Using metal stamps on silver clay

[StampingMama]

Is it possible to use metal stamps (like Beaducation and Impress Art stamps) on the silver clay before it dries and is fired? I have some really nice metal stamps and wondered if it would be OK to use them.

[SteveLAO]

Why do you want to stamp it before firing? I only ask because we regularly hallmark PMC stuff when it's all finished and it stamps fine.

[mizgeorge]

Yes, it's fine. Metal stamps can be used either before or after firing. The advantage of using them before is that you can sort out any mistakes without having to scrap the piece.

[SteveLAO]

hahaha...good advice mizgeorge!

[StampingMama]

Mizgeorge is spot on! I'm not very confident at metal stamping yet and would prefer not to have to discard apiece because I've haven't hit the hammer hard enough/at the wrong angle!

[mizgeorge]

You do have to be careful not to press too hard though - it's easy to end up with an impression of the outer ring of the stamp as well as the detail - though this can be smoothed out if you're careful!