Precious Metal Clay |
If you would like more information on PMC, please send me an email and I will be happy to contact you with more detailed information. |
Precious metal clay is a medium used to create fine silver jewelry. The clay is comprised of plant fiber and pure silver shavings. You can mold the clay into the design you wish and then fire it in any of 3 ways.
An electric kiln
A gas tabletop kiln
A torch such as the type used for creme brulee
After firing the piece comes out with a white coating. It is necessary to use a metal bristle brush to get the silver to show through. After brushing, a burnishing tool is used to make the item shinier. If you put the piece in a tumbler with mixed stainless steel shot, the pieces will come out with the best shine.
If you want to enhance the texture of the piece, liver of sulphur can be used to add color or blacken the piece. Then the piece is wiped with a buffing cloth.
Below are some links to sites where you can purchase the clay, links to tutorials on how to use the medium, and links to some educational material about PMC. There are also links to sites that will give information on getting a certification in PMC.
Metal Clay Connections is a newsletter that has recently been started to discuss PMC techniques and provide other PMC related information.
PMC Certification Information is available at the PMC Connections website.