FAQs

What is metal clay?
Metal clay was first developed in the early 1990’s by scientists at Mitsubishi Materials in Japan. It is composed of a naturally occurring, non toxic food grade binder; pure water and microscopic particles of fine silver or gold. This malleable, putty like material can be used like conventional earthen clays. It is easily molded, textured, shaped and formed. After drying it can be carved, sanded and drilled. When the final work is ready, metal clays are fired at high temperatures to burn away any remaining moisture and all binders, allowing the metal particles to fuse or "sinter" together into a solid mass. Due to the absence of the water and binder, the object will shrink anywhere between 8 and 30% depending on the exact product used. After firing, metal clay items are pure silver or gold and may be worked like conventionally milled metals. They can be filed, soldered and finished using traditional tools.

Who makes metal clay?
At the moment there are only two companies who manufacture ready made metal clay products. Mitsubishi Materials produces Precious Metal Clay (PMC). Aida Chemical Industries, also of Japan, makes a nearly identical material called Art Clay Silver (ACS).

What’s the difference?
While the binder used by each manufacturer is different, and users report a slight difference in the working properties, both brands of metal clay are very similar.  ACS claims shrinkage of 8-10% and PMC’s ranges from 30% for Standard to 12-15% for PMC+ and PMC3.  ACS also has some products that PMC doesn’t carry, like Oil Paste (used to join either brand of fired silver metal clay to other fired metal clay or even traditionally milled fine silver - I love this product).

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