Art Clay Silver - Paste Type

Characteristics

Art Clay Silver Paste Type consists of pure silver particles, a binding agent and water. The binding agent is produced from harmless pulp fiber. During firing, the pure silver particles solidify. The binding agent consists of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen resulting in the release of harmless carbon dioxide and steam during firing. This product is low-fire clay that can be fired at 650ºC/1200ºF, and is pure silver (99.9%) after firing. The special formula of this product allows for combination with glass, porcelain and ceramic materials, and is also suitable for firing with sterling silver findings or wires (SV925 and higher quality recommended).

Note: Do not fire a soldered piece with 650/1200 Paste as the soldering temperature is lower than the firing temperature.

Instructions

Some silver settling may occur at the bottom of the jar. Stir the paste well with a brush or a metal spatula before use. To dilute the paste take out the necessary amount and place it in a different container. (Do not dilute directly in bottle.) This product is water-based and can dry up. Always keep the container tightly capped. (If it becomes too thick, add a little water and stir well) Wash the paste off your hands with water after use. The clay may crack during firing if it is not completely dry. Some kilns display a different temperature from the actual inside temperature. It is known that silver will melt at 961ºC/1763ºF. It is recommended that your kiln firing temperature does not exceed 900ºC/1652ºF. You may combine 650/1200 Paste with the original silver clay series (clay, paste and syringe types), but the firing conditions should be the same as the original clay series.

Note: Do not bend the fired piece with unreasonable pressure. Keep the clay indoors, out of direct sunlight, and do not store in a refrigerator. For best results use the clay as soon as possible after opening the package.

Dry completely
Always be sure to ventilate the workroom
Do not place hot pieces near flammable objects

Take care not to get burned with the heated clay when drying, firing, and after 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

Preparation	Place the necessary amount of paste in a small container. Dilute with water if necessary. (Recommended dilution ratio: 2 parts paste to 1 part water.) Because the piece will shrink 8-9% during firing, consider its finished size. Paint any molds with thick, even layers allowing for ample drying time between each layer. A minimum of 8 layers is recommended. If the paste is being used to join pieces, apply it to both surfaces until no seam is evident. If combining sterling findings or pure silver wire to the piece, please do it at this stage. It is recommended that you use a quality equal to or higher than SV925 (contains 92.5% pure silver or higher). The most important thing to remember when working with 650/1200 Paste: Make sure it is completely dry before firing!
Drying
	The following is a list of recommended ways to completely dry the paste before firing.
	Hair Dryer	At least 10-15 minutes with 1200 watt hair dryer at a distance within 5-10cm/3in. from the piece.
	Food Dehydrator	At least 10 minutes at 60ºC/145ºF
	Oven	At least 10 minutes at 180ºC/330ºF
	Hot Plate	At least 10 minutes at 150ºC-180ºC/300ºF-330ºF
	Electric Kiln	At least 10 minutes 150ºC/300ºF
	Air Dry	At least 24 hours at room temperature.
	Warning: Do not apply heat above 250ºC/480ºF or the binder will begin to burn away. How to Check If the Piece is Completely Dry Place the piece on a flat Stainless Steel, glass, or plastic plate. After 10-20 seconds remove the piece. If there is no area of condensation left behind, it is completely dry.
Firing
	To fire, place the piece in a cold or warm kiln (below 300ºC/570ºF). (It is safest to start with a cold kiln.) Take at least 15 minutes to reach firing temperature. You may use any of the four firing temperatures and hold times listed below. If you are combining with other materials (i.e. natural stones, glass), please check the appropriate firing temperature and hold time.
	Schedule	1	2	3	4
	Firing Temperature	650ºC/1200ºF	700ºC/1290ºF	750ºC/1380ºF	780ºC/1435ºF and higher
	Holding Time	At least 30 min.	At least 15 min.	At least 10 min.	At least 5 min.
	Note: If you are firing more than two pieces, make sure the pieces are not touching each other. You may fire Art Clay Paste using a gas torch or a gas stove. Some restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask for details from your supplier.
Finishing	The surface of the fired piece will be white and matte due to the crystallization of silver, but luster can be obtained by polishing. (i.e. Stainless Steel brush, burnisher, sandpaper, file, etc.)
Completing	The completed piece is pure silver (99.9%).

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