American Art Clay Company - Egyptian Paste Instructions

LOW-FIRE, SELF-GLAZING CERAMIC CLAY	PRESS MOLDS:
In the excavated tombs of Egypt, archaeologists found turquoise colored scarabs, jewelry and small images of people and animals. They knew the pieces were formed of some soft, plastic material as early as 4000 B.C., and to classify the unknown composition named it Egyptian paste. Later scientific tests proved it to be a clay with specific chemical impurities resulting in the turquoise color and glazed surface in a single firing. In intervening centuries, artisans seemed to have had no knowledge or no interest in this material. Like its counterpart, AMACO® Egyptian Paste is ideally suited for forming vases, sculptures and jewelry of unusual beauty in color and texture. Colors available are the true Egyptian turquoise and seven other colors: yellow, green, mauve, black, white, blue and terra cotta. Like the original composition, AMACO Egyptian Paste is a low fire, self-glazing body. When fired at Cone 06 (1830°F, 999°C), the colors develop with a gloss and often times a crackle finish.	Scarabs, pendants, brooches, cuff links, and earrings can be reproduced from press molds. Model the designs in an oil base (non-hardening) clay and make a plaster mold. For use in plaster molds, the consistency of AMACO Egyptian Paste is important—dry enough to prevent sticking to the mold and moist enough to eliminate cracking. Press clay into the mold, then trim away excess with a fettling knife. Allow object to remain in the mold just long enough to release, remove carefully, and set aside to dry until it can be handled. Brushing over the surface with a moist brush will remove irregularities and aid in better glaze development.
MIXING DIRECTIONS:	DRYING:
Do not produce dust. Do not empty Egyptian Paste powder into another container. 1. For plastic modeling consistency add 31/2 oz. of water into the bag per 1 lb. of dry material. 2. Tie the bag opening with a string. 3. Knead bag until clay and water are thoroughly mixed. Add more water if too dry. Expose to air if too wet. Aging improves clay plasticity. Because clay is characteristically short it should always be kept moist.	As objects made of AMACO Egyptian Paste dry, chemicals migrating to the surface form the glaze. By placing modeled objects on moist paper toweling and onto a nonabsorbent surface during the drying process, migration at point of contact is retarded leaving the area relatively free of glaze. Better glaze coverage results from slow drying, which allows the glaze forming ingredients to crystallize on the surface. If cracks occur during drying, moisten with water, and work soft paste into them. Smooth carefully with a damp brush and allow to dry.
PINCH POT METHOD:	FIRING:
Small bowls, miniature vases, ash trays, and beads can be made by the pinch pot method. Start with a ball of clay and press and pinch gently to avoid cracking. During the process, the paste will become slightly moist and will require careful handling. Often at this point it is desirable to set the piece aside to dry for a few minutes, then resume shaping. Smooth rough surfaces with a brush dampened with water. When finished, place on moist paper toweling for complete drying. Form solid beads—round, rectangular, and oval, and punch holes while the clay is moist. Or form beads of various shapes on small diameter dowel sticks then slip them off. In planning the size of the beads and the holes, make allowance for shrinkage.	When objects formed of AMACO Egyptian Paste are thoroughly dry, they can be placed on a kiln shelf coated with AMACO® Kiln Shelf Wash. Fire to Cone 06 (1830°F, 999°C). Allow the kiln to cool before removing ware. To accentuate interesting crackle glazes, swab the fine lines with colored inks.
SLAB METHOD:	WARNINGS:
Jewelry, ash trays, and cuff links can be made by the slab method. Thin pieces (1/8") of paste can be handled better if rolled flat on a damp paper towel. If a particular shape is desired, cut a pattern of paper toweling, dampen it and lay the pattern on the rolled out clay. Cut out the shape and remove excess paste. Lift the paper towel on which the paste has been rolled, place your hand on the cutout shape with pattern attached, invert and remove paper towel. If the project is complete, leave the paper pattern on the bottom and set the shape aside to dry.	Restricted from use K-6 (ASTM D-4236/FHSA) May be harmful by ingestion or by breathing dusts or mists. Eye irritant. Keep away from eyes. Wear safety goggles. When using do not eat, drink or smoke. Wash hands immediately after use. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. Not for use in health care facilities, home or home studio. If eye contact occurs, rinse immediately with water. Remove contact lens then flush with tap water for 15 minutes. If symptoms persist, see a physician. For further health information contact a poison control center. NOTE: Please read label on outside of package for warnings specific to the color you are using.