How to Make Silver Clay

Silver precious metal clay (PMC), or silver clay, is clay made using tiny fragments of silver metal and a binding agent to create a base that becomes entirely metal when evenly fired. The binder burns off in the kiln and the resulting product is pure 999 silver. This is a great medium for silversmiths and craftpersons as it allows for an inexpensive method of creating almost anything from silver. Silver clay can be bought premixed or you can make your own using Silver Smith's Metal Clay Powder, which is is a combination silver and binder that can be formed into silver PMC for use in jewelry and silver projects.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Silver Smith's Metal Clay Powder
• Water bottle
• Sculpting tools

1. Measure out an amount of powder equal to the end weight of your desired product plus 15 percent. Keep the the extra powder aside because it accounts for shrinkage.

2. Slowly add water into your mixture using a water bottle for precise amounts. Keep in mind that the more water you add, the softer the consistency will be. Add water slowly until the the mixture is the consistency of clay.

3. Knead in the extra powder once you have your mixture to the desired consistency. Make sure the water permeates evenly and no excess powder is left on the clay.

4. Form your clay into a rough shape and allow it to set. This usually takes 10 to 12 hours, but may take longer for larger amounts. Wrap the clay in cellophane if you are concerned about dust or other imperfections, but they will typically burn away.

5. Carve your design and work with the final product as you would any sculptor's clay. You do not have to immediately fire, but remember to keep the heat even when you do.

Tips & Warnings

• Silver Smith's Metal Clay Powder is less expensive than premade silver PMC, but you must take care to ensure you do not get water in the jar or allow too much to wash away when mixing. Always knead in any leftover pieces that fall away and waste as little as possible.
• You can experiment with other additions into your mixture such as petroleum jelly or mineral oils to change the properties of the clay.

References

• Working With Precious Metal Clay; Tim McCreight; 2000
• PMCer.com

Resources

• PMCGuild.com Enthusiast's Page