COPPRclay Questions

[herrenfam]

FIrst off, sorry if this is in the wrong place.

I want to get into copper clay, but I don't have a kiln.  I was told by someone that you could fire the clay as you do PMC with a handheld butane torch.

Is this true?  Can the brand sold here be cured in that manner?  How do I cure it - I mean, for how many minutes?

Thanks for your help@

Michelle

I'm anxious to get my hands on some!

[daverobertson]

Hi Michelle,

Thanks for popping in & asking!  From what I gather, COPPRclay must be fired in a kiln.

But does anyone else have more information? I wonder if there are any workarounds that people have found.

[notatriplet]

Hi Michelle,

Let me start by saying that I am in no way an expert on BRONZclay or COPPRclay; but I spent hours reading information on both products prior to "product testing" BRONZclay.  And there is some very conflicting information available online, which definitely makes it difficult to create with confidence.

I can find no information stating that the COPPRclay can be fired by torch--and the manufacturer states it must be fired in a kiln.  The COPPRclay requires firing to a high temperature of 1650°F over several hours for sintering to be successful.  

Sorry this is not better news.

Mollie
Rings & Things Design Team

[Polly]

I personally haven't used it either.  However, the COPPRclay manufacturer says "To reduce oxidation, the clay must be surrounded by activated coconut-shell based carbon during firing. Do not use coal-based carbon on COPPRclay."  

Because of this requirement (or strong recommendation??), we sell a COPPRclay kit that has a 100g pack of COPPRclay, a stainless steel firing pan, and 2 pounds of coconut carbon.