Sculpey technique questions...

Gutshot

Gutshot

New Member
So the other day I was watching asavage's TED video about obsession, his dodo, and his Maltese falcon... again. In there, he mentioned having a friend that could get the nice smooth finish on sculpey, but no knowing the secret. I must admit, I am not privy to this bit of information either. Can anyone enlighten me? Adam, have you perchance learned the secrets?

For that matter, how do I get a smooth finish on plastilina? I've been digging about the site and can't seem to find any good answers to either question. Please help, I'm clueless!
 
sculpty is a tough one. I know some folks on here who use it and i've found to get a nice finish you have to gently massage it with your fingers (I practiced on a scrap peace) and it will get a sheen to it. You still have to worry about finger prints it seems though.
 
I'm not a fan of sculpty... the couple of times I've used it was easy to work with But once it was baked, I noticed the sculpt would develop fractures and cracks over the next couple of months.

I personally used paint-thinner or rubbing alcohol to smooth the sculpt.
 
I've found that even a very dense brush with fine bristles leaves streaks when using alcohol, so I tend to use the densest sponge I can find, cut up into shapes and sizes to squeeze into the spaces I need.

But I'd say do what you plan on doing: Experiment! It's the best way to learn. Try different application techniques, and even different solvents. Goo Gone works for some people...and leaves a lovely orange scent. Other people swear by acetone. I even talked to a guy who used HOT water on a sponge.

As for tools, but some tongue depressors and popsicle sticks. A good sharp pair of scissors and an exacto knife can form those two types of sticks into any tool you could ever need...well just about.

Good luck, and have fun!

-Nick
 
Be way is to use naptha (lighter fluid, White spirit) and use a really soft brush, either a water colour brush or a make up brush work well
 
I've not used 'neat' Sculpey, but I have used Sculpey mixed with Fimo brand polymer clay, as it's much firmer (if a little dry when first starting to work it).
I sculpted 1" tall custom Mego action figure heads.

I always used isopropyl alcohol and a small flat model paint brush to eliminate fingermarks and soften edges. Sometimes smoothing most of the marks off with a finger or side of the thumb is a good way to start, particularlyon a curved clay surface.

I've also used a round brush with the bristles trimmed off square to 'stipple' on a very fine texture.
Be aware tho - the alcohol will soften the clay quite a bit - if you have fine, sharp detail it could cut it back a little too much if you apply a lot of the alcohol.

C.
 
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