Is there a modeling material similar to or type of Polymer clay that is not brittle?
Django asked:
I’m looking for a good modeling material to make my own figures (with limited articulation.) I’ve used Sculpey quite a bit in the past and I like it for it’s ability to be sanded and tooled but it is prone to breaking and chipping so I’m looking for some material that will produce more durable parts perhaps with a little flex. Any suggestions?
I have used Fimo before which is more plastic when baked but doesn’t sand very well and doesn’t come in a bulk generic color like Super Sculpey (which would be preferable.) I’m also looking for something that can be re-baked (Super Sculpey holds up well in this category) and something that can be spray painted without reacting to the paint. Fimo tends to have negative reactions to various sprays (never dries.)
I’m looking for a good modeling material to make my own figures (with limited articulation.) I’ve used Sculpey quite a bit in the past and I like it for it’s ability to be sanded and tooled but it is prone to breaking and chipping so I’m looking for some material that will produce more durable parts perhaps with a little flex. Any suggestions?
I have used Fimo before which is more plastic when baked but doesn’t sand very well and doesn’t come in a bulk generic color like Super Sculpey (which would be preferable.) I’m also looking for something that can be re-baked (Super Sculpey holds up well in this category) and something that can be spray painted without reacting to the paint. Fimo tends to have negative reactions to various sprays (never dries.)
You have probably used the wrong Sculpey Clay. Sculpey is a ‘brand’ name of polymer clay. SculpeyIII (which is probably what you were using) is quite brittle after baking. Not suitable for thin areas. It is mainly for children’s use. Super Sculpey, which comes in a beige colour is used by doll artists, but it is still very brittle. My choice is Premo (another Sculpey product). Premo can be used in thin areas and remains slightly flexible after baking. It is very strong and durable.
I use it exclusively in my classes. I’ve dropped pieces and have had small pins go through both the washer and dryer without a chip. Fimo and Kato are other polymer clays that are also strong.
Dealing with only one point in your hope list: Consider the contradiction between your desire for flexibility and your desire to sand. Flexibility implies that the molecules are loosely attached and can be shifted with respect to each other. Sanding implies a hard surface that can have molecules dragged off it leaving similar molecules behind. You are asking for a substance with two opposing characteristics. You may need to invest in an expensive derm-abrasion tool used on human flesh.
I would recommend you to use Epoxy clay (you can find it at a Hardware store). Make sure you buy the “clay”, not the “gel” type. Comes in two parts and you mix them together. Depending on the type you buy dries from 15 minutes to 4 hours,giving you time to make your figure.
It’s very resistant, it can be sanded, painted, even drilled, however it can’t be bended. So you should keep using Sculpey for the movable parts and Epoxy clay for the parts that need more resistance.
I use it all the time for my figures.
Good luck!