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Art Clay Silver - Slow Dry Type
Art Clay Silver Slow Dry is a terrific new product and is also packaged in the new *silver Mylar-sealed packet. The moister formula allows for braiding, weaving, and generally gives the artist up to 5 times more working time. It is wonderful for those who live in the dry areas of our country. We recommend the unfired clay to be no more than 3mm thick. You can make large items, but they need to be layered, such as flower petals, so the piece will dry properly. You may combine the Slow Dry elements with all other Art Clay types for firing.
Warning: Do not leave any clay in the syringe for any amount of time. If it dries it is very difficult to remove from the syringe.
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Preparation
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- Take out only the amount needed for your project and wrap the unused portion of clay tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store unused clay in an airtight plastic container. Cut a sponge to fit the bottom, moisten it and place the tightly plastic wrapped clay on top of the sponge then replace the lid sealing the container. If the clay is too dry to work with, leave the plastic wrap open to allow the clay to hydrate from the moist sponge, again replacing the lid to seal the container. Note: Do not keep the clay in the refrigerator.
- When you use newly opened Slow Dry or if the unused portion of Slow Dry seems stiff, warm it in the palm of your hand to soften it again.
- Do not combine any unused portion of Slow Dry with the original clay as they contain different types of binder.
- The most important thing to remember in working with Slow Dry: Make sure it is dry before firing!
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Molding
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- To join Art Clay Gold together or to mend a jointed area, use Art Clay Gold in paste form, which can be made as follows: Put Art Clay Gold in a small plate Add a few drops of water and blend it evenly with something like a spatula.
- Shape as you wish using your fingers, a mold, etc. If Art Clay Gold becomes stiff to handle, place it in a zip loc bag, add a few drops of water, and knead it until it becomes soft.
Note: Remember that the finished piece shrinks 15%, so size your piece accordingly.
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Drying
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Condition for Drying
Dry the piece completely at room temperature (more than 24 hours) or by a hair dryer, etc.
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Hair
Dryer
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At least 45 minutes with 1200 watt hair dryer at a distance of less than three inches. |
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Food
Dehydrator
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At least 30 minutes at 145ºF |
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Cooking
Plate
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At least 20 minutes at 300-330ºF |
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Electric Kiln
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At least 20 minutes 300ºF |
Warning: If you choose to use an oven or cooking plate you must not allow the temperature to exceed 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the temperature reaches 480 degrees Fahrenheit the binder begins to burn away and the piece will change shape and may break when handled.
- How to Check If the Piece is Completely Dried
Place the piece on a flat stainless, glass or plastic plate. After 10~20 seconds remove the piece. If there is no area of condensation left behind, it is completely dried.
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Firing
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To fire, place the piece in a cold or warm kiln (below 572ºF). It is safest to start with a cold kiln. Take 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. man-made stone, glass), please check the appropriate firing temperature and hold time.
Note: If you are firing more than two pieces, make sure the pieces are not touching each other.
| Schedule |
1 |
2 |
3 |
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Temperature
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1600ºF |
1562ºF |
1472ºF |
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Holding Time
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10 min. |
20 min. |
30 min.
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Finishing
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- The surface of the fired piece will be matte, but luster can be obtained by polishing. ( e.g. stainless brush, burnisher, sandpaper, etc.)
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Completing
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- The completed piece is pure silver (99.9%).
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[Precautions]
- Keep the clay Indoors out of direct sunlight.
- Use it as soon as possible after opening the package.
- Be careful of hot surfaces.
- Ventilate your workroom well during firing.
- 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.
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