Hello,
Metal clays are talcum powder-fine metal particles, a binder, and
water. When metal clays dry, the water evaporates, the metal and
binder remain. That’s why adding water to dried metal clay will
reconstitute or rehydrate it. Adding other chemicals to metal clay
is not only unnecessary, but will interfere with the sintering
process!
There is only one instance where an additive is useful. That is when
small drops of an essential oil or a product called Pastemaker
(similar to essential oils) is added to metal clay slip/paste to
make a stronger material for joining the dried metal clay parts of
an object being made.
Please, if your experience with metal clay is lacking or limited,
don’t attempt to answer questions re: metal clay processes or
methodology, as it become confusing or misinforming. Guessing or
misremembering processes does not help those who are seeking
accurate on this forum. Since there are a number of
posters to this forum who are knowledgeable about metal clays, it
only makes sense to refrain from guessing, and let the experts
handle the answers. Certainly this applies to all techniques and
skills discussed on this forum.
This does not imply that asking for help using metal clays, that if
you lack (on any metals-related, jewelry-related, etc.
subject), you should not ask your questions. This forum is the go-to
place to ask for help. We are so very lucky to be able to get great
here from so many experienced metalheads, whose skill
levels are advanced and who understand a wide range of techniques.
Let’s try to be more accurate, generous with welcoming,
critically observant, and appreciative.
I do find it interesting that there is such a lot of discussion
around metal clays. so much interest, positive and negative. If
you’re one of those who is participating in this ongoing discussion
of the use of metal clays, and you have not used it, or have not
used it with any great success, check it out or come back to it
again, and with a good instructor. Learn the basics, and, if your
interest is still maintained after that, your other metals-related
skills can then be applied to the use of metal clays. As with every
single metal working technique, metal clays are not for everyone,
but there is always an advantage to adding a hands-on understanding
of a technique. one never knows when that technique can be put to
use.
Oh, and it is important to keep in mind that PMC, although the first
metal clay available in the United States, is only a name for one
brand of metal clay (my own metal clay of preference). There are
many brands, with “metal clay” being the generic name for all those
brands.
Rant over,
Linda Kaye-Moses