You can fire Art Clay Silver in a kiln, on a gas hob, or with a blow torch. Ensure that all pieces are fully dried before firing. You can leave to dry naturally - overnight in an airing cupboard or other warm place (although this is not recommended for Slow Dry clay which takes longer). However, drying in a domestic oven is the method we recommend as it ensures the pieces are fully dried:
Art Clay Silver 650 clay: dry in a domestic oven for 20 minutes at 130C
Art Clay Silver 650 Slow Dry clay: dry in a domestic oven for 20 - 30 minutes at 180C
Firing on a gas hob
For pieces up to 30g and no larger than 5 x 3 x 2 cms
Do not use with cork clay core, or with artificial gemstones that are larger than 5mm.
To use an ordinary gas hob, or camping gas stove, lay a stainless steel mesh on the burner and place the fully dried Art Clay Silver pieces on the mesh in a circle where the flames will be strongest. You can cover with a safety mesh for added safety.
Turn the gas burner on full and use a skewer to push the pieces into the areas of the mesh that glow red. When the pieces themselves glow slightly, time them for 5 minutes. Then turn off the gas and allow to cool.
Firing with a blow torch
For small single pieces no larger than 25g
Do not use with cork clay core or artificial gemstones larger than 5mm
Lay the piece of dried Art Clay Silver on a Fibre Brick. Turn on the torch and adjust the flame until it goes yellow, then turn it back to just blue. Direct the flame at the piece, about 6-7cm away, keeping it moving. It will smoke a little as the binder burns off and blacken in places as the heat builds. When it glows gently, time it for 1 minute (longer for larger pieces). The surface will become white all over - continue firing until the time is up. Turn off the torch and leave the piece to cool.
If you see a silvery surface appear when firing with a torch, the flame is too close and the silver is beginning to melt. Pull the torch away quickly and the piece will not be damaged.
We do not recommend using small brulee torches or the pencil type blow torch for firing Art Clay Silver - these may not reach the high temperatures required and the fired silver will not be strong enough.
The Rekrow Blow Torch torch is highly recommended and comes with full instructions.
Firing with a kiln
Art Clay Silver is easy to fire in a kiln. The advantage of kiln firing is that you can fire much larger pieces than with the other two methods. You can also fire pieces with core materials such as Cork core clay and artificial stones. You will need a kiln with a temperature controller so that the temperature can be held at the right level for the time required. See the table below for temperatures and timings.
For more information on firing, see the firing instructions on Art Clay World UK:
If you do not wish to use online ordering, there is an order form to print out in "How to Order". Fill it in as you browse the pages, then post or fax it with your cheque or card details. Alternatively, telephone us with your order.
