Cyprus Copper Clay is an excellent base metal clay medium for jewellery, crafts, sculpture and models.

Developed by Cindy Silas, Cyprus Copper Clay is an excellent base metal clay medium for jewelry, crafts, sculpture and models. Offered in lump (wet) form, this clay is water-based, air dries and fires to (99.9%) pure copper. Economical, easy to form, fire and finish, the fired clay presents as beautiful on its own or as the perfect platform for enamelling projects.

Cyprus Copper Clay shrinks approximately 20%.

In its greenware state, the clay is slightly flexible and carves easily. Air drying the unfired clay or greenware without heat will reduce the potential for warping as the clay dries.  

Coconut Carbon is the recommended media for firing Cyprus Copper Clay, but Charcoal Carbon will also work.

** PLEASE NOTE **

Magic Carbon is not recommended for use with Cyprus Copper Clay as it may complicate the use of embeddable findings, bezel settings and repairs, causing an increased or uneven shrink rate. It may also increase the shrink rate of the clay. We recommend creating a small test piece following the schedule before committing to firing complex work.

Available in:

• 50gm

• 100gm

FIRING BASE METAL USING A TWO-STAGE FIRING

Cyprus Copper Clay is best fired in a kiln in two phases. The first phase completely burns out the binder, which helps the work sinter properly in the second phase. Many kilns fire hotter or cooler than shown on the digital display. It is a good idea to test your kiln for temperature accuracy. This can be done with a hand-held digital pyrometer.

Phase 1 - Full ramp to 343ºC (650ºF) and hold for 30 minutes Note: A slower phase 1 is needed for any piece that has areas that are 3mm (12 cards) thick or thicker. Ramp 300ºF / 149ºC hour to 600ºF / 315ºC and hold for 15 minutes.

Phase 2 - Full ramp to 871ºC (1600ºF) and hold for 3 hours

Click here for a full instruction sheet.