Shaping Phase
The clay can be easily worked with shaping tools and materials suitable for different types of clay. Other tools may also be useful, but ensure that there is no rust present, as this can cause stains on the silver. The silver clay can be used directly from the packaging. If the clay sticks to your hands, you can use a small amount of olive oil on your hands, work mat, and tools. If the clay is too dry, you can add a little distilled water using a damp finger and knead it through the clay, for example, using plastic wrap. Be sure that any leftover clay doesn’t dry out while you work.
Drying Phase
The clay is light gray in color. The drying time varies depending on the method:
- Air-dried: 24 hours for 10g of clay at 1mm thickness.
- With a hairdryer: About 20 minutes.
- In a household oven: 10 minutes at 100°C.
Check dryness with a mirror: place the warm item on a mirror. If steam appears, the clay is still not dry.
After drying, the clay has the hardness of plaster. You can attach or repair parts by making paste from leftover clay. The dry clay can be engraved and worked on with a sharp tool. Be aware of a shrinkage of about 9-10%, especially with rings, which will shrink by approximately 4-5 Japanese ring sizes (other sizes can be found in the ring size table). Sanding and filing are easier in the dry phase because the silver is harder after firing.
Firing Phase
The Art Clay Silver Regular clay can be fired uncovered in a special kiln. Place the clay directly on a fiberboard or mesh in a preheated oven. For additional support, you can use fiber cloth or fiber paper, or granules to support delicate jewelry. Small zirconia (up to 6mm) can be placed directly in the hot oven. When in doubt, it is advisable to place the clay in a cold kiln and then gradually allow it to cool to room temperature. Art Clay Silver Regular can also be fired on a special mesh on a gas stove or with a micro-torch. See our instructional videos for more details. For the use of glass, ceramics, pottery, or porcelain, you need to use a cold oven and a custom firing curve. Gold foil or gold paste can also be used to add 22k gold accents.
Finishing Phase
After firing, the clay has a white color, which is the result of the crystalline structure of fine silver. Use a polishing brush to make the surface a nice matte silver finish. For further finishing, you can use polishing sponges and an agate pen or polishing needle. For convenience, sanding discs with a Dremel are very suitable. You can finish the silver to a high gloss with polishing paste. Art Clay Silver Regular has a beautiful, bright silver color.
