ACS and Metal Inclusions

I have done a range of experiments with various metals and materials firing them into Art Clay Silver. Please read this entire section as there are a variety of tips and hints through out the discussion. You should expect to do some experimenting to fine tune your methods to your particular items, pieces and approach.

1] Fine Silver [.999] - works best. it is always worth while to make sure you have a good, mechanical connection when you build in an inclusion. You can use wire, jumprings and any other form of fine silver. I usually give the wire a light sanding before building it in as well as cleaning it with solvent alcohol[solvent alcohol comes from your local paint or hardware supplier, do not use rubbing alcohol, it has impurities].
It may take 2 or more firings to fine tune the details of your piece but this is not a problem for the fine silver or the ACS products. Shrinkage is probably the main consideration.

2] Argentium sterling. - Works great with the ACS materials. Follow the methods for Fine Silver. I frequently use a thin layer of ACS 650 Overlay Paste after I finish the build in to seal and cover the inclusion [for fine silver this is not necessary]

3] Sterling SIlver - Handled properly Sterling will work fine fired into ACS products. Here's how: sand the surface of your sterling item and then clean with solvent alcohol. Try not to handle it too much [body oils] Build it into your piece. Then give it 2 or 3 very thin coats of ACS 650 Overlay Paste. You need to make sure that the Sterling is 'sealed in' by the paste. When dry, go ahead and fire it. If well coated, the sterling will not have contact with oxygen during the firing and off you go. Shrinkage can [ and probably will] happen - this will cause surface cracking. after firing DO NOT WIRE BRUSH - inspect carefully to determine what repairs you need to do to the surface. You can do these with clay type and overlay paste. Then fire again. Check /inspect and fire again as needed.

4]Brass & Copper elements - treat these much like Sterling Silver. Probably will take 2 or more firings as well as some experimenting to fine tune your methods.

5] Gold Fill, Plated items - these will not work. The plating or fill will be disrupted by the firing. If you have a special plated item that you must use - you can use the torch to burn the plating off and go from there or develop a cold connection method to attach it with. Make sure your 'special thing' is not pewter or some other soft metal as the torch will melt it.

6] Gold - I haven't experimented with it but - should work fine.

Other metals: Do some experiments

NOTE: Aluminum will NOT WORK - keep it away from the metal clays.