May 08, 2024

First Impressions: Metal Clay 101

Originally created as an online resource for students who attend my 'Introduction to Metal Clay' workshop, it's my hope that this collection of links and product recommendations will be a valuable resource for anyone just starting with, or lookin to add to, their collection of tools for precious metal clay. Full disclosure; most of the links below are affiliate links and any purchase made from that click may result in a small kickback to me. So, thank you for that, I appreciate your support. Please take note, I ONLY link to tools that I have used and personally believe in!

Onto the lists...

.999 Art Clay Silver

Art Clay Silver .999 - Torch fireable fine silver clay assorted sizes:

Metal Clay Tool Kit:

Glass Work Surface:

Non stick Teflon work surface:

Ceramic tile work surface:

Slik for moisture management:

Badger Balm for moisture management:

Paste Maker:

Clay Release Agent AKA Lubricant:

Clay Release Agent AKA Lubricant:

Water Dish:

2-Compartment Sauce Dish:

Clay Roller:

Plastic Wrap:

Heavy Duty Page protector:

Clay hydrating holder:

Water color paint Brushes:

Scribe or Pin tool:

Shape Template

Rubber tipped clay tools:

Tissue blade:

Scalpel or X-Acto knife:

Tweezers:

Sanding sticks:

Mini Nail Buffer Block 600/3000 Grit

Cotton water wipes:

Rubber sanding/drilling work surface:

Rubber sanding/drilling work surface:

Pin Vise & Drill bits:

Acrylic disk or plate for rolling and smushing:

Paint pallet for doming clay:

Mug warmer:

Dehydrator:

Scale:

Timer:

Distilled water

Playing Cards

Soft tooth brush

Torch Firing Supplies

Fire Extinguisher:

Steel Cookie Sheet:

Rotating Soldering Annealing Torch Pan:

Hard Solderite Soldering Board:

Tweezers:

Heat Shield:

Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch:

Blazer GB2001 Butane Micro Mini Handheld Torch:

Ultra Refined Butane:

Finishing Supplies

Steel brush:

Soft bristle brass brush:

Wet Dry Sandpaper:

Sanding Sticks:

3M Sanding Sponges:

3M Wet/Dry polishing paper:

Polishing pads from Rio Grande:

Scotchbrite scouring pads:

Nitrile Powder free gloves:

Cool Tools - Patina Gel - Stabilized Liver of Sulfur:

Crock-pot Little Dipper for warming patina or pickle:

Lortone Rotary Tumbler:

Affiliate link to Cool Tools and a list of my ABSOLUTE favorite tools:
Clay Thickness Rolling Frames - Item CRL-407:

Clay Hydrator - Item STR-323:

Slik Metal Clay Conditioner & Release - Item NST-100:

Coolslip Anti-Stick Solution - Item NST-201:

Clay perforating needle tool - Item CRV-125:

Double headed liner brush - Item PNT-612:

MEGA Mold Silicone RTV Molding Compound - Item MLD-101:

Foredom HP4-310 Portable Rotary MicroMotor: Item POL-914:

3M 3/4"-Diameter Radial Bristle Disc Kit

Metal Clay Basic Tool Kit:

Deluxe Metal Clay Starter Tool Kit:

Prometheus Pro-1-PRG Digital Mini Kiln

Paragon SC2 Digital Kiln:

Deluxe Metal Clay Starter Tool Kit With Paragon SC2 Kiln:

Favorite tool and clay suppliers:

Art Clay World USA
Clay Revolution

Art Clay Silver Links:

ACS 999 MSDS
ACS 999 Torch Firing Instructions

Additional metalsmithing resources discussed in class:
Precious Metal Refining Service