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Firing Low-Fire Metal Clay with a Torch

By , About.com Guide

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Introduction and Supplies
Butane Torch

Butane Torch

Tammy Powley
Low-fire metal clay is called "low-fire" because it does not require the same amount of heat as regular metal clays to complete the firing process. This means you can use a hand-held butane torch to burn out the organic material in the clay and thus turn it into hard metal. One restriction, however, is the size of the clay pieces you fire. Generally, the size of the pieces you plan to fire should be no more than 25 grams of clay.

For those wanting to get started with metal clay but not ready to invest in a kiln or designers who just want to occasional make pieces but not put a large and expensive commitment into the supplies need, the low-fire clay is a great alternative, and learning to fire the clay with a torch is a relatively simple process.

You will need the following tools and supplies:

Low-fire silver metal clay that is ready for firing
Butane torch
Jar of water
Metal tongs
Fire brick or heat resistance pad

Note: You can find a small butane torch at most hardware stores. Most torches are easy to fill with butane by simply inserting the nozzle of the butane container into the bottom of the torch and pushing against it.

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