Working with other materials
 

1. What types of metals work best with Art Clay Silver?
  2. What¡¦s the deal with sterling silver and copper turning black?
  3. What gemstones are best to use in Silver Art Clay?
  4. Can I use natural gemstones?
  5. What gemstones should I avoid using with Art Clay Silver?
  6. Can I fire Silver Art Clay onto ceramics?
  7. Can I incorporate glass with Art Clay Silver?
     
   
  1. What types of metals work best with Art Clay Silver?
    Fine silver, sterling silver, brass and copper all can work well with Art Clay Silver. Fine silver wire can be placed directly into the Art Clay and then fired together. The heat of the firing fuses them together, and there is no need to solder them. Brass and copper can also be used, but require special attention in design, so that the metals are captured in the Art Clay.
     
  2. What is the deal with sterling silver and copper turning black?
    That is firescale and it is copper to blame. That black coating is basically a result of heating copper in the presence of oxygen, and can be removed by filing and sanding. We don't recommend firing sterling at higher temperatures, like 800°C, or torch firing, because the firescale may prevent a good bond with sterling, which may cause problems. Depending on handling, sterling may become significantly weaker when fired.
     
  3. What gemstones are best to use in Silver Art Clay?
    We recommend laboratory grown stones, and cubic zirconium (CZs). You can easily set these into the Art Clay and fire them in a single firing. Remember to let the stones air cool, quenching a hot stone may crack or shatter the stone.
     
  4. Can I use natural gemstones?
    Some natural stones may be used, but there is always the possibility they will break, or shift colors. Stones that are harder than 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale should be strong enough to survive firing. Inclusions in the stone can cause the stone to break, and the heat may cause the stone to shift colors, often in unattractive ways.
     
  5. What gemstones should I avoid using with Art Clay Silver?
    Diamonds should not be fired, the quartz family are not recommended and do not use doublets. The clear top layer on this type of stone may melt, and remember that many green stones often are doublets.
     
  6. Can I fire Art Clay Silver onto ceramics?
    You have several options for working with ceramics. You can work with glazes that at the temperatures Art Clay is sintered at, or you can apply Art Clay to bisque. You can also use Overlay Silver Paste which is specially formulated to bond to glazed surfaces like porcelain.
     
  7. Can I incorporate glass with Art Clay Silver?
    Art Clay 650 series works great with glass. At lower temperatures of 650°C - 740°C, there is little glass movement, and no yellowing. The glass will stick directly to the silver, allowing for very creative designs. Care should be taken to properly handle and fire the glass, as glass should be annealed slowly in a kiln. Fiber paper should be used under the glass to give it a smooth backside. If you wish to draw or paint a silver design on a glass surface, Overlay Silver Paste can be used for that purpose as Overlay Silver Paste can be fired from 650°C.