Topics: Metal Clay, Firing

Q.
I recently got the Art Clay kit with my order and have followed all of the instructions that came with the kit and viewed the video. The clay is not firing as the instructions say it will and turned immediately to metal and then to black. Once it was heated to the pink glow that it stated in the video, I set my timer for 2-1/2 minutes like it said ... then before the time was up the clay liquified and turned to metal.
- Candace
A.
There are a few things to keep in mind before you begin firing your metal clay:

Size: The finished design should be no larger than a half dollar. Anything larger should be fired in a kiln.

Condition: The clay needs to be completely dry otherwise it will crack, pop and possibly break apart during firing with a torch or kiln.

Firing: During firing it is helpful to dim the lights so you can see the colors accurately. The color you are looking for is a peachy-salmon color--not pink or red. Once at the peachy color, start the timer set at 2-1/2 minutes. Try to hold this peachy color consistently. If the metal turns more toward red, pull the torch back to let the metal cool, a little. If you start to see any shine or flash, you have passed red and are now at a phase where the metal will melt--pull back a lot and let the metal cool a little. Continue heating but at the peachy color.

- Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Expert and Educator

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