Precious Metal Clay
For many jewelry makers who have dreamed of working with metal but have had nightmares about using the torch, Precious Metal Clay, aka PMC, is their dream come true. However, just as with any artistic medium, a financial commitment must be made. The bad news for PMC is that a kiln is required. The clay is also not cheap, averaging about $30 U.S. an ounce. The good news is that most of the other tools used for PMC can be found around your house. Though you must weigh the cost yourself, the average jewelry maker can get started with PMC with the following tools and supplies.
Here are the expensive items you’ll need:
Kiln: PMC must be fired up to 1600 degrees F (871 degrees C) in order for the clay to turn into metal. Most kilns, as long as they can reach this temperature, can be used for PMC, glass fusing, bead annealing, lost wax burn out, and also enameling. So though a kiln is the most expensive piece of equipment you’ll need, it can have many other applications other than PMC. Kilns can start around $100 and go up to $800 or more. On average, the larger the kiln the larger the price tag. I currently have a kiln, purchased through Arrow Springs, and it cost about $500. The shelf inside the kiln is 8" x 8". So it is an average to small size kiln.
Roller: In order to roll the clay out, you’ll need a roller. I used an piece of PVC approximately 6 inches long in length and about an inch in diameter.
Graph Paper: Slip this under the clear plastic. The lines on the paper help you line up and cut squarely.
Playing Cards: A few cards come in handy (about 10 or so) when rolling out clay. Put she same amount of cards on either side of the clay when rolling. This process will be demonstrated in future PMC projects on this site.
Emery Board: After pieces are fired, there might be some finishing work needed just as with any metal work. However, little filing is required, so an emery board or fine sand paper may be used.
Olive Oil: Clay can be sticky. Olive oil should be applied to hand (you don’t need much), and your roller to prevent the clay from sticking.
Metal Mesh: A small piece of metal mesh is handy for drying clay before it is put in a kiln.
Vermiculite: If you are three dimensional pieces, such as beads, after they dry you’ll want to place them in some vermiculite. Then they can be fired in this, and you won’t get a flat side to your piece.
Textured Scraps: Lace, mesh, and other textured material is great for creating textures in the clay.
Boy, that sure seems like a truck load of supplies, and I’m sure you might find other tools that would be helpful with PMC. However, I was able to find many of the supplies listed here around my house. You probably will also find all kinds of items that you could put in your clay tool box.
All graphics created by Tammy Powley.