How to Torch Fire Silver Clay at Home: A Step-by-Step Masterclass
If you've ever wondered whether you really need a kiln to make silver jewellery at home — good news: you don’t. In this torch firing masterclass, I walk you through how to fire your fine silver clay jewellery using a simple kitchen blowtorch. Whether you’re brand new to silver clay or brushing up on your technique, this tutorial will give you everything you need to know to confidently torch fire your pieces from home.
In this video (embedded below), I demonstrate how to fire a small pendant made from 999 fine silver clay using a butane blowtorch. It’s a super accessible and affordable way to get started with silver jewellery making ~ no fancy tools or studio setup required!
What Tools You Need to Fire Silver Clay
Here’s a quick run-through of the basic equipment I use in the tutorial:
A butane blowtorch ~ the kind used for crème brûlée works well, or you can buy one made for jewellery
A ceramic fibre block ~ traps heat and keeps your surface safe
Safety goggles ~ always essential
Tweezers and a wire brush
A bowl of water for quenching your piece after firing
A timer or stopwatch to ensure correct firing times
Preparing Your Silver Clay Jewelry for Firing
Before firing, your piece needs to be completely dry. You can air-dry it overnight, use a hot plate, or a very low oven setting. A simple way to check if it's dry is by placing the piece against a piece of glass or metal ~ if there's condensation, it needs more time.
It’s also best to neaten edges, smooth the surface, and add any holes for jump rings before firing. While you can refine pieces post-firing, it’s much easier at this stage.
How Torch Firing Silver Clay Works
Silver clay is made up of tiny recycled silver particles suspended in an organic binder. During firing, the binder burns away and the silver particles sinter ~ fusing together into solid metal.
In the video, I demonstrate the key visual cues to watch for:
A bit of smoke and flame at the start as the binder burns off
The piece turns dark grey, then develops a peachy glow
Hold that peachy glow consistently for the correct time based on weight
Be careful not to overheat ~ if your piece starts looking silvery or shiny during firing, you may be getting too hot and risk melting it.
How Long Should You Torch Fire Silver Clay?
Here's a quick guide to firing times (note: I usually go a little longer to be safe):
Up to 5g – 2 to 2.5 minutes
6–15g – 2.5 to 3.5 minutes
16–25g – 3 to 5 minutes
Always make sure the whole piece is evenly heated and that you maintain the glow throughout the firing process.
Quenching and Polishing Your Jewellery
Once the firing time is up, use your tweezers to place the piece into a bowl of water ~ you’ll often hear a satisfying pop! This instantly cools the silver so it’s safe to handle.
To bring out that beautiful silver shine, use a wire brush to polish off the white residue left from firing ~ this is when the magic really happens and your finished piece is revealed.
Want to Learn More?
If you loved this tutorial and want to dive deeper into the world of silver clay jewellery, come join my online jewellery Skool! It's packed full of beginner-friendly lessons, exclusive resources, and a supportive community to help you build your skills and confidence from home.
