Working with Art Clay Silver

Working with Art Clay Silver is easy. Shape the clay, smoothe and leave to dry. Finish with files or sandpaper. Fire and polish. The piece is ready. You can sulfurize it or even enamel it.

Firing Art Clay Silver

Art Clay Silver can be fired with a kiln, a butane torch or even on a gas stove. The binder burns out during the firing, leaving behind fused fine silver.

Keeping Art Clay Silver Pliable

Once the package is opened, the clay begins to dry. Use water and a moist brush to lightly hydrate the Art Clay while you shape your work. Keeping the clay covered with something moist will let you put  it aside  momentarily.

The shelf life of unopened Art Clay Silver

In its own packaging, Art Clay Silver should be fine for up to five years. Store in a cool dark place, but don’t refrigerate or freeze. The shelf life of paper type clay, however, is about one year.

Storing opened Art Clay

Unused portions of Art Clay can be kept pliable in an airtight package. You can also use plastic wrap, then double seal it in a small plastic bag, with a moist sponge at the bottom will also keep the clay pliable. It should be stored in a cool dark place. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Reconstituting dried Silver Clay

Add water to re-constitute all of your dried-up, unfired bits of Art Clay Silver. It's easy to turn any leftover clay into paste simply by adding water. With patience you can also get it back into the  pliable clay form, depending upon the amount of water  added and the time allowed to let it  soak it all in.

Thickness

Q. How thin can I make my Silver Art Clay pendant?

1mm thick will make a strong, durable pendant. To assure even thickness, you can roll out the clay between card slats. Mat board may be used as it is about 1 mm thick.
How to Dry Art Clay Silver

Q. How do you ensure Art Clay is dry before firing?

The suggest drying times of regular Art Clay are:
Hair dryer: At least 10-15 minute holding dryer 10cm from the piece.
Food Dehydrator: 10 minutes at 70ºC
Cooking plate, kiln or oven: At least 7-10 minutes at 150ºC
Electric frying pan set to low: about 10 minutes
Natural dry: At least 24 hours at room temperature.
 
The thickness and original state of "wetness" of the piece will alter these times. Do remember not to get the piece TOO HOT, or you will begin to break down the binder strength and make it difficult to add more clay decoration if wanted. These times are approximates, as different conditions like humidity will affect drying time. Drying times for other products can found on the product description and directions page.

Q. How can you check to see if your work is dry?

A. You can check to see if a piece is dry by holding to a piece of clean glass and any condensation on the glass indicates a piece that isn't completely dry. Extend the drying time to ensure the piece is completely dry before firing. Art Clay must be dry before firing, any water in the piece may cause the work to 'burst' or break.