I have been reading about metal clay for quite some time and have
just begun experimenting. I have a few questions for those of you
that have used it. I am currently using Art Clay but I would like to
hear from you PMC’ers as well.
1- I know that all suggestions point to using only fine silver for
posts, jumprings, findings etc that will be fired with the clay but
why only fine? What is the problem with using sterling for things
that obviously will get wear?
2- I find that I HATE using oil as a release agent. It gets
everywhere and is a mess to clean no matter how careful I am. I am
using Badger Balm on hands and tools because it is a solid but has
olive and jojoba oil as the main ingredients along with cocoa and
shea butter. I still have a problem with release agent for my rubber
texturing stamps. Is there any reason why I shouldn’t use cornstarch
to dust them? It is organic, it will burn off the surface of the
piece during firing and it sure is easier to clean off the stamps
than oil or the balm.
Orchid Rules!..Karla in So. California