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This product is made of 100% pure copper. COPPRclay shrinks about 20% of its original size during sintering. The density of fired COPPRclay is about 90% of cast copper. When properly sintered, COPPRclay can be bent and formed. Copper is a very soft metal and is easy to form, drill, saw and manipulate. This clay, when fired in a kiln, burns the binder away, leaving a solid, pure copper object.
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Uses
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COPPRclay can be used to create jewelry and decorative items. And, because it is copper, it's extremely affordable and can be used to sculpt large pieces. Its also great for artists who enjoy applying enamels.
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Workability
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COPPRclay is buttery-smooth and wonderful to work with. It should be kept cold when not in use and it may stiffen from the warmth of hands. Care should be taken to keep this clay wrapped. It tends to stain dry hands. Add only small amounts of water to create paste. Paste should be made very thick. A thin paste will not be effective. COPPRclay is excellent for carving and remains very flexible after drying.
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Embedded
Objects
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Copper wire can be embedded and fired in place. Some gemstones, lab gems and cubic zirconia can be embedded and fired in place.
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Firing
Options
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Kiln Temperature/Hold Time:
1650°F-1800°F/3 hours
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TechSpecs:
Firing Instructions
Phase 1 (open-shelf fire)
- For pieces 3mm thick or less: Place the piece directly on the firing shelf. Ramp at 500°F/hour (278°C/hour) then hold at 560°F (293°C) for 15 minutes.
- For pieces thicker than 3mm: Place the piece directly on the firing shelf. Ramp at 200°F/hour (93°C/hour) then hold at 560°F (293°C) for 15 minutes.
Phase 2 (sintering)
- Regardless of thickness: Embed the piece in coconut shell– based activated carbon inside a firing pan. Ramp at full speed to 1750°F (954°C) and hold for 3-1/2 hours.
- Allow the piece to cool naturally inside the kiln.
Open-Air Firing Option: Original testing done by Martha Biggar
COPPRclay can be fired openly on a kiln shelf and quenched afterward. Firing time is significantly reduced, and quenching removes much of the firescale that may form.
Please note: This optional technique has been tested on pieces about four cards thick and 2" in diameter. To start, it is recommended that you fire on piece at a time to gauge how your kiln performs and adjust the time and temperature settings needed for the pieces you fire. Also note that multiple pieces require more time to quench; this can increase the formation of firescale during the process.
Kiln Temperature: 1750°F
Hold Time: 30 minutes
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