Getting Started with Metal Clay

Metal Clay Tools

What do I need to get started in metal clay?

No matter what type of metal clay you want to work with, there are some basic tools that are needed. You'll need tools for handling metal clay while it's moist, for refining and constructing the clay after it's dry, and for finishing the metal once it's been fired.

You can get a quick start with a kit that has many of the basics you need. Our basic tool kits are shown below. You can also learn about the stages of metal clay work and the tool options available to customize a tool kit on your own.

Metal Clay Tool Kits

Economy Starter Kit 

This kit includes the most basic tools necessary for working with metal clay. The Economy Starter Kit is designed for those who want to spend the smallest amount possible to get started working in fine silver, silver alloy, bronze, copper, or gold clays. The kit includes basic clay working, forming and finishing tools.
    Shop Economy Starter Kit  

    Basic Starter Kit 

    This kit includes the basic tools and some extras that will allow you more design options and easier ways to work. Any type of clay can be used with the Basic Starter Kit. In addition to the Basic Starter Kit, you'll need to choose a firing method.

      Shop Basic Starter Kit 

      Deluxe Starter Kits 

      These kits are for the serious metal clay jewelry artist. We've included everything you need to create in any kind of metal clay. Choose from Deluxe Kits with or without firing a kiln or torch. Please note: If you are interested in the kit with a torch, keep in mind that not every metal clay can be fired with a torch and requires a kiln.

        Shop Deluxe Starter Kit
        Shop Deluxe Starter Kit with Torch
        Shop Deluxe Starter Kit with Paragon SC2 Kiln
        Shop Deluxe Starter Kit with UltraLite Studio Kiln

        Metal Clay Polishing & Patina Kits 

        These kits give you the basics you will need to polish and patina your metal clay creations like a pro. Choose from Patina Gel or Liver of Sulphur.
        Shop Polishing & Patina Kit with Liver of Sulpher
        Shop Polishing & Patina Kit with Patina Gel

        Metal Clay Firing Kits

        Fine silver clays can be fired with a small butane torch, an enameling kiln, a tabletop jewelry kiln, or a gas burner. Other metal clay types, such as bronze copper and silver alloy clays, require a carbon firing.

        We've created firing kits to save you time in selecting the tools you will need for firing the type of metal clay you want to work with. If you are unsure of what type of metal clay you'd like to work with, be sure to read our summary of metal clay types and usage to familiarize yourself with the firing options for each clay type.

        Economy Torch Firing Kit 

         

        This kit includes the very basic tools you will need to fire fine silver, gold and copper clays with a torch. Even if you want to move up to a digital jewelry kiln eventually, you will want and need a torch in your tool box. A butane torch is inexpensive, easy to use and will allow you to do some simple soldering and metalsmithing tasks that will come in handy as you gain skills in jewelry making. Save money by making your own head pins and designer earwires. Please note that not every metal clay can be torched fired.

          Shop Economy Torch Firing Kit 

          Kiln Firing Essentials Kit 

          This kit includes basic kiln furniture for metal clay firing and a sampling of firing accessories you will want to try. Fine silver and gold clays are fired directly on the hard ceramic shelf. Line the shelf with the thin firing paper to fuse glass. Support delicate items during firing using the fiber blanket. Pleas note: We do not recommend firing EZ960® on a fiber blanket. Short posts are preferred on the kiln floor to support the first shelf and to elevate carbon firing boxes for circulation and better firing results. Fire silver alloy, copper, and bronze clays with the addition of a Carbon Firing Kit (see below).

            Shop Kiln Firing Essentials Kit

            Carbon Firing Kits 

            Carbon Firing Kits include the essentials you'll need for firing metal clays that need protection from oxygen during firing such as copper, bronze, and silver alloys. Carbon firing Kits are also used to co-fire sterling and fine silver and to protect heat sensitive gemstones (including diamonds) during firing.

              Shop Carbon Firing Kits