Art Clay Silver - Paste Type
Instructions:
[Characteristics]
ART CLAY SILVER consists of pure silver powder, binding agent and water. The binding agent is produced from harmless pulp fiber. During firing, the pure silver powder solidifies. The binding agent consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen resulting in the release of harmless carbon dioxide and steam during firing.
[Precautions]
- Some silver settling may occur at bottom of the jar. Stir the paste well with a brush or metal spatula before use.
- To dilute the paste, take out the necessary amount of and place it in a different container. Then, add necessary amount of water to dilute. Do not dilute it directly in the bottle.
- This product is water-based and can dry up. Always keep the container tightly capped. (If it dries up, add a little water to recover its original texture.)
- Wash the paste off your hands with water after work.
- Some kilns show a different temperature from the actual one. It is known that silver will melt at 1769ºF. It is recommended that your kiln firing does not exceed 1652ºF.
- During firing, oxygen can be consumed or smoke and gas emission may result with some remaining inside the kiln. Always be sure to ventilate the workroom.
- Keep the paste indoors out of direct sunlight (Do not keep it in the refrigerator).
- Keep the paste out of reach of children. Be careful not to splash the paste into your eyes or swallow. If this happens, see a doctor for consultation.
- Use the paste within 3 months from your purchase.
[Directions]
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Preparation
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- Place the necessary amount of paste in a small container. Dilute it with water if needed. Diluting it at the ratio of two parts paste to one part water would be recommended.
- Paint the mold evenly and thickly with a paintbrush. Let it dry. Then paint it again several times, allowing it to dry between each layer. Build up general layers so that it is thick and strong. A minimum of 8 layers is recommended.
- When the paste is used as an adhesive, apply it to both of the pieces until they fuse together without a seam.
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Drying
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Condition for Drying
- The piece should be fired only after complete drying. Dry the piece for more than 24 hours at room temperature or for about 30 minutes at around 210ºF. (Using a hair dryer would expedite the drying process)
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Firing
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1
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2
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Temperature
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1472ºF |
1600ºF |
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Holding Time
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30 min.
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10 min.
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- Place the piece in the kiln. (If you are firing more than two pieces, make sure the pieces are not touching each other).
- Fire the piece in a kiln at 1472ºF for 30 minutes, or 1600ºF, for 10 minutes. Then switch off the kiln.
- When the temperature falls below 1112ºF, take out the piece from the kiln and cool it to room temperature. (During firing, the piece contracts 8 to 10%)
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Finishing
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- 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. stainless brush burnisher, buff polishing, file, sandpaper etc.)
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Completing
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- The completed piece is pure silver (99.9%).
- If the fired piece is deformed, it can be bent back into shape with a rawhide mallet or gentle pressure with jeweler’s pliers.
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