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[Characteristics]This instruction sheet focuses on how to use Art Clay Silver 650 Paste (#87-023-20).
[Precautions]
Some silver settling may occur at bottom of the jar. Stir the paste well with a brush or metal spatula before use.
To dilute the paste, take out the necessary amount and place it in a different container. Then, add necessary amount of water to dilute. Do not dilute it directly in the bottle.
This product is water-based and can dry up. Always keep the container tightly capped. (If it dries up, add a little water to recover its original texture.)
Wash the paste off your hands with water after work.
Some kilns show a different temperature from the actual one. It is known that silver will melt at 1769ºF. It is recommended that your kiln firing does not exceed 1652ºF.
During firing, oxygen can be consumed or smoke and gas may emit, with some emissions remaining inside the kiln. Always be sure to ventilate the workroom.
Keep the paste indoors out of direct sunlight (do not refrigerate).
Keep the paste out of reach of children. Be careful not to splash the paste into your eyes or swallow. If this happens, see a doctor for consultation.
Use the paste within three months of your purchase.
[Directions]
Preparation
Place the necessary amount of paste in a small container. Dilute it with water if needed. Diluting it at the ratio of two parts paste to one part water is recommended.
Paint the mold evenly and thickly with a paintbrush. Let it dry. Then paint it again several times, allowing it to dry between each layer. Build up general layers so that it is thick and strong. A minimum of 8 layers is recommended.
When the paste is used as an adhesive, apply it to both of the pieces until they fuse together without a seam.
Drying
The piece should be fired only after complete drying. Dry the piece for more than 24 hours at room temperature or for about 30 minutes at around 210ºF. (Using a hair dryer would expedite the drying process.)
Firing
Place completely dried piece in the kiln. If you are firing more than two pieces, make sure the pieces are not touching each other.
Raise the kiln's temperature to 650ºC (1200ºF) for 30 minutes, or the following temperatures and times:
700ºC/1290ºF: hold time 15 minutes
750ºC/1380ºF: hold time 10 minutes
780ºC/1435ºF and above: hold time 5 minutes.
Switch off the kiln. When the temperature falls below 1112ºF, you may remove the piece from the kiln and cool it to room temperature.
Note: If the piece being fired contains inclusions, such as glass, porcelain, stones, etc., do NOT open the kiln or remove the piece until the kiln has cooled to 100ºC/212ºF.
Finishing
The surface of the fired piece will be white and matte due to crystallization of silver. But luster can be obtained by polishing. (e.g. with stainless brush, burnisher, buff polishing, file, sandpaper.)
Completing
The completed piece is pure silver (99.9%).
If the fired piece is deformed, it can be bent back into shape with a rawhide mallet or gentle pressure with jeweler’s pliers