Here are more details on the four tips mentioned in my reel, along with a full firing schedule for bronze metal clay. If you’re interested in working with metal clay, be sure to give me a follow so you don’t miss any of my tips, techniques, and studio insights!
4 Must-Know Tips for Firing Bronze Metal Clay
TIP 1
Use an easy-to-program kiln
Bronze metal clay requires kiln firing with a two-stage process, so having a kiln you can manually program with ease is key.
TIP 2
Let pieces cool completely before phase two
After the first firing stage, allow your pieces to cool all the way to room temperature. Keep the kiln door closed to prevent thermal shock, which can cause cracking.
TIP 3
Handle with extreme care during transfer
When moving pieces from the steel wire rack (phase one) into coconut carbon (phase two), be very gentle. At this stage, the binder has burned off but the metal hasn’t sintered yet—making pieces extremely fragile. If they break here, they can’t be repaired.
TIP 4
Fully bury pieces in activated coconut carbon
Ensure at least an inch of carbon below and above your pieces. This helps achieve proper sintering and consistent color throughout the firing.
BRONZE METAL CLAY FIRING SCHEDULE
Phase 1: Binder Burnout
• Setup: Open shelf (steel wire rack)
• Temperature: 650°F
• Hold Time: 30 minutes
• Ramp Rate: Full
(for pieces 3mm+ thick: Ramp 300°F
to 650°F
| Hold Time:15 minutes)
Phase 2: Sintering
• Setup: Buried in activated coconut carbon (open steel bin)
• Temperature: 1400°F
• Hold Time: 2 hours
• Ramp Rate: Full
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Email: madelineelizabethjewelry@gmail.com
