Methods of Firing Art Clay Silver

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by: Adam Hunter
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Word Count: 573
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 Time: 9:19 AM
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Art clay silver is a relatively new material in the world of arts and crafts. Similar to normal soft clay, art clay silver can be worked and subsequently shaped using a variety of tools. Once dried, the art clay silver can then be fired.

But what happens when the material is fired? Well because of the structure (small metal particles mixed with an organic binding material and water), the material used to bind the metal particles together in a clay form is burnt away. This leaves an end result consisting purely of sintered metal.

Typically there are three different types of method used in firing art clay silver. These methods are firing by using a small butane torch, a special kiln designed specifically for firing art clay silver (also known as a bead kiln) or a 'Hot Pot', which consists of a ceramic kiln and usually some form of gel based fuel.

Here is a short guide, providing more detailed information on each of the three methods using for firing art clay silver.

The Butane Torch Method:

Firstly, it should be noted that the butane torch should only be used for firing smaller pieces of jewellery. A rough guide as to whether you should hand fire your clay using a butane torch is the weight, which should hit no more than 25 grams on the scales.

To ensure safety, it is also crucial that the clay is placed on a board that is fire proof such as a piece of fibreboard. For obvious reasons, the workplace area should be well ventilated.

The flame should be applied to the clay in a steady way. When the piece starts to change in colour, to orange, the work should b e fire of another one and a half to two minutes while ensuring the torch is held at a distance of between six and seven centimetres away from the work.

Once this is done, the work should be left until completely cooled.

The Art Clay Kiln Method:

The precious metal clay kiln is probably the most ideal method of firing. An even application of heat and its ability to produce higher temperatures will in the majority of cases result in a piece that has a higher quality finish about it.

Although fairly expensive, the precious metal clay kiln will allow the piece to be left firing without the need of the constant attention that say a butane torch would take. In some cases, certain brands of precious metal clay can only be fired in a kiln if the desired effects are to be achieved.

Due to the various manufacturers of precious metal clay kilns, it would be pretty difficult to put one definitive method for firing clay in this way. More appropriately when using, follow the instructions provided with kiln.

The Hot Pot:

The Hot Pot is a relatively new creation. It operates using a terracotta pot, specially provided fuel and a wire grid on which the jewellery sits during firing. The fuel is placed in the bottom of the pot and will burn for enough time to allow the jewellery to be fired before burning out once completed.

Although by no means definitive, the ways to fire clay are varied and some may not be of either appeal or viability to some people. However, most importantly they all have the same after effect in helping you get a good finish when working with art clay silver.

About the Author

Adam Hunter - E-commerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of supplies from over 10,000 products including gold and silver wire, jewellery findings, tools, polymer clay and art clay silver - gold, silver, platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers, jobbers, designer, craftsmen, artisans and students.