Recommendations for Clay (bust/head sculptures)

[MrRoboto]

[h=5]This is a question for all the sculptors I know we have here: what's your preferred clay?

I'm going to be making The Hound's helmet (from Game of Thrones), and it's got some crazy detail and undercutting. I've only ever used cheapo Van Aken clay (from craft stores everywhere) since I've only sculpted half and 3/4 face masks. Nothing that needed to really support its own weight.

The two brands I know by reputation are Monster and Chavant (which I understand comes in several different varieties).

I'll be molding this out of silicone, and I gather at least one of the varieties of Chavant inhibits certain silicones. I can't have that. I also have a friend who is crazy allergic to Monster (I'm hoping not an issue for me, but still).

Recommendations?[/h]

 

[v3d]

Chavant and Roma Plastilina are good. If you are sculpting in fine details I'd go with a firm(ish) clay. If you plan to press in details like skin pores with latex or silicone texture pads then go with a slightly less firm clay.

 

[claymore61]

I use chevant medium NSP.
Im told NSP means no sulpher present or something like that, and I've not had any issues using silicon.
I also use it for casting plaster masters for latex mask parts and so far no issues