Art Clay Overlay Silver Paste
Thank you for purchasing ART CLAY SILVER 650 / OVERLAY SILVER PASTE. Read the Instructions and Directions carefully before use.

[Characteristics]

Art Clay Silver 650/Overlay Silver Paste (OSP) is "low-fire" silver clay in paste form, formulated specifically to use on glazed porcelain. Overlay Silver Paste is in a viscous, liquid form and water soluble, so that you can express 3 dimensional drawings on a surface of porcelain, ceramic or glass. After firing at appropriate temperature ranging from 650ºC/1200ºF to 800ºC/1470ºF, it will turn into 99% silver form. During firing, the pure silver powder solidifies. The binding agent consists of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen resulting in the release of harmless carbon dioxide and steam during firing.

[Instructions]

Some silver settling may occur at bottom of the jar. Stir the paste well with a brush or metal spatula before use. This product is water-based and can dry up. Always keep the container tightly capped. (If it dries up, add an appropriate amount of water to recover its original state). To dilute the paste, take out the necessary amount and place it in a separate container. Then, add necessary amount of water. Do not dilute it directly in the bottle. It is important that your kiln’s pyrometer is functioning properly. *The melting point of fine silver is 965ºC/1769ºF F. Always be sure to ventilate the workroom when using a kiln.

[Directions]

Preparation
  • Clean the surface of the ceramic or porcelain with alcohol or soap and water to remove dust or oil which may interfere with the OSP sticking to the surface.
  • Thin the OSP with water to the consistency needed in order to paint the surface.
Overlaying
 Recommended thickness is less than 0.5mm. If the application is too thick, it may delaminate from the porcelain surface with the glaze after firing or by polishing.
Drying
 The applied paste must be completely dried before firing. It may be dried in the following ways:
  • Hair dryer: At least 10-15 minutes with 1200w hair dryer. Place the dryer within 15cm/6 inches from the piece.
  • Food Dehydrator: At least 10 minutes at 60ºC/145ºF
  • Oven: At least 7 minutes at 180ºC/330ºF
  • Cooking plate: At least 7 minutes at 150~180ºC/300-330ºF
  • Kiln: At least 7 minutes at 150ºC/300ºF
  • Natural drying: At least 1 hour at room temperature

    *Do not apply heat over 250ºC/480ºF, or the binder will burn away and shape of the layer may change.
Firing

You must fire the piece with a programmable electric kiln, which is equipped with a temperature control. Ventilate your workroom well.

  • To fire, place the piece in a cold or warm kiln (below 200ºC/390ºF). It is safest to start with a cold kiln. Take at least 15 minutes to reach firing temperature.
  • Ramp the kiln to the appropriate temperature depending on the kind of porcelain, glass, ceramic or type of your project. Please see below as your reference. Take at least 15 minutes to reach the firing temperature.

    *Ramping time varies by type and size of the kiln. Please refer to your kiln manual.

1. Firing OSP applied to porcelain piece

Firing Temperature
650ºC/1200ºF ~800ºC/1470ºF
Holding Time
Not Needed
  • After reaching the selected temperature, turn off the kiln and cool down to 100ºC/210ºF.

2. Firing OSP applied on porcelain piece with combination of Art Clay Silver 650 type.

Firing Temperature
650ºC/1200ºF
700ºC/1290ºF
750ºC/1380ºF
780ºC/1435ºF
800ºC/1470ºF
Holding Time
30 min.
15 min.
10 min.
5 min.
Not Needed
  • After reaching the selected temperature, turn off the kiln and cool down to 100ºC/210ºF.

3. Firing OSP applied on porcelain piece with combination of Art Clay Silver original type.

Firing Temperature
800ºC/1470ºF
Holding Time
Not Needed
  • After reaching 800ºC/1470ºF, turn off the kiln and cool down to 100ºC/210ºF.
  • Do not fire at more than 800ºC/1470ºF.
  • Take out the piece after kiln’s temperature drops down below 100ºC/210ºF.

    * Quickly cooling the piece, such as quenching, may cause it to break or crack.
Completion
  • The surface of the fired piece where OSP was applied will be white and matte due to crystallization of silver. A luster can be obtained by polishing. (e.g. metal or agate burnisher, wet and dry sandpaper, etc.)

[Precautions]

  • Keep this product indoors out of direct sunlight.
  • Do NOT keep in a refrigerator.
  • Use it soon after opening.
  • When drying and baking, take care to prevent burns or fire.
  • Ventilate your workroom well during firing.
  • Keep this product out of the reach of children.
  • If you get any of this product in your eyes or mouth, flush immediately with plenty of water and call your physician.
  • Avoid contact with your skin. If skin irritation or itching occurs, wash with water and consult your doctor immediately.
  • Do not place a ceramic or porcelain piece that has the Overlay Silver Paste applied into a microwave oven.
  • It is important to follow the recommended instructions when using the Overlay Silver Paste in order to insure a successful firing.