Tuesday, June 15, 2010

What is Metal Clay?

“Metal Clay” is a broad term used to describe various forms of a very exciting artistic medium. Metal clays currently available on the market include silver, gold, copper, steel, and bronze and are available from several different companies. Microscopic metal particles are suspended in a small amount of water and some variety of organic binder. Fresh from the package, the metal clay is soft and malleable and can be molded, formed, and shaped with nearly any tool you have available. Once the pieces are dry and hard they enter the “greenware” state. Filing, sawing, and gluing greenware pieces is one more way the project can achieve dimension and detail. When exposed to high heat, the water and binder are burned away and the metal particles fuse together, creating a solid metal object. The piece can then be finished with traditional metalsmithing techniques to bring out its true beauty.

The inherent flexibility of the product has made it a favorite for both traditional projects and those that incorporate metal clay into multi-medial works of art. No matter what your creative vision, metal clay is sure to add a new dimension to your work. Before long you’ll be a full-fledged Metal Clay Head…and now you have a home with us!

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