Why is .999 Fine Silver so important when working with Metal Clay?
The relationship between .999 fine silver and Metal Clay is more important than most metal clay artisans realize. Due mostly to a lack of availability, most metal clay artisans will use sterling silver or SV980 silver findings and components with their metal clay creations. While Metal Clay is .999 pure silver, this presents a twofold problem. The first problem is compatibility. Anyone who has embedded sterling silver parts into silver metal clay are already aware of the problems of fire scale and oxidation. After firing your metal clay, you find that the embedded sterling silver parts will emerge blackened with fire scale (as shown on the left side of the image to the right) and oxidation needing subsequent cleaning operations. This would usually involve toxic chemicals or delicate wire brushing. When using .999 fine silver components you eliminate the fire scale and oxidation problems. The embedded .999 parts emerge just as bright silver as the surrounding metal clay (as shown on the
Related Questions
- Where can I find general information and detailed technical information, about working with the two types of silver metal clay?
- Where do I purchase materials for working with silver metal clay? Are there local suppliers people recommend?
- Why is .999 Fine Silver so important when working with Metal Clay?
