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Art Clay™ Silver 650 Clay
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Handout #68-007-01
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[Characteristics]
Art Clay™ SILVER 650 consists of pure silver particles, binding agent and water. The binding agent is produced from harmless pulp fiber. During firing, the pure silver particle solidifies. The binding agent consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen resulting in the release of harmless carbon dioxide and steam during firing.
[Precautions]
- Keep the clay indoors, out of direct sunlight.
- Do NOT refrigerate the clay.
- Use the clay soon after unsealing.
- 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.
[Instructions]
This product is water-based. If the clay becomes stiff during shaping, add a few drops of water and knead it well. You can prevent the clay from sticking to your hands by rubbing them with a few drops of olive oil first. Do not use rubber bands to wrap the clay in plastic wrap (they might discolor the clay). It is recommended your firing temperature never exceed 900°C/1652°F. Always be sure to ventilate the workroom. Take out only the necessary amount of clay. Place the rest of the clay in the original 650 bag or a zipper bag and keep it in a sealed container to prevent it from drying up. You may combine any unused portion of 650 with the original clay series (clay, paste and syringe types), but the firing condition should be same as the original clay series.
[Directions]
Preparation
- Take out necessary amount of clay. When you use newly opened 650 or if the unused portion of 650 seems stiff, knead it in the palm of your hand to soften.
- Because the piece will shrink 8-9 percent during firing, make the mold larger than the finished size.
Molding and Drying
The clay must be dried completely, which may be done in the following ways:
- Hair dryer: At least 10-15 minutes with 1200w dryer. Place the dryer within 10cm/4in of the piece.
- Food dehydrator: At least 10 minutes at 60°C/145°F
- Oven: At least 7 minutes at 180°C/330°F
- Cooking plate: At least 7 minutes at 150-180°C/300-330°F
- Kiln: At least 7 minutes at 150°C/300°F
- Natural drying: At least 1 hour at room temperature
Do not apply heat over 250°C/480°F, or the binder will burn away and the shape of the layer may change.
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
Kiln firing: Place the piece in a cold or warm kiln (below 300°C/570°F). 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. If you are firing more than two pieces, make sure the pieces are not touching each other.
- 650°C/1200°F: hold time 30 minutes
- 700°C/1290°F: hold time 15 minutes
- 750°C/1380°F: hold time 10 minutes
- 780°C/1435°F and above: hold time 5 minutes.
You may fire 650 using a gas torch or on a cooking gas stove. Some restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask for the details from your purchased source.
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%).
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