What is Metal Polymer Clay

Polymer clay:

If you have been in art, you would have probably though of different metal finishes and how you can incorporate them into your art work.

I have seen metal paints come on the market, so we get excited, now there is a new "kid on the block" or should I say metal clay.

That's right! you heard right... metal clay, or another name for it is Metal polymer clay.

Originally developed in Japan during the 1990s, metal clay is basically a clay-like substance that when fired in a kiln or with a torch becomes dense like metal.

Now I thought when I first heard of this metal polymer clay that it had metal powder mixed with the polymer clay.

Where you would be able to polish up the surface metal pigment with steel wool for example. Like you do with the metal paints on the market now.

I had no idea that this material consists of microscopic particles of pure silver or fine gold powder and a water-soluble, non-toxic organic binders... (which is very good to hear), organic binder which burns off during firing and the silver particles combine together to form a solid 99.9% pure silver piece which can be hallmarked SV999, and also ideal for enamelling.

Amazingly, most Metal Clay can be fired to sintering (fusing) temperature using a gas stove top, blow torch or kiln.

Although gold metal clay is much more expensive to use, the colour and richness is phenomenal and  it can be used to make some stunning solid gold objects or used sparingly to make beautiful accents on silver pieces or even sculptures that you can fire. Say with normal polymer clays.

Now this is exciting, and in its raw state, Metal Clay feels like play dough or putty which can be easily: shaped, moulded, or sculpted with simple tools or your fingers to create original works of art

So if working with metals, say with making jewellery, and you didn't want to work a torch , have an alternative where we can work on safety and with less complexity in setting up our studio for such things.

Metal Polymer Clay comes in : Silver Clay, Bronze Clay, Copper Clay, and also 22K Gold.

When metal polymer clay is dry, it becomes hard at this time and you can  engrave, file, and even carve it. Then you can finish your art piece off by sanding it to a flawless finish before firing it.

And another thing... after drying metal polymer clay, it can even be dehydrated with water back to paste/slip, leaving no waste.

• Shape the clay.

• Let it dry completely.

• Pre-finish your product.

• Fire it, either using a: Gas
  Stove, gas torch or kiln.

• Finish with a: stainless steel
  brush, or sand paper, or
  furnisher.

Metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or by using moulds, now this sounds great!.

You will also get a shrinkage of between 8% and 30% occurs (depending on the product used), yet this can be exploited by artisans to produce even finer detail.

Photo Courtesy: MandarinMoon

There are two popular brands of this material, Precious Metal Clay (PMC) and Art Clay Silver (ACS).

Since different types of metal polymer clay can heat at different temperatures and depending on the heat required to fire the clay, you have a number of options available to you, including a kiln,  torch, or a hot pot.

When using the torch, it would be best to use a  ceramic tile to set the metal clay on while you hold the torch over it to fire.

There are two companies who currently manufacture metal polymer clay, and their products are called Art Clay and PMC. Both of these brands are metal polymer clay; they are just made by different companies that's all.

Each of these manufactures also carry different types of metal clay, such as lump, slip, syringe, and paper.

Remember, the firing times differ depending on the formulas of each type of clay.

The main difference you’ll find between these different  types of clays, is the amount of metal that is mixed with the organic material (which is burned out during the firing process).

Such developments in this technology have lead to these metal clays which are made with very small metal particles, and this results in low temperature clays which can be fired with a hot pot or torch rather than a kiln.

It all sounds exciting, and I wonder what they will come up with next. Polymer clay has opened up a whole new world of what the artist, or non artist can do from within their own house alone.

And when you thing of these metal polymer clays, and adding them to other polymer clay sculptures you get wonderful more realistic sculptures, and even jewellery.

So looking into this product that apparently not as new as I had thought. or it has really only been noticed in the art world more commonly now, so that the art shelves are stacked with it now.

If you have not taken the time to have a look at this new art material, I suggest you should along and see for yourself.

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