Precious Metal Clay

[Kirrashi]

Hello! I'm looking into trying PMC/Art Clay Silver and I want to know more about firing it..  I don't particularly want to spend a lot of money on a kiln specifically for it, but I think I would be uncomfortable with a torch.. (Perhaps I could have someone help who isn't though.)

I have a small ceramics kiln in my garage, does anyone know if this would work for pmc/acs? It hasn't been used in a while, so it would probably need to be cleaned and checked to make sure it worked properly but that would definately be less expensive than buying a new one.

One more thing, how much filing/sandoing/buffing is actually needed? Starter kits come with lots of various tools, but how many of them are actually important? Can I use tools that I've been using for polymer clay?

thanks for reading all that!

[meshell]

Hello! I'm looking into trying PMC/Art Clay Silver and I want to know more about firing it..  I don't particularly want to spend a lot of money on a kiln specifically for it, but I think I would be uncomfortable with a torch.. (Perhaps I could have someone help who isn't though.)

I have a small ceramics kiln in my garage, does anyone know if this would work for pmc/acs? It hasn't been used in a while, so it would probably need to be cleaned and checked to make sure it worked properly but that would definately be less expensive than buying a new one.

One more thing, how much filing/sandoing/buffing is actually needed? Starter kits come with lots of various tools, but how many of them are actually important? Can I use tools that I've been using for polymer clay?

thanks for reading all that!

I have never used a ceramics kiln for PMC, but as long as your kiln can achieve the proper firing temp (and hold it there for the necessary time), I think it would work.  I think the main disadvantage is that even a small ceramics kiln is probably a lot larger than a jewelers kiln, thus takes more time and money to heat it...

I think the starter kits are very helpful, but there are definitely other options.  Look at the tools in the starter kit, and see what you have that you could use instead.  Then just experiment!

One thing to remember is that you should do as much finishing as possible before you fire the piece.  It is much easier to sand hardened clay than a fine silver object.  When you are sanding clay, you can use fine sandpapers or emery boards/nail files.  If you find a rough edge after the piece has been fired, you'll need small files and sandpaper to smooth it.

Also, when fired PMC comes out of the kiln, it has a white look to it.  The silver needs to be burnished to look shiney.  Many people do this by tumbling their work, but you can also rub the piece with a burnishing tool.

Good luck--let us know how everything goes!

[Kirrashi]

Thank you! and I will! I think I need to save up a little before I go buy it though. And Figure out how my kiln works and if it will get hot enough. (I'll ask the ceramics teacher ar school, he's awesome.)

[hallecats]

Have you tried reading up on PMC?  There are some great books out there!  I love working with polymer clay and have an interest in PMC also.  The results look awesome.

[Hippie9]

This is a wonderful thread by the way....:-)

[dvinedesigns]

Hi. I just started working in PMC and love it. Im hooked. I will be going for my certification in STOCKTON NJ in April. Anyone else going?

There is a place in Pennington NJ I took my first class with. Its http://artfulbeadstudio.com/    check it out. Really nice bead store too.

Good luck to you. Enjoy it.

[princess evangeline]

QUICK QUESTION - I am looking to purchase the Firebox 8 Kiln by Skutt and was wondering if anyone has ever used this for firing PMC? I want to be able to fire PMC and use for glass fusing...... should work out for both, right?
Thanks!

[spurtiic]

Oh, man, I dunno...but I just looked at PMC stuff and I'm dying to try it now! Ahh... too. many. crafts. in. one. short. lifetime.  Help!

[Galena]

YAY! I've been ordered a beginners kit for Christmas. can't wait to have a go, it seems like such a great idea.

the kit comes with a torch, and a probably much needed instruction DVD. hehe.

and I'm sure I'll be in and out of here shouting HEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP! a lot. sorry guys 

[Galena]

told you I'd be back with questions.

do you reckon I could use one of these fingernail shaper/buffer machines to polish it up.

I mean, it can't be that harsh, it's for your nails.

http://www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&productId=121292&callingViewName=&langId=-1&catalogId=11051

just wondering. I'm more likely to use it if it's craft stuff than on my rather neglected nails.