Precious Metal Clay (PMC) is made by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation in Japan using finely ground silver particles, a non-toxic organic binder and water.
During firing (using a butane gas torch or kiln) the binder burns off and the water evaporates, leaving a piece that is 99% pure silver. As such, it can be hallmarked as Fine Silver (.999).
There are four types of PMC Clay. Each has its own unique qualities. These are PMC3, PMC+, PMC Standard and PMC Gold.
The original PMC; this has the largest silver particles and shrinks up to 30%. This makes it highly suitable for producing high-detail jewellery. As it needs to be fired for two hours, it is unsuitable for torch-firing. This clay is available in lump form only.
This is the second generation of PMC and has medium-sized particles. It can be combined with synthetic stones and ceramics. It is suitable for both torch and kiln firing. This product proves very popular with those wishing to take fingerprints in fine silver. PMC+ shrinks 15%. This clay is available in lump form and sheet*.
A third generation product which is most definitely the most popular. It has the finest particles and therefore is the strongest and most durable of the PMC range. The working life of PMC3 is far greater than any other product in the PMC range or of any of its rivals in the market place. It can be combined with dichroic glass, synthetic stones, some natural stones and ceramics. It also benefits from a fast and low firing time dependent on requirements. PMC3 shrinks 10%. This clay is available in lump form, paste and in a preloaded syringe.
A new 22K quick, low-fire gold which is made of superfine particles with the same unique qualities as the PMC+ silver. It can be used on its own or watered down into slip (paste) for application directly onto silver or use as required. PMC Gold works particularly well when three coats are painted onto the silver. Once torch-fired, it creates a beautiful rich gold.
* Sheet = Here the clay has been pressed into a thin sheet. The binder contains no water therefore the PMC Sheet can be cut with scissors or with a paper punch. Ideal for Origami creations to last the test of time.
PMC can be combined with any other metal ranging from copper and brass to gold and platinum. You can solder onto PMC, pickle and oxidise it. In addition, PMC can also be combined with glass and ceramics - basically with any material that can withstand a constant heat of 600°C.
One of the key advantages of PMC is the fact that it can be re-fired many times, which means that you can add it to an existing piece at any time. For example, if you are making a ring, you can create the band and the top separately. These can then be put together, using paste, before or after firing. And if you don’t like the result you can simply change it as many times as you like!
Most definitely! As some of the country’s top designers will testify, any jeweller willing to try this unique new product will discover its endless possibilities. Nobody – whether expert professional or first-time amateur – looks back once they have opened that foil-wrapped package…
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