Quick Tips and Tools for Finishing Silver Clay Pieces

Sharing some of my finishing and polishing methods as I make and finish a large amount of the same designs - my Elephant and Baby and Giraffe and Baby necklaces - in silver clay. Including my favorite extra step to improve your polish with a power tool (psst: burnish it first).
All included tools listed here: www.bluedotjewelry.com/silver-clay-info-classes

[@janniferlong6122]

Beautiful! Thank you for the wonderful tips!

[@Metalsmithnna]

Thank you for your generous tips.

[@BlueDotJewelry]

Appreciate your note, glad they feel helpful!

[@victoriaharrison-sewell6717]

I love your little animal designs. I'm just starting out in Silver clay, having used Polymer clay for years. Thank you so much for your tips & advice, I'm on a learning curve with the different brands @ the moment ..

[@BlueDotJewelry]

Thank you! It is, indeed, a learning curve. They can be so different from one another. I'm doing the same right now with base metals. Such variety.

[@viv5645]

Fabulous - really helpful, thank you so much 😊

[@BlueDotJewelry]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@sandie157]

So useful. Thanks

[@BlueDotJewelry]

I'm glad, and thanks for letting me know

[@guidelineuk4876]

GREAT advice thanks for the video 😎

[@BlueDotJewelry]

Quite welcome!

[@jirup]

Burnishing before firing really makes for a smooth finish.

[@BlueDotJewelry]

It sure does. Good to hear you've had the same experience.

[@viv5645]

I knew to polish as much as possible before firing, but never thought to burnish as part of that process, really excited with this brilliant idea, thank you

[@LaineyBug2020]

It would be so cool if they made non precious medal versions. I would love a stainless steel or pewter or aluminum. I guess precious medals are softer though.

[@BlueDotJewelry]

There is a steel version! I haven't used it, but I know of someone who exclusively uses it.

[@amyh.2020]

Does the silver clay past need to have a tarnish resistant finish to keep them from oxidizing?

[@kathleengay2539]

how did you make the giraffe mold I’m trying to design my own animal can’t find help

[@saltybuns]

I love your videos. Thank you for being so giving. What is your overall workspace like when it comes to ventilation ? I’m wondering because of the silver dust. I also saw in your other videos with torching and was wondering the same about what kind of room you’re in ? A garage ? Just a regular room in the house turned work space with a window open ? You’ve inspired me and now I’ve got questions !! 😆

[@BlueDotJewelry]

Hi! Love to hear it! First, I just want to say that in order to share the answer to this question and so many others, I filled my video course with info about how I work and other best practices (linked in bio). The comment length answer to your question is that when I run the kiln, there are usually many pieces inside and so I run a fan, and when I torch one piece I don't worry about it. The smoke is non-toxic, but it is smoke, so use your judgment about what's right for you to breathe. It's not like soldering when ventilation is important. It's also important to protect yourself when you polish, as silver dust can (and does) enter the air around you.

[@saltybuns]

@@BlueDotJewelry I will have to take a look at your course!! Thanks for the quick run down though. I will mask and not try to be too messy when working with silver dust.

[@BlueDotJewelry]

Good! And wash your hands :) @@saltybuns