Chununga Tree

Using a small butane gas torch is also a basic method for firing small and simple pieces.  You may fire Art Clay 650 range, Art Clay ST series, and Art Clay Basic series, PMC+ or PMC3 range.

You can fire pieces that are no larger than 4cm in diameter and weigh no more than 25grams.  Firing times vary between 1 minute to 4.5 minutes.  Firing with a torch involves using visual confirmation to maintain the piece at the appropriate firing temperature.  The most important thing is to watch for this colour change of the heated metal.  You need to keep a peach/orange glow going for a period of time and avoid overheating the metal.

It is very important that the pieces is thoroughly dry before torch firing as the piece can bubble and cause damage to your work.

Direct the flame at a 45% angle.  The distance that you hold your torch from your work will depend on the type of torch that you are using.

Firstly you will see smoke and flame as the binder burns away and then a white crystalline surface will appear.  When the piece begins to glow peach from the inside you can then time your firing.  You will need to keep this peach/orange glow to your work for the set period of time to ensure a correct firing.  You may need to vary the distance of your torch to keep the glow going and not overheat your work—you do not want the silver to appear wet and shiny as it is at the point of melting.  You can fire longer than the suggested times if you want to but be careful not to melt the work, just try to keep the heat going through your work without overheating.