Metal Clay Powder?

Imagine owning the philosophers stone? Rather yet a philosophers powder in which you add water then burn in fire, and finally emerge an object of solid silver beauty.  You now have the power to transform mud into an object formed of fine silver.  The main ingredient is pure silver metal, along with organic binder and water.  When the product is fully air-dried, and fired at the appropriate temperature and time, the finished product will have great strength, and will take a polish just as any other silver metal object.

The purpose of the MCP?

Metal Clay Powder is supplied in two parts: a Silver pack and a Binder pack.  Some artist desire a binderless pure silver medium for designated projects while others want a versatile clay with almost indefinite shelf life. MCP is a value alternative enabling you to create larger artistic sculpture and maximize profit margin.

The advantage of metal clay powder?

MCP only needs water to bring it to life. Even hardened unused clay can be brought back to life with just a few drops of water.  If you have made a mistake such as your work-in-progress got cracked or broke, you can make a thin clay paste, and actually cement-together the pieces.  Or if you misspelled a chiseled out letter, just fill in with clay and make it right this time! Or say you destroyed your work-in-progress, simply dissolve it in a few drops of water then you have clay once again.  MCP has almost unlimited shelf life. To prolong the effectiveness of the binder it should always be kept in its bag and away from dampness.

What warnings?

Metal Clay Powder is non-poisonous, but then again a lot of silver powder in your system isn't good for anyone. The burning of the clay will sustain a flame for a short time, so keep clear of open flames and sparks.  Artisans should wear dusts mask and glasses if carving with a high speed rotary tool or powered sander/grinder. Improperly fired clay can pop and send chips flying.  MCP (moist) should not 'stay' in contact with other metal surfaces except silver or gold.  The clay powder does not contain mercury, lead ...only metal is Silver.  Don't burn plastics or melt away wax in a kiln. 

A More Workable Clay?

Once you have mixed your MCP silver999, you can knead in a drip or two of hand soap or Dawn liquid detergent (a soap free of phosphates and bleach).  This will increase drying time a bit but more importantly the clay will be softer more like hard cheese when fully dry allowing carving to be performed with a less risk of breaking or chipping.

Make a Base Mold:

A base mold is a form at which you will use as a basis to make your clay object on... similar to how a dressmaker use a form to measure patterns on.  The lowest cost base mold is made from ordinary beach sand.  First you should choose the sand, and sieve through a strainer to get the smallest possible grain size.  Wash this sand well in a pot, if possible boil the sand to wash and rinse away all salts, and debris. Now dry the sand by heating on stove or oven in a glass pot. Allow to cool then sieve this sand and place in a jar for storage.  To make the base mold, obtain methyl cellulose, tapioca, or modified grain starch and one heaping tablespoon should be enough for a coffee cup of sand. Add in small amounts of water until you can shape the sand easily into the shape you desire. Allow this to dry then form your metal clay around or on this sand mold and allow to dry on the mold.  If your metal clay object can easily be removed from the mold then take it off prior to placing in kiln; if not then place the clay object including base mold and fire at the required temperature for the metal clay.  Once cooled, the sand mold will fall to free flowing sand again at which can be discarded.  This is especially useful method when making hollow forms and larger 3D objects. There are fancy other products available including hollow glass spheres and carbon which shrinks too, all work well, but nothing beats sand price-wise.

 Wood Workers and Carpenters: Imagine Metallic Silver Inlay!

MCP can  be used as inlay.  Since the binders are made of plant based products, the clay will easily fuse hard to routed; either hand routed or laser routed wood. Sand it down once dried and buff the silver along with the wood surface then protect with linseed or a varnish.  This of course requires no burning, kiln, or firing and shrinkage around 7%.

Pottery & Plaster & Clay Artist:

MCP can be fired along with some pottery works, or unfired as a coating for plaster. It may also work as an inlay for low temperature cured polymer clay art.  Imagine the luster of silver to give a bas-relief a cameo appearance. Or s'grafitto with silver layers.