Modelling clay
Modelling clay or modelling compound is any of a group of malleable
substances used in building and sculpting. The material compositions and
production processes vary considerably.[1]
Ceramic clay
Ceramic clays are water-based substances made from clay minerals and
other raw materials.[2] They are baked at high temperatures in a process
known as firing to create ceramics, such as terra cotta, earthenware,
stoneware, and porcelain. Paper clay produced by pottery clay
A bust of the sculptor
manufacturers is a clay body to which a small percentage of processed
Albert-Ernest Carrier-
cellulose fiber has been added. When kiln-fired, the paper burns out,
Belleuse, by Auguste
leaving the clay body. Consequently, the firing temperatures and glazes Rodin (1882). Terracotta,
selection should be the same on those used with the clay body. originally modelled in clay.
Oil-based clay
Oil-based clays are made from combinations of oils, waxes, and clay
minerals.
Unlike water, the oils do not evaporate and oil-based clays remain
malleable even when left in dry environments for long periods. Articles
made from oil-based clays cannot be fired, and thus are not ceramics.
Because rising temperature decreases oil viscosity, the malleability is
influenced by heating or cooling the clay. Oil-based clay is not water-
Giant clay sculptures in
soluble. As it can be re-used, it is a material commonly used by stop motion
Caruaru (Brazil).
animators who need to bend and move their models. It is available in a
multitude of colors and is non-toxic. Readily worked in fine detail, oil-
based clays are also suitable for the creation of detailed sculptures from
which molds can be made. Castings and reproductions can then be
produced from much more durable materials. Cars and airplanes may be
created using industrial design-grade modelling clay.
Oil-based clays are referred to by multiple of genericized trademarks.
Roses and seashells
Plastilin (or Plasteline), which was patented in Germany by Franz
made of Paperclay
Kolb in 1880, was developed by Claude Chavant in 1892 and
(DECO)
trademarked in 1927.[3]
Plasticine was invented in 1897 by William Harbutt of
Bathampton, England.
Plastilina is trademarked as Roma Plastilina by Sculpture House,
Inc. According to their website, their formula is 100 years old.
Roma Plastilina contains sulfur, and since certain moldmaking
compounds do not set in sulfur's presence, making molds of
items made of industrial plasticine is difficult.
Polymer clay Industrial clay: a clay
model of a BMW
Polymer clay is a modelling material that cures when heated from 129 to
135 °C (265 to 275 °F) for 15 minutes per 6 millimetres (1⁄4 in) of
thickness, and does not significantly shrink or change shape
during the process. Despite being called "clay", it generally
contains no clay minerals. Polymer clay is sold in craft, hobby,
and art stores, and is used by artists, hobbyists, and children.
Polymer clay is used in animation, since it allows static forms to
be manipulated frame after frame. Leading brands of polymer clay
include Fimo, Kato Polyclay, Sculpey, Modello and Crafty
Argentina.
Clay model of Indian traditional
village games
Paper clay
Paper clay is handmade or commercially available clay to which a small percentage of processed
cellulose fiber is added. The fiber increases the tensile strength of the dry clay and enables dry-to-dry and
wet-to-dry joins. Commercial paper clays air-dry to a firm, lightweight sculpture, with minimal shrinking
during the drying process.[4]
Paper clay can be used as an unfired body in craft and doll-making. It is used in ceramic art studios as
sculptural and functional studio pottery.
See also
Borax
Clay (industrial plasticine)
Clay#Uses
Gypsum
Industrial plasticine
Paper clay
Papier-mâché, rigid-setting construction material made of paper and a wet paste
Plaster mold casting
Plasticine
Putty
Salt dough, used for modelling (such as Play-Doh)
References
1. Putman, Brenda, (1939). The Sculptor’s Way: A Guide to Modelling and Sculpture. Farrar &
Rinehart, Inc, New York, p. 8
2. Bergaya, F.; Lagaly, G. (2013). Handbook of clay science (https://books.google.com/books?i
d=UmNJ5FGxUxwC&pg=RA1-PA453) (2nd ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier. p. 453. ISBN 978-
0080993713. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
3. "Plasteline" (https://web.archive.org/web/20080820132041/http://www.sculpturetools.com/ch
avant/cart/plasteline.html). sculpturetools.com. Archived from the original (http://www.sculptu
retools.com/chavant/cart/plasteline.html) on August 20, 2008.
4. Hay, G. (2006). "A Paperclay Update" (http://www.grahamhay.com.au/hay2006update.html).
Ceramics Technical. pp. 39–40. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
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