Arts >> Art >> Sculpture

How to Use Egyptian Paste

Egyptian Paste is a type of clay inspired by artwork from the time of the pharaohs. According to the manufacturer AMACO, Egyptian Paste was recreated by observing jewelry and clay pieces found in the excavated tombs of ancient Egypt. The product comes in a dry powder form and it is also self-glazing, which means it does not need to be painted or glazed after it is fired in a kiln. Use Egyptian Paste like other clays while paying attention it is unique characteristics.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 cup Egyptian Paste
  • Mixing bowl
  • Latex gloves
  • Kiln stilts
  • Kiln
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Mix 1 cup dry Egyptian Paste with 1/2 cup water in a mixing bowl. Wear latex gloves when working with the clay because it contains soda which can be harmful to your skin. Use your hands to mix the clay together. You want a consistency like thick porridge to work with the clay. Add more water or powder if needed.

    • 2

      Form a ball roughly 4-inches thick to create a small bowl. This material is best for smaller hand-building projects, such as pinch pots or jewelry beads, according to Ceramics Today. You can throw pots with Egyptian Paste but it is has low plasticity, which means it is stiffer than other clays.

    • 3

      Press your finger into the center of the ball to form a cup shape. Press around the rim of the cup to pull it into a bowl shape.

    • 4

      Smooth the interior and exterior of the bowl with your fingers. Allow it to dry completely. This may take 48 hours.

    • 5

      Place the dried bowl on kiln stilts inside your kiln. Egyptian Paste is self-glazing, which means it has glaze all over. When you fire it, it needs to have the kiln stilts underneath it so it does not stick to the floor of the kiln.

    • 6

      Turn the kiln to 1855 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it reaches the temperature, fire for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and open the door to the kiln to let it cool down. Remove your bowl from the kiln once it is completely cooled.

Sculpture

Related Categories