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Metal clay (PMC)

· 1 min read · Techniques

Illustration: Metal clay (PMC)

Metal clay (PMC, Art Clay…) is a paste of silver, gold or copper particles with an organic binder and water. It is modeled like clay and, when fired, turns into metal.

Steps of the technique: Knead, Model, Dry, Fire, Cool, Finish
Summary of the steps

How it is done #

  1. The paste is modeled by hand or with molds and left to dry.
  2. It is filed and smoothed when dry.
  3. It is fired in a kiln or with a torch: the binder burns away and the particles sinter into metal.
  4. The piece is polished like any other.

Shrinkage #

The piece shrinks when fired (between 8 and 30% depending on the brand); design it a little larger.

Origin #

It was developed in Japan in the early 1990s and brought silver jewelry to people without a casting workshop.

Advantages #

No soldering or casting is needed; it takes textures, stamps and molds.

Step by step #

  1. Knead. Keep the clay moist as you work.
  2. Model. Shape by hand or with molds.
  3. Dry. Let it dry completely.
  4. Fire. Sinter in a kiln or with a torch.
  5. Cool. Let it rest.
  6. Finish. Brush, burnish and polish.

Tools and materials #

  • Metal clay (silver or copper)
  • Kiln or torch
  • Modeling tools
  • Brass brush and burnisher

Common mistakes #

  • Poor drying: it cracks when fired.
  • Not allowing for shrinkage (12-30%).
  • Firing at the wrong temperature.
  • Reusing clay that has already dried.

See also #

This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.