How to Rehydrate/Reconstitute your Silver Clay: A step-by-step guide

If your silver clay has dried out completely, whatever you do, don't throw it away. In this tools and techniques video, I'm going to show you how you can reconstitute your silver clay from dry and unworkable to soft and ready to use again.

This technique works for unfired silver clay, so if you've got projects that didn't turn out quite the way that you wanted, or a little pot of filings from other projects, or you simply didn't rewrap and reseal your silver clay very well, don't worry, we've all done it, then this is for you.

The Tools

Please click the Silver Clay Tools button in the Master tools lists to buy these tools from our trusted suppliers

A pestle and mortar

A fine sieve/sifter

Laminating pouches/plastic folder

A fine mist sprayer or perfume bottle sample

A plastic spatula/rubber clay tool

An acrylic roller

Cling film/Saran wrap

A metal sculpting tool

The Method

Step 1. Place your unfired silver clay pieces into your pestle and mortar

Step 2. Move the pestle in circles, breaking up all the pieces until you have a fine gravelly texture.

Step 3. Place your plastic sheet onto your work surface and open it out. Hold your sieve over the plastic sheet and tip the silver clay powder into the sieve.

Step 4. Tap the sieve with your finger to let the finest particles fall through just like you would if you were putting icing sugar on a cake.

Step 5. When the finest particles have passed through the sieve and you're left with just the larger pieces, pop them back into the mortar and re grind, and re-sieve them

Step 6. Fill a spray bottle or perfume sample bottle with deionised water and mist the silver clay powder.

Step 7. Use your spatula to fold and press the powder together, bringing any errant bits into the centre as you go. If it still feels dry and dusty, add another light mist, but go steady, you don't want to accidentally end up with paste.

Step 8. Keep folding and cutting the clay until you notice it beginning to come together. Once it starts lumping together to form a solid mass, use your fingers or your spatula to press it into a ball in the centre of your plastic sheet.

Step 9. Fold the excess plastic sheet over so that the clay is sandwiched between the two and roll it out with your acrylic roller and then let it sit for a few minutes.

Troubleshooting: If, when you peel the plastic away, the clay is sticking to it, you'll know that it's a little too wet. So replace the plastic, give it another quick roll, and leave it for a few more minutes to absorb the moisture and dry out a bit.

Troubleshooting: If you notice the clay is dry and crumbly, give it one further mist with your sprayer. Fold it over on itself, roll it out again, and let it sit for another few minutes.

Step 10. Repeat these steps until the clay comes easily off the plastic and has a pliable consistency. Knead it and roll it into a smooth ball, wrap it tightly in cling film or saran wrap, pop it into an airtight container, and it'll be ready to use in your next project.

Step 11. Use your metal sculpting tool to scrape any errant bits of clay from your plastic and tools and pop them into your recycling container ready for the next time.

Ready to make something beautiful with your newly refreshed silver clay?

The Silver Clay Urchin & Gemstone Project

The Botanical Silver Clay Coin Necklace Project

The Keum Boo Sycamore/Maple Seed Earrings Project

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