Firing CopprClay
June 29, 2009 by Cyndi Lavin
Filed under Make Art Monday, Metal Clay, Tutorials & Techniques, Wearable Art
Firing the clay is a bit more work than silver. Copper and Bronze must both be kept from too much oxidation or you’ll just end up with a black burnt-looking surface. Therefore, these clays must be kiln fired. I used the recommended coconut shell-based granulated activated charcoal and a steel firing pan. (All tools can be found on Rio Grande’s website.)
I fired my first set of pieces all in one run, ramping up my kiln to 1700 F and holding for 3 hours. I didn’t use any special schedule for ramping up, and actually the temperature ended up going a bit too high on the first go, but it didn’t seem to affect the pieces. I was afraid that when I opened the kiln I’d find melted puddles in the firing box!
Here is a link to more process shots from my adventures in firing.
My next step will be to experiment with some different finishing techniques. I’m going to use a brass brush, and then burnish and buff these pieces. Maybe a few of them will go into the experiment pile for patination.
