Art Clay Gold Paste (22 karat) is a viscous paste (1.5 grams) that allows you to apply gold accents to silver, ceramic, porcelain and/or glass surfaces. A thinner (5 ml) is included with the paste to create a lighter gold color. The firing time depends on the surface on which the paste is used. An English instruction guide is included with the Gold Paste.

Properties
Art Clay Gold Paste contains 77.5% of the stated weight in 24 karat gold, which becomes 22 karat gold after firing. To thin the paste, remove the required amount from the jar and place it in a separate mixing container. Then add the required amount of water or the included thinner, depending on the desired gold color. If you would like a lighter gold color on ceramic, porcelain or glass, it is best to dilute the Gold Paste with the medium. The recommended ratio for thinning with the included medium is Gold Paste (3 parts) : Medium (1 part).

This product is water-based and may eventually dry out. Keep the container tightly closed. If the paste dries out, add an appropriate amount of water to restore it to its original condition.

Preparation
Gold pigments may settle at the bottom of the jar. Stir the paste thoroughly with a metal spatula before use. Clean the surface of porcelain, glass or ceramic with alcohol or soap and water to remove dust and grease. This helps ensure proper adhesion of the paste. Use a brush that is reserved specifically for Gold Paste.

A) Application on fired Art Clay Silver
The area where the paste will be applied must have a matte finish (not polished, but white in appearance). If the piece has already been fired and polished or oxidized, re-fire it in a kiln until it returns to a matte finish. Do not apply the Gold Paste to an unfired piece, as it may peel off. In general, the Gold Paste should be applied undiluted onto silver.

If a thickness greater than 0.5 mm is desired, first fire the layer and then apply an additional layer. Repeat until the desired thickness is achieved.

B) Application on glass or ceramic
You may apply both undiluted and diluted Gold Paste to glass surfaces. When diluted with the included medium, the paste becomes smoother and is easier to use for drawing long lines. The layer should be less than 0.5 mm thick. Thicker applications may peel due to shrinkage.

Drying
The applied paste must be completely dry before firing. This can be done in the following ways:

Undiluted

• With a hair dryer, minimum 5 minutes. Place the hair dryer within 10 cm of the piece.
• Air dry naturally: minimum 15 minutes.

Diluted

• With a hair dryer, minimum 30 minutes. Place the hair dryer within 10 cm of the piece.
• Air dry naturally: minimum 60 minutes.

Firing

A) Firing on fired Art Clay Silver

• In a kiln
  
  
• Raise the kiln temperature to 500 °C
• Place the piece in the kiln and increase the temperature to 800 °C
• Hold this temperature for 1 minute. Then turn off the kiln and allow the piece to cool.
  
  

• On a gas stove
  
  

• Place the stainless steel mesh on the burner of a gas stove. Make sure the mesh is centered over the burner. Turn on the stove and observe where the mesh glows the brightest.
• Turn off the gas stove. Using tweezers, place the piece on the hottest glowing area.
• Turn the gas stove back on and fire the piece for five minutes. Then turn off the stove and allow the piece to rest for 20 minutes.

Please note: Maximum dimensions of your piece: 5.0 cm (L) x 3.0 cm (W) x 2.0 cm (H)

B) Firing on porcelain or ceramic in a kiln

• Place the piece in a cold kiln and heat to 800 °C
• Turn off the kiln once the temperature reaches 800 °C. No holding time is required.
• Remove the piece from the kiln once the temperature reaches 100 °C or allow it to cool naturally to room temperature.

C) Firing on glass (COE90) in a kiln

• Place the piece in a cold kiln and heat to 800 °C.
  
• Hold the temperature for 5 minutes once 800 °C has been reached.
  
• Open the kiln door and allow the piece to cool (crash-cool) to 600 °C. Then close the kiln door again.
• Allow the kiln to cool to room temperature before removing the piece.

IMPORTANT: Firing with a gas torch is not recommended for this product.

Finishing
The surface where the Gold Paste has been applied will appear matte due to crystallization, but shine can be achieved by polishing. Do not polish too aggressively on gold-coated glazed surfaces. Polish using light, smooth strokes; this is sufficient to bring out the shine.

If the gold comes off during polishing, it can be repaired using Art Clay Silver Paste Overlay. This requires a second firing process for proper adhesion.

Warnings when using Art Clay Gold Paste:

• Ventilate the workspace well during firing.
• During drying and firing, take care not to burn yourself or cause a fire.
• Keep this product out of reach of children.
• If this product comes into contact with your eyes or mouth, rinse immediately with plenty of water and contact a doctor immediately.
• Do not place ceramic or porcelain pieces coated with Art Clay Gold Paste in a microwave oven.
• Store this product indoors and away from direct sunlight.
• Do NOT store this product in a refrigerator.
• Use this product as soon as possible after opening.