Over the years I’ve been
told not to place my moist metal clay on aluminum or there would be a reaction,
so I never have. With that being said, I don’t know what the reaction is!
Inquiring minds want to know now! I tested PMC3 and the new Sterling Silver metal
clay to find out.
I placed a sample of each
clay on aluminum foil and also samples on an aluminum pan. I cut out a total of four
oval discs labeling the discs that are laid on top of foil with an F and those
laid on top of the pan with a P. I allowed them to sit there for an hour, until
they were fairly dry.
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| PMC3 & PMC Sterling on pan |
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| PMC3 & PMC Sterling on foil |
The two samples on the
foil had a huge reaction as did the foil.
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| Reaction to foil |
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| Foil's reaction |
The two samples on the
pan had less reaction.
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| Reaction on pan |
 |
| Fired and polished sterling silver |
It looks like the
combination of moisture, clay, and aluminum causes the reaction. The PMC3 clay
on the pan had less moisture and so had little to no reaction whereas, the foil
seemed to trap the moisture between the clay and foil. I fired each sample per
the manufacturer’s directions on the corresponding packages to see if the
reaction area would burn clean. It did not.
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| Fired and polished PMC3 |
After polishing each
sample, the reaction areas are raised and extend past the surface of the clay.
It gives the clay a look of reticulated metal. So, if you want a cool looking
texture, now you know how to get it. Otherwise, keep the clay away from
aluminum.
