What Metal Clays Can Be Torch Fired?
Torch firing is a fantastic way to work with metal clay when you don’t have access to a kiln, or when you want a fast, satisfying firing method. But not every type of metal clay is suitable for a torch. This guide breaks down which clays can be torch fired, and how to do it safely and successfully.
Torch Friendly Metal Clays
These clays sinter fully at temperatures that can be reached with a butane torch. It is important to keep your piece under 25 grams, and ideally not much bigger than 1.25” as anything bigger is impossible to keep evenly heated for the whole firing. It is not recommended to torch fire a stone any larger than 5mm due to possible thermal shock and cracking.
Fine Silver Metal Clay (99.9% Silver)
Fine silver is the most reliable metal clay for torch firing, but not all can be torch fired. The following brands of fine silver clay can be torch fired:
How to Torch Fire Fine Silver Metal Clay
Place your piece on a firing brick. When heat is initially applied, a small flame and fume is to be expected. This is the binders burning off from the fine silver. The target temperature to sinter is reached when the piece begins to glow a peachy color. Once the piece begins glowing a bright peachy color, start the timing of the firing, and maintain the peachy glow for 2-5 minutes.
Allow the piece to cool, or quench it. Note: do not quench any pieces that have stones fired in place, as the quenching will cause thermal shock to the stones resulting in cracks or breaks.
Safety note: Always work in a well ventilated area when torch firing. Pull back hair and wear safety glasses and gloves.
Copper Clay
Base metal clays, such as bronze, copper, brass, and steel offer rich colors, great strength, and affordable options for jewelry artists. But unlike fine silver, they cannot be torch fired. Instead, they must be kiln fired, usually in activated carbon.
The only base metal clay that can be torch fired is Art Clay Copper.
How To Torch Fire Art Clay Copper
Place your piece on a firing brick and heat it until it reaches a bright, cherry-red glow - hotter than what’s required for silver. Maintain this temperature for 5–7 minutes, adjusting for the size and thickness of the item.
Copper should be quenched immediately the moment you pull the flame away. Quick quenching minimizes fire scale and oxidation. Keep a bowl of water close to your firing brick, ideally level with or slightly below the edge of your fiber brick. Using long tweezers or tongs, you can either push the piece directly into the water while keeping the flame on it, or pull the flame away and swiftly drop or slide the piece into the water.
Safety note: Always work in a well ventilated area when torch firing. Pull back hair and wear safety glasses and gloves.
Watch how to torch fire metal clay in our video here.
