What is Metal Clay? A Short Introduction

Metal clay is an art medium primarily used to create wearable art jewelry. Metal clay has three ingredients: micron sized metal particles, an organic binder, and water.

It is sold as a lump but depending on the brand and type may be available as paste, pre-loaded in a syringe, or as a paper type also. Some varieties come in powdered form ready to be mixed with water. Metal clay comes in silver, gold, bronze, copper, and other metals.

A metal clay piece is created by shaping the clay while it is moist. Impressing textures and pushing the clay into molded forms are common methods of working with metal clay.

After drying, pieces can be sanded and shaped further. Pieces can be joined together.

The best way of firing a metal clay piece is with a small jewelry kiln. However, there are other methods of firing as well. During the firing process, the binders burn away and the metal particles “sinter” together to form a solid shape of the molded form. Some shrinkage occurs. Silver types of metal clay range from 92.5% to 99.9% pure silver.

High quality silver pieces can be open-shelf fired in the kiln.

Base metal clays like bronze and copper are best fired covered in carbon granules.

After firing, pieces can be finished in a variety of ways. It is common to brush a piece to bring about a matt finish.

Metal clay is often used in conjunction with tradition metalsmithing techniques and many artists combine it with other craft mediums.