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Firing Tips
Air Dry First
For all types of PMC, allow the completed work to dry before firing. There is no problem with allowing PMC to dry for weeks before firing, but firing a piece while it’s still damp can cause moisture to expand and create blisters.
Supports
Set dry PMC objects on ceramic tiles or soldering pads. These are used like cookie sheets and make it easy and safe to take work in and out of the kiln. Irregular shapes should be cradled by a powder that will hold them and be unaffected by the heat. Typical choices are alumina hydrate, vermiculite and dry Plaster of Paris powder. A thin layer of these is always helpful, especially when firing rings (which need to slide) or enamels (which might otherwise stick to the shelf ).
For larger objects, contain the powder in a clay flower pot saucer.
Please Note: These saucers can break; always hold them over a heatproof surface. Slow cooling will make them last longer.
Work can be allowed to air cool after firing or, if there are no stones or glass embedded in the piece, it can be quenched in water. After firing, all PMC is 100% pure metal. Work can be marked as "F/S" or "Ag .999" for silver and "24K" or "Au .999" for gold.