Painting sculpey

[Risu]

Can anybody tell me if its ok to paint original sculpey, say with "make it stone" spray paint or other similar products?

 

[rickrickrick]

When I used gold enamel spray paint on a small piece, it dissolved the Sculpey and made it permanently gooey. That is not to say ALL spray paint will do that - maybe it was the propellent, maybe it's because it was enamel.

If you're using sculpey, your piece is probably fairly small. I suggest just painting the thing by hand with a brush using acrylic, and spattering or sponging for texture.

Rick

 

[Risu]

Actually, the pieces are pretty big, one is basically a thick plate with a 10 inch diameter. Would it help to use a primer?

 

[Bizarro Lois]

Actually, the pieces are pretty big, one is basically a thick plate with a 10 inch diameter. Would it help to use a primer?

I think it would.

 

[FakeBritishAccent]

You need to prime Sculpey a couple of times for the tackiness to finally go away. I usually do multiple thin coats (dusting it, if you will) with a cheap Colorplace Equipment Gray Primer from Walmart before I start to actually paint. Since you're going for a textured finish anyway, you won't even have to wet sand it after priming! Good luck!

 

[Hirohawa]

It must be painted with an ACRYLIC enamel, like Tamiya brand. Sculpey is very fragile and will be destroyed by non acrylic paints. I have heard of a base being used and then non acrylics being applied but have never tried that.

 

[Risu]

Where can I get Tamiya paint? I got a can from a small hobby shop once, but that was a long time ago and they aren't open anymore. Do any large stores carry it?

 

[BDK]

No, tamiya is a hobby shop only item. Hobby Lobbys if their in your area MAY carry it, I've only been in one and can't remember if they did or not.

 

[GrenadeKing]

Our local Hobby Lobby doesn't. They only carry testors brand paints. Testors make an acrylic paint though.
I also believe Krylon switched from enamel to acrylic. Might be worth a try.

 

[SamandJanetFan]

I've had the same issues painting Sculpty, which is why I've switch over to Apoxie Sculpt by Aves. It comes in two parts that you blend together in a 1:1 ratio, is non-bake (airdries in about 3 hours, fully hardened in 24), and is sandable, drillable and most importantly paintable. I know this isn't much help for your current situation, but you might want to try it out in future projects.

 

[Risu]

I haven't actually bought anythign yet, I'm still doing research, calculating how much material I'll need and the cost, etc. Where could I find some of that apoxie sculpt and how much does it cost?

 

[moviebuff5]

I have had the same problem when spray painting Sculpy. I had a piece I kept for years just in case it would eventually cure and it never did. I just airbrush Sculpy with acrylic now.

 

[SamandJanetFan]

I haven't actually bought anythign yet, I'm still doing research, calculating how much material I'll need and the cost, etc. Where could I find some of that apoxie sculpt and how much does it cost?

The last time I bought some was online from The Sculpting Studio at www.SculptingStudio.com. You can also place toll-free phone orders at 1-888-643-9423

Hope this helps !

Kris

 

[Risu]

Is that stuff as firm as sculpey? It looks more like a goo that would lose its shape before drying.

 

[SamandJanetFan]

Is that stuff as firm as sculpey? It looks more like a goo that would lose its shape before drying.

Actually, it firms up to sculpey consistency very quickly (10-15 minutes) and is very easy to work with. The downside is you only have about 45 minute to an hour before it hardens up completely.

 

[G17RDY]

Sorry, im confused, is the Sculpey your using not 'oven bake' to harden variety?

If it's baked, then you should have no probs painting.

 

[Neon Sentry]

Is that stuff as firm as sculpey? It looks more like a goo that would lose its shape before drying.

I switched to Apoxie Sculpt a while ago and it's great stuff. Mix A and B to volume, then after 15 minutes or so you've got a Sculpey-like consistency for an hour before it gets hard and then you can do fine detail work within the next hour. By the next day it's cured and you can carve and sand the stuff with no issues.

 

[Risu]

It is oven bake, but several people have told me that if you paint it with enamel paint after baking it will become gooey.