How BronzClay is different from PMC and Art Clay
- BronzClay does not like olive oil. It really really does not like it. Solution: use a barrier cream instead.
- BronzClay has to be fired in a stainless steel container, buried in black carbon.
- It needs a lot more slip and water in order to connect parts than you are probably used to. Slip may oxidize, so you can’t make a lot to keep, just make it as you use it.
- It shrinks more than you’re used to, get used to working large!
- It’s cheaper! And encourages you to make lots of stuff fast — who cares, it’s so cheap, it’s almost free! This can be freeing and lots of fun.
- It’s trickier to work with and fire than the silver metal clays. It’s worth the trouble, but it is almost like starting over.
Update: I’ve been asked what I mean about the olive oil. In my experience, olive oil has been making the BronzClay too gooey, and I have one batch where some pieces came out of the kiln bubbly. I think this may be due to olive oil.
For me, using a barrier cream is doing a better job of keeping the BronzClay off my fingers and tools, while keeping the the BronzClay a nice consistency.
What’s your experience? I’d love to hear about it, comments are always open, thanks!
Interesting about the olive oil. I use it to make the slip and haven’t had a problem. It lasts for a long time without oxidizing.
Hi, Elaine! Nice list of differences between BronzClay and the clays made from precious metals.
Like Gail, I was interested to hear about the olive oil. I used it during my BronzClay class with Celie and didn’t have a problem. What problems have you encountered when using olive oil with BC?
Also, if you add a drop or two of lavender oil into your water spritz bottle and use that lavender water to make your BronzClay paste, it will minimize the oxidation problems.
Best,
Margaret
I was surprised to read your comment about BronzClay and olive oil. I’ve been using olive oil with BC for over a year with no ill effect. In fact not only does it not do anything bad but I find it improves the consistency of the clay enormously: I find it a bit sticky straight out of the package so I ‘condition’ it by kneading it in my hands while adding olive oil.
Regards,
Celie
Yep, a number of people have not had my experience. I still find that for me, the barrier cream works very nicely with BronzClay. But I’m always happy to have additional views shared on the blog, thanks!
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Could BronzClay be fired in an UltraLite Beehive Kiln like PMC and ACS?