
Precious Metal Clay was developed and patented by the Mitsubishi
Materials Corporation of Japan in the 1990’s. It consists
of particles of pure silver (.999) or pure gold in a water
base, non-toxic binder. It can be worked like ceramic clay
and takes on texture very well. When it is fired in a kiln
(up to 1650°F, 900°C) or with a torch, the binder
burns off and the metal particles are fused. You can add more
clay to the metal and fire it again. Certain stones can also
be set in place before firing.
I really enjoy working with PMC as it allows me to bring
to fruition ideas I had long ago withno feasible means to
execute. It also made a lot of other techniques possible in
a much easier manner. I love fossils and to get their texture
into metal used to be a much more involved process. Now I
can press them right into the PMC and fire them in the kiln.
It’s fabulous!
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