What is Precious Metal Clay (PMC)?
Create beautiful silver jewellery
Precious Metal Clay (PMC), PMC+ and PMC3 are wonderful new products that are so simple to work with that anyone can create beautiful jewellery or other pure silver works of art. PMC is a clay-like material made of 99.9% pure silver and an organic binder.
Easy as 1-2-3:
- Sculpt your piece using your fingers and basic tools.
- Fire your piece using one of three simple methods.
- Finish your masterpiece by sanding and polishing.
It really is that easy. It can be as simple or complex as you want—it is an extremely flexible medium. Check out our “how to” section for a more detailed description of the process.
PMC can be worked with your fingers and a few basic tools to create your own silver masterpieces.
Finished PMC pieces are less dense that other silver works that are created by traditional fabrication or casting. For this reason PMC is lighter and should not be used to create items that require high tensile strength. There are different types of PMC available, each with their own specific benefits.
The firing process leaves a metal that is less dense than conventional sheet or wire. This means that a piece of jewellery made of PMC is lighter than the same piece made by fabrication or casting. Because it is less dense, PMC is not recommended for applications that require high tensile strength such as findings.
We offer all three types of PMC. All are worked with the same tools, may be fired in the same kiln, and can be finished in the same ways.
Three PMC Choices
Precious Metal Clay is available in three types: PMC Standard, PMC+ and PMC3. All are sold in clay form. PMC+ and PMC3 are also sold in a syringe, as slip (liquid clay), paste, paper and sheet. Each type has its own unique characteristics. We offer all three types.
PMC Standard was the original version created by Mitsubishi Corp. It has the highest rate of shrinkage (25-28%) and needs to be fired at higher temperatures than PMC+ and PMC3. It is an excellent medium for creating fine detail after your pieces have shrunk in firing.
PMC+ has less shrinkage than the Standard PMC and can be fired at three different temperatures which provides the option of adding certain stones and the use of enamels. It is a bit stronger too, which makes it ideal for projects such as rings. It also dries a bit more quickly and can only be fired in a kiln.
PMC3 has minimal shrinkage and fires at a very low temperature which allows for more firing options. You can use a kiln, a small hand torch or our easy to use Hot Pot. You can also use certain stones and enamels with PMC3.