Art Clay Silver Regular Zilverklei Pasta 10 gram is ready to use straight from the packaging and consists of 99% pure silver, binder, and water. This original paste contains less binder than silver clay, which has the advantage of reducing shrinkage during firing. The 10 grams of paste is ideal for joining different parts of dried clay and is necessary for working with already fired silver, sterling silver, and securing fine silver findings on silver. It is also sufficient to make 1 small sheet with paste. After firing, the silver clay paste achieves a purity of 99.9% silver and can be certified as 925 silver in the Netherlands.
Note: The paste can dry out after opening. Add a few drops of distilled water and let it sit for a while. Stir thoroughly with a toothpick before using the paste.
Composition and Application
- Repairing fired silver, resizing rings
- Joining dried clay and/or fired silver
- Securing fine silver findings on fired silver
This new paste composition is 90% silver and 10% binder and water. In the previous version, it was 80% silver and 20% binder. Do not add leftover silver clay or filing dust to the jar, as this contains less silver in relation to the binder (80/20). The silver clay paste is specially designed for joining dried clay, fired silver, and securing fine silver findings on silver. This paste provides an excellent way to combine pieces without the clay shrinking too much during firing, preventing separation from the silver.
Shaping Phase
The silver clay paste is easy to work with and ideal for adding textures, securing setting bands, or making jewelry from natural objects like leaves. It is recommended to apply the paste with a brush or in multiple layers. Start with a thinned layer and allow it to dry thoroughly. Then, apply 10-12 layers of undiluted paste, allowing each layer to dry in between. This will ensure strong adhesion and a beautiful, detailed finish.
Drying Phase
It is crucial to ensure that the piece is completely dry before applying a new layer. Drying time depends on the thickness of the applied paste and environmental conditions. Patience is key to prevent the paste from flowing or not adhering properly. You can speed up the drying process using a hairdryer or household oven. Once the paste is fully dry, the piece will have the hardness of plaster, allowing you to continue working, repairing, or joining parts. Apply at least 3 layers of paste since it contains a lot of water and forms very thin layers. Building up layers strengthens the seam and the connection.
Shrinkage and Firing
The regular silver clay has a shrinkage of about 9-10% during firing. Since the silver clay paste contains less binder, it will shrink much less than regular silver clay. It is essential to ensure that the piece is fully dry, especially after adding moist paste. The ideal firing temperature is between 800°C and 900°C. Firing time may vary depending on the heat source.
Finishing Phase
After firing, the silver clay paste has a crystalline structure that appears white. To finish, you can use a polishing brush for a matte finish. For a higher gloss, you can use polishing sponges, an agate pen or polishing needle, or sanding discs with a Dremel. Using polishing paste will give your piece a beautiful, bright silver color and a glossy surface.
Available Packaging
Art Clay Silver Regular Zilverklei Paste is available in:
Contents:
- 10 grams of silver clay paste
- Instruction sheet
For more information, read our Silver Clay FAQ for further explanation on silver clay.
