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Art Clay™ Silver - Slow Dry Type

Handout #68-007-03

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Art Clay™ Silver Slow Dry is packaged in the new silver Mylar-sealed packet. The moister formula allows for braiding and weaving, and generally gives the artist as much as 5 times more working time. It is ideal for artists working in dry climates. It is recommended the unfired clay to be no more than 3mm thick. You can make large items, but they need to be layered, such as flower petals, so the piece will dry properly. You may combine the Slow Dry elements with all other Art Clay™ types for firing.
Warning: Do not leave any clay in the syringe for any amount of time. If it dries, it will be very difficult to remove.

[Directions]

Preparation
Take out only the amount needed for your project and wrap the unused portion of clay tightly in plastic wrap. Store unused clay in an airtight plastic container. Cut a sponge to fit the bottom, moisten it and place the tightly plastic-wrapped clay on top of the sponge; replace the lid, sealing the container. If the clay is too dry to work with, leave the plastic wrap open to allow the clay to hydrate from the moist sponge, again replacing the lid to seal the container.
Note: Do not refrigerate clay.
When you use newly opened Slow Dry, or if the unused portion of Slow Dry seems stiff, warm it in the palm of your hand to resoften it.
Do not combine any unused portion of Slow Dry with the original clay, as they contain different types of binder.

Molding
To join Art Clay™ Slow Dry together or to mend a jointed area, use Art Clay™ Slow Dry in paste form, which can be made as follows:
Put Art Clay™ Slow Dry in a small plate. Add a few drops of water and blend it evenly with a utensil such as a spatula. Shape as you wish using your fingers, a mold, etc. If Art Clay™ Slow Dry becomes stiff to handle, place it in a zipper bag, add a few drops of water and knead it until it becomes soft.
Note: Remember that the finished piece shrinks 10 percent, so size your piece accordingly.

Drying
The clay must be dried completely, which may be done in the following ways: Hair dryer: At least 45 minutes with 1200w dryer. Place the dryer less than 3in from the piece.

Warning: If you use a cooking plate, you must not allow the temperature to exceed 480ºF. At this temperature, the binder begins to burn away and the piece will change shape and may break when handled. How to tell when the piece is dry enough: Place the piece on glass or plastic and after 10-20 seconds, pick up the piece. If there is no cloud of water vapor, it is dry. (It is easiest to check cloud on black glass or plastic.)

Firing
Place the piece in a cold or warm kiln (below 572ºF). It is safest to start with a cold kiln. Wait at least 15 minutes to reach firing temperature. You may use any of the three firing temperatures and hold times listed below. If you are combining with other materials (i.e. manmade stone, glass), please check the appropriate firing temperature and hold time.
Note: If you are firing more than two pieces, make sure the pieces are not touching each other.

Schedule 1 2 3
Temperature 1600ºF 1562ºF 1472ºF
Holding time 10 min. 20 min. 30 min.

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%).

[Precautions]
Keep the clay indoors, out of direct sunlight. Use the clay soon after unsealing. When drying and baking, take care not to get burned or start a fire. Ventilate your workroom well during firing. Keep this product out of the reach of children. If you get any of this product in your eyes or mouth, flush immediately with plenty of water and call your physician.


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