Art Clay Silver Slow Tarnish (ST) Series
Short intro movie of Art Clay Silver Slow Tarnish (ST)
Characteristics of Art Clay Silver ST Series
- Special formula of Art Clay Silver ST allows pieces to tarnish 10 times more slowly than other Art Clay Series products.
- Consists of pure silver particles, binding agent and water. The binding agent is produced from non-toxic pulp fiber. During firing, harmless carbon dioxide is released.
- 8 to 9 % shrinkage after firing.
- After firing, this product turns into high quality silver (higher than 99% silver). *All soldering must be done after firing as the soldering temperature is lower than the firing temperature.
- ST piece will eventually tarnish over a much longer period of time. The tarnishing speed varies by climate, location, season and other conditions.
- Use of ST with the other Art Clay series (clay, paste and syringe types), requires that the pieces be fired at the designated ST temperatures.
Art Clay ST Clay Type
- Available in 10g ad 40g package
- This product is water-based. If the clay becomes stiff during shaping, add a few drops of water and knead it well.
- Take out only the amount of clay necessary for use. Place the rest of the clay in a plastic bag and keep it in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out.
- Do not use rubber bands to wrap the clay in plastic wrap as they may discolor the clay.
Art Clay ST Paste Type
- Available in 10g package.
- Some silver settling may occur at bottom of the jar. Stir the paste well with a brush or metal spatula before use.
- To dilute the paste, take out the necessary amount and place it in a different container. Then, add necessary amount of water to dilute. Do not dilute it directly in the bottle.
- Take out only the necessary amount of paste and keep the paste jar capped to prevent it from drying up.
Art Clay Silver ST Syringe Type
- Available in 10g package.
- By using a syringe type, you can draw designs directly on pieces (of clay type or paste type) and create subtle patterns which used to be difficult to produce with conventional materials.
- Attach the nozzle firmly on the tip of the syringe. If it is too loose, the nozzle may come off when pushing out the clay.
- The tip of the nozzle is delicate. Do not squeeze it on a hard surface.
- Shaping or designing with the syringe is finished, put the protection cap and wrap over the nozzle with a wet tissue or gauze to avoid drying.
- After using the syringe, make sure to clean out the remaining of the clay in the nozzle. You may use the nozzle cleaner (an empty syringe, optional) .
- Because the nozzle is a sharp object, do not point the nozzle of the syringe at a person’s face, especially the eyes.
Drying
Drying guideline for drying a piece up to 1mm thick, 5g: *If the piece is larger than this size, drying will require more time.
| Way | Time/Temperature |
|---|---|
| Hot air dryer | More than 10 mins. *1 |
| Electric Hot Plate | More than 10 mins at 150°C/ 302°F |
| Electric Kiln | More than 10 mins at 150°C/ 302°F |
| Natural Air dry method | More than 24 hrs |
*1 : Place the piece as close as safely possible to the hot air while taking care not to drop the piece.
***DO NOT dry the piece over 250°C/482°F, or the binder will be destroyed during drying and deform the shape during the firing process.***
Clay Dryness Test
Place the dried piece on a piece of stainless or glass plate while still warm. Leave for a couple of seconds, then remove your piece from the plate. If you do not see any vapor cloud on the plate where the piece was, drying is completed.
Firing
Firing with a kiln
＊ Firing with Butane torch, Gas stove are also available.
To fire, place the piece in a cold or warm kiln (below 300 ℃ /570°Ｆ recommended). It is safest to start with a cold kiln. Take at least 15 minutes to reach firing temperature. You may use any of the recommended firing temperatures and hold times listed below. If you are combining with other materials (e.g. man-made stone, glass), please check the appropriate firing temperature and hold time. If you are firing more than two pieces together, make sure the pieces are not touching each other.
| Firing temp | 800℃/1472°Ｆ |
| Holding time | At least 30 mins |
**You may fire ST series using a gas torch or on a cooking gas stove. Some restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask for the details from your purchasing source. If firing only syringe-lined piece, we recommend that you fire with a kiln. You can not fire syringe-decorated piece with core materials (cork clay, paper clay, etc.) inside with a gas torch or on a cooking gas stove.
Warning
- This product may crack and burst during firing if insufficiently dry.
- Oxygen is consumed during firing and smoke and gas emissions may result. Please fire in a well ventilated area.
- Do not place just-fired pieces on any flammable surfaces or combustible materials as the piece will be extremely hot and could cause a fire.
Caution
- Do not apply unreasonable pressure to the fired pieces.
- Keep the clay indoors out of direct sunlight and do not keep in a refrigerator.
- Use as soon as possible after opening.
- It may cause a crack during firing if the clay is not dried enough.
- Be careful of hot clay, as burns may result.
- Keep this product out of the reach of children.
- If you get any of this product in your eyes or mouth, flush immediately with plenty of water and call your physician.