Types of Clay, and What They're Used For
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If you think you'll probably want to build a mold out of a water or oil based clay sculpture to cast it later, does this decision add some restrictions to the possible compositions and postures that you should be considering before you start your sculpture (like "don't sculpt a professional contortionist if you want to be able to make a mold for it")? Same question for if you are planning to hollow out and fire a water based sculpture. And on that subject, do you plan on adding a bonus video with tips and techniques for making molds and/or hollowing out sculptures on your series?
LESSON NOTES
With so many different clay options, it can be difficult to choose the one that best fits your project. This video goes more in depth on the different types of clay, their advantages and disadvantage, and how to decide which clay to use.
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COMMENTS
Andrew, I’ve been searching online for clays, to buy by the case load.
chavant on their website had multiple distributors listed. Since California is nearest me (in Utah, like you), as closest distributor, I’ve been checking out California based companies. After a half dozen whose websites didn’t seem to work right, I found this amazing group created by sculptors for sculptors.
When I click on their “Chavant” tab or drop down menu and come to the following link, I don’t find the link fact clay such as you’ve featured in this videos thumbnail.
The first item listed, however, would that essentially be what you’re using? It’s green, and “monu-melt”.
At further look, (a second page of product) they have tan and brown NSP, but not green. Dang. I want green.
https://www.afasupplies.com/collections/chavant-clay
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1yr
Hi Andrew, no idea if you still read these posts, but i just started out with your course. I was wondering how you heat up your chavant clay considering it is in such a huge pot. Do you just put it on the stove? Or in the oven? And how high is the heat you use? Thanks for the reply :)
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2yr
Hey yeah I try to respond to most comments though sometimes they slip through the cracks. I usually put it in the oven at as low as it will go and that warms it up nicely. Or I have also put it on its side facing a little space heater with a fan that warmed the clay up (a blow drier can work for that too). Really helps for the beginning stages but once most of the mass is in place then I don't heat up the clay after that early stage.
Hi Andrew, Can I put the clay into microwave to heat it up ? Can you also provide some glossary in the lesson notes section for non-english speaking students ? Thanks
If you think you'll probably want to build a mold out of a water or oil based clay sculpture to cast it later, does this decision add some restrictions to the possible compositions and postures that you should be considering before you start your sculpture (like "don't sculpt a professional contortionist if you want to be able to make a mold for it")? Same question for if you are planning to hollow out and fire a water based sculpture. And on that subject, do you plan on adding a bonus video with tips and techniques for making molds and/or hollowing out sculptures on your series?
Hey there Andrew! Thank you for all the information, I had a question I was hoping to run by you. I have some older firm super sculpey that’s started to crumble, do you know of any suggestions or tips to salvage any of it?
I've bought some plastiline that has no information on whether it is with sulfur or not, but it really has no unpleasant smell to it. Does this mean, that i can expect it to be sulfur-free?
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4yr
The sulfur clay that I’ve used does have a distinct smell (that rotten egg, earthy type smell) but I’m not sure if all sulfur plastelline smells bad. If you melt down the clay and it separates out into a different materials that also might be a hint that there is sulfur. (The clay I use stays homogeneous when melted) hope that helps!
This was very informative, thanks! I've been giving some thought about using Apoxie Sculpt for some bigger projects and skip the whole molding/casting process of a larger piece. Would you say a sculpture made in Apoxie Sculpt could withstand the elements if kept outdoors (so with exposure to sun/rain/freezing temperatures)? or would this just completely damage it? - thanks
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4yr
apoxie sculpt probably wouldn’t do well outdoors but you might try Bondo like they use for cars. You can build an armature of the sculpture with paper and masking tape with a wire structure depending on the design and then apply bondo. This has to be done outdoors as it smells terrible but it can then be sanded and painted and it would probably do a better job of withstanding the elements. Plus it would be cheaper per lbs than apoxie sculpt by a lot.
Hi Alfredo, Epoxy sculpt will not last being exposed outside for a prolonged period. Especially if fluctuates greatly.
