English firing schedules of 950 Silver clay from Art Clay Silver ACS950_firing_schedules.pdf

FAQ ACS950_Basic_instructions_and_FAQ.pdf


When to choose Art Clay Silver 950 Professional?

Art Clay Silver 950 Professional is the ideal choice when you are looking for silver clay with greater strength, but without compromising the flexibility offered by regular silver clay (999). This product combines the best qualities of silver clay with the durability and precision of professional silversmithing. It offers the perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and durability, making it ideal for creating delicate yet sturdy jewelry such as rings, cufflinks, and other refined designs. This clay has a unique composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, resulting in a harder alloy than traditional silver clay.

Important: A special kiln is required to work with this clay. Fired pieces may break if bent by hand. Working the clay after firing is similar to traditional silversmithing. Always use a hammer and a metal mandrel to safely bend fired designs. Good tools are essential for professionally finishing your jewelry. These tools are available in our shop.

Note: For maximum strength, fire the clay for 4 hours at 870°C.


Not only for fired Art Clay Silver but also for many other metals

The designs shown in the image below are examples of pieces that may pose challenges during the bending process. These may include height differences due to engraving or stamping, inconsistent thickness, or connections and attachments.

Always make sure to place the piece on a metal surface (such as a metal mandrel or metal anvil) when bending or hammering.

Work gradually on the piece, processing it step by step so that you can better control it and achieve the desired result. If the piece becomes too hard, anneal (soften it for further processing) by placing it in a kiln at 800°C for 1-2 minutes.

Advantages of Art Clay Silver 950 Professional

Stronger and More Durable

With 60% higher strength than traditional fine silver clay*, this clay is more resistant to wear, scratches, and everyday stress. This makes it ideal for delicate designs such as jewelry that is thin, narrow, or open, as well as other refined jewelry pieces.

Professional Quality

After firing, this clay contains 95.0% silver, combined with copper for a harder alloy. Although it is softer than cast silver, it offers an excellent balance between strength and flexibility, making it perfect for professional use.

User-Friendly and Safety

The clay is ready to use and comes in a pre-mixed form, allowing you to start immediately after opening the package. The clay dries naturally, giving you enough time to create detailed designs. You can work in parts and join them together with paste.

Art Clay Silver 950 Professional is produced according to strict guidelines for safe and non-toxic products. The material is tested by independent agencies to ensure that it is suitable for use in jewelry that comes into direct contact with the skin. The certificate that Art Clay Silver 950 receives confirms the purity of the silver and ensures that it meets the requirements of international standards for jewelry and precious metals, making it a reliable and safe product to work with.

Ideal for Sales and Gifts

The scratch resistance and durability make this clay perfect for jewelry that is worn daily. It is an excellent choice for artists who want to offer high-quality, long-lasting creations to customers or as gifts.

How to Work with Art Clay Silver 950 (Professional)

Required Tools and Preparation

To work with Art Clay Silver 950, you can use the basic tools you would use for regular silver clay. These are available in our shop. Make sure to use an electric kiln with temperature control, as this clay is not suitable for gas stoves or burners.

We recommend bending the clay while it's still in its clay form, but it is also possible to bend it after firing. Once the clay is fired, it becomes silver and should be treated as such. Fired pieces can break easily if you bend them by hand, so use a metal mandrel and a nylon hammer. The approach to working with it after firing is similar to traditional silversmithing, meaning you'll need additional tools to professionally finish your designs.

Firing Art Clay Silver 950

The clay should be fired in the following way for maximum strength:

  • Place your piece on a fiberboard and put it at the bottom of the special kiln (cold).
  • Set the temperature to 500°C (932°F) and hold it for 30 minutes.
  • Set the temperature to 870°C (1598°F) and hold it for 60 minutes (maximum 4 hours).
  • Turn off the kiln and let the piece cool down to 200°C (392°F) before removing it. This is important for achieving maximum strength.
  • Let the piece cool completely before further processing.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Does working with Art Clay Silver 950 differ from regular Art Clay Silver?

  • Working with Art Clay Silver 950 feels similar to regular Art Clay Silver, but the clay may feel slightly stiffer when unpacked. It is important to knead the clay well before use.

Can I use Art Clay Silver 950 to attach dried pieces together?

  • Yes, you can make a paste from Art Clay Silver 950 by mixing it with water to attach dried pieces. For joining fired pieces, you can use regular Art Clay Silver paste and re-fire it at 800°C.

Is it possible to mix Art Clay Silver 950 with other Art Clay products?

  • It is not recommended to mix Art Clay Silver 950 with other Art Clay products (such as Slow Tarnish) as it may alter the properties of the clay, potentially causing damage during firing.

What is the shrinkage when firing Art Clay Silver 950?

  • The shrinkage after firing is about 10-13% in length, which is slightly more than regular Art Clay Silver. For rings, it is advisable to make the size larger to account for this shrinkage.

Can I mark Art Clay Silver 950 with a hallmark?

  • Yes, the purity after firing is 95%, which meets the requirements for the 925 sterling silver hallmark.

How should I store Art Clay Silver 950?

  • Since Art Clay Silver 950 dries out during use, it is important to only take out the necessary amount from the package. Leftover clay should be well wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. Do not store it in the freezer.

Results may vary depending on firing and measurement conditions.

Read our Silver Clay FAQ for more information on silver clay.