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Adamant · Posted: Sun Jan 19, 2003 11:35 pm

I need to make some maquette type models for a job interview and I'm not having much luck with finding good modelling material.

I've tried some air drying clay from hobby shops but none of it is fine enough to get the level of detail I'm after.

Ultimately something that air dries or bakes at low temp in a standard home oven would be great.

If anyone can help with info I'd be most greatful.

Cheers.
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Aaron · junior member Member # Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 40

Hi Adamant, I was having the same trouble, all I've ever had was regular kiln drying clay (which I stole from my school), but the sculptures where too complex to fire and would break down into dust after a few months. I wanted something that didn't require firing, but could be used for detailed work. I think I've found it, an oil based clay called Plastilina (the same stuff is also called Plastiline, and Plasticine), it never drys, but comes in different consistencies. (the extra hard being for extremely detailed work). It's used by sculptors making models for movies and games, and I am almost sure that it's what is used by McFarlane toy sculptors. I'm going to order some from dickblick.com and give it a try.

You know, there doesn't appear to be alot of resources for sculptors on the internet...

Popeye · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2003 3:41 am

I am not quite sure what do u mean by air drying clay, but if u are talking about non-water-based clay, i think roma plastina no.3 or 4 will be a good choice.it is hard enough for u to get some crazy details. it will be handier if u have an oven to soften it a little bit .

Aaron · junior member Member # Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 40

Popeye, I basically don't have heat in my house, how does cold affect plastilina? (does it crack or just become an unusable rock?) Also, have you used many brands, and is there a big difference? Chavant seems to be the standard, but their Professional Prastilina (or Prastiline or whatever) only comes in one medium consistensy (from what I've seen).

egerie · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2003 9:28 am

this might sound obvious but what about Super Sculpey ?

AndyT · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2003 9:50 am

Wetcanvas might be the better place to ask for advice in this case!?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/channels.php?s=&channel_id=26
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SoMK · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2003 10:26 am

Depending on the size I work with, I use plaster paste (darwi) or milliput or even duro (aka greenstuff) For big pieces, I sometimes combine the whole thing : a small layer of milliput outside a plaster core. Works well, Good details, very hard stuff and easy to mold/cast..
check me fig gallery on the zaphodprod link if you wish.
Or Andy is right, wetcanvas would be a nice place or the Shifflet Brothers forums too, a must !
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Aaron · junior member Member # Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 40

Wow SoMK, beatiful sculptures! I could never imagine doing that kind of detail with the clays I've used. Where do you order your materials from?

Adamant · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2003 1:41 pm

Hey thanks guys.

I tried some Darwi air dry stuff yesterday. It certainly goes hard enough and can be sanded etc however I wasn't real happy with the detail. I think Super Sculpey is the stuff for me. I found a place in my city that stocks it so I'm off now to check it out. I'll let you guys know my thoughts on using it.

Cheers.
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tater · junior member Member # Joined: 09 Jan 2003 Posts: 13

Try "Sculpy", available in most art supply stores, it holds a good amount of detail and hardens in your home oven.

Popeye · Posted: Mon Jan 20, 2003 11:57 pm

Aaron: I got a 16 quart portable roaster oven. It works really well in softening the Plastilina. I think cold doesnt affect Roma Plastilina a lot but heat does, especially when u are using no.1. From my obversation, I dont see any crack formed because of cold. I think this is one of the advantanges of oil-based clay.

I usually use Roma for my sculptures but I also tried super soft Chavant a little bit. And yea it is very soft compared to Roma(even no.1), and it is stickier then the Roma too.From what i've heard(it might be wrong), the biggest different between Roma and Chavant is that Chavant is a sulphur-free clay, which is paintable but not good for casting.But not all Chavants are paintable and u have to get a specific one.But again, I might be wrong. Wink

I havent tried Sculpy or Super Sculpy,but from what i have heard, sculpy is way too inconsistent compared to Roma.

I think both of them are excellent material for sclupture. Of course harder clay is more consistent and easier to get the detail,but that doesnt mean
one cant do it in softer clay.I have seen somebody made some extremely detailed old-master-like sculptures with Roma no.1. It totally depends on how one sculpts it and how skillful one is. Hard clay is good for craving.Soft clay allows u to add clay on the sculpture easily without much hassle.But for maquette, i think harder clay works better.

SoMK · Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2003 5:23 pm

Aaron> thx :) I should work more though. About material, I am lucky enough to find the darwi at a local store. Milliput is easy to find in any craft/hobby shop. Duro/green stuff is even easier, it's made in the US :)
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