bench tips: keep those metal clay kinetic components moving

by Wanaree Tanner

Pulverized Paperclay

This is especially a problem with ne silver clay. Fine silver can fuse to itself, and while Ive never had a piece fuse solid, prying the components open can cause surface damage. (side note: if your kinetic metal clay components dont move smoothly, tumbling the piece can help loosen the movement.)

I came across this solution completely on accident. I was sanding some Creative Paperclay pieces on my metal clay work bench, and some of the powder ended up on the copper clay greenware that was waiting to be to nished. I joined the pieces as per usual, and was dismayed to nd they didnt bond in the kiln. After a few foot stomps and naughty words, I realized this was actually a good thing. Now I had a way to re metal clay hinges, lids on boxes, stacked and layered components all without having to worry about wether they would move or not after ring!

Roll out a slab of Paperclay, I usually guessimate around 5mm, exacting perfection isnt necessary for this technique. I even reuse scrap pieces of Paperclay.

copyright wanaree tanner 2012

www.artwarebywanaree.com

Allow to dry overnight or in a dehydrator until completely hardened. Take your metal le, or 220-400 grit sandpaper and grind down the Paperclay into a ne powder. Use a paint brush to pick up the dust and transfer onto the surfaces that are touching. I like to work any moving components back and forth to worry some of the powder inside the kinetic pieces. Below is where I applied the powder on the Framed Picture Box Project (http://artwarebywanaree.blogspot.com/2012/01/ installing-metal-clay-hinge-4pam-11.html)

Dust powder on the top of hinge and the inside of the lid. Work it into the hinge too.

copyright wanaree tanner 2012

www.artwarebywanaree.com