air dry for 24 hours. Clay can be sanded prior to firing.

5. Place your objects on a metal or stone surface and use your butane torch to fire dry them. Keep the torch flame moving. Do not be alarmed if your object appears to catch on fire momentarily---this is just the binder burning away. Heat your object until it glows a dull orange, and keep it that color for 2 minutes (time it). Allow to air cool. Use caution when handling---wear gloves or make certain that objects have cooled completely before touching.

Tips & Warnings

• If firing in a kiln, set the temperature to 1200 degrees F and fire your objects for 30 minutes. Use caution when removing objects from the kiln. Small objects, such as jewelry, are best suited to this type of metal clay.

• Wear gloves and eye protection when using a butane torch.