Dry Your Metal Clay Design Thoroughly Before Firing

For better design we have to focus on the details... #followme #metalclay #silverclay #texturenglint

Why?

Before firing any type of metal clay, the clay has to be completely dry (bone dry). Information on different drying equipment and setting them up is coming soon in here...

If piece you designed is moist, even slightly, the moisture in it will turn into steam in the kiln. This steam will cause rupture, blister or crack in your design as it will try to escape from the piece.

If something like this happens, repair will become mandatory and design time will be extended for slight mishap.

Moisture Test

To check if piece is completely dry, take a mirror. Keep the metal clay piece on it for at least 3 seconds. Now, pick up the piece from mirror. If there is fog on the mirror surface means clay is still wet yet. We have to dry the piece again.

Note:

If you are building a piece with multiple parts, dry all the pieces separately before joining them. Dry pieces are easy to handle. They are easy to sand and refine before joining.

Design is in the Details, anyway!