What is PMC?

PMC is made by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation in Japan using ground silver particles, a non-toxic organic binder and water.

During firing (using a butane torch or kiln) the binder burns off and the water evaporates, leaving a piece that is 99% pure silver. As such, it can be hallmarked as Fine Silver.

PMC3 is available as a mouldable putty, thin sheet, liquid paste
and in a syringe.
It can be sculpted, moulded, carved and extruded. It is safe to
use and suitable for a broad range of ability.

There are four types of PMC Clay, Each has its own unique qualities.

PMC Standard- the original PMC has a shrinkage rate of 30%, PMC + is perfect for fingerprinting and PMC3 shrinks 10% and has excellent workability and PMC Gold.

Low-Fire PMC Gold
A new 22K quick, low-fire gold which is made of superfine particles with the same unique qualities as the PMC+ silver (see below).  It can be used on its own or watered down into slip to paint onto the silver.  
It works particularly well when three coats are painted onto the silver.  Once torch-fired, it creates a beautiful rich gold.

PMC Standard (also known as PMC Original)
The original PMC, this has the largest silver particles and shrinks up to 30 per cent.  This makes it highly suitable for producing high-detail jewellery.  As it needs to be fired for two hours, it is unsuitable for torch-firing. This clay is available in lump form only.

PMC+
This is the second generation of PMC and has medium-sized particles.  It can be combined with synthetic stones and ceramics.  It is suitable for both torch and kiln firing.  This clay is available in lump form
and sheet*.

PMC3
This is the latest form of PMC.  It has the finest particles and therefore is the strongest and most durable of the PMC range.  It can be combined with dichroic glass, synthetic stones, some natural stones and ceramics.  It also benefits from a fast and low firing time.
This clay is available in lump form, paste and preloaded syringe.


* Sheet = Here the clay has been pressed into a thin sheet.  
The binder contains no water therefore the PMC Sheet can be cut with scissors or with a paper punch.

Your Questions answered

Q:  Is PMC as good as ‘real’ silver?
A:  This is probably the question The PMC Studio gets asked more than any other!  And our answer is always the same:  PMC is fine silver so in fact, it is even purer than Sterling Silver!  We see it as the most exciting and innovative form of silver in the 21st century.

Q: How do you get the silver/gold into the clay?
A:  In fact, it isn’t clay at all, but pure silver that has been finely ground and turned into a clay substance. When fired, the binder and water is burned off returning it to its original state – fine silver.

Q:  How does PMC differ from working with sheet silver?
A:  PMC should really be seen a complementary medium to Sterling Sheet.  Sheet is ideal for creating large, smooth items.  Due to the fact that it is sterling silver and because of the manufacturing process, sheet will be structurally stronger than PMC.  However, PMC is ideal for creating patterns and textures as it can easily be moulded or sculpted.  The use of certain construction methods and polishing means that most structural issues can be overcome.

Q:  Can PMC be combined with other materials?
A:  PMC can be combined with any other metal ranging from copper and brass to gold and platinum.  You can solder onto PMC, pickle and oxidise it.  
In addition, PMC can also be combined with glass and ceramics – basically with any material that can withstand a constant heat of 600˚C.

Q:  How flexible is PMC?
A:  One of the key advantages of PMC is the fact that it can be re-fired many times, which means that you can add it to an existing piece at any time.  For example, if you are making a ring, you can create the band and the top separately. These can then be put together, using paste, before or after firing.  And if you don’t like the result you can simply change it as many times as you like!

Q:  It sounds fun for the amateur, but is it really a suitable medium for the professional jeweller?
A:  Most definitely!  As some of the country’s top designers will testify, any jeweller willing to try this unique new product will discover its endless possibilities.  Nobody – whether expert professional or first-time amateur – looks back once they have opened that foil-wrapped package…