What Tools Do I Need For Clay Sculpting

Draw the shape you want onto a piece of plastic like a gift card or packaging from takeout and cut it out with scissors.

What tools do i need for clay sculpting. Plastilina oil-based clay self-hardening non-firing clay ceramicpottery clay wax or other polymer-based material. Polymer clay Tools you will need. Rib tools are traditionally made of wood and are used for cutting and scraping clay but theyre easily made out of old gift cards.

Brushes - regular brushes that are great for blending the clay can be used dry or wetted with isopropyl alcohol to really smoothen out the clay 10. Those made from solid plastic or wood are typically used for shaping and detail work. Sculpting is an art form that has been around for centuries.

Our guide on how to make clay sculptures breaks it down into simple easy-to-follow steps. If you are sculpting in ceramic pottery clay which is soft moist clay a wire end tool will not require the same cutting ability as that used when working in. OByrne clay sculpture techniques require supporting the structure as she builds and fires.

Typical materials used for subtractive. Additive sculpting processes involve adding materials to build up the sculpture where subtractive processes rely on the removal of the material to reveal the sculpture. You can save any item that can make texture so keep your eyes open.

A small soft synthetic bristle brush can brush off any dust or unwanted clay bits from your sculpture and if you decide to use paint thinner to smooth out your sculpture at the end youll need a brush to apply it. Razor Blades Youll still need a sharp tissue blade when you cut thin cane slices. Materials typically used for additive processes include clay wax and plasticine.

Additive techniques include modeling and assemblage. A small and medium spatula will allow for moving shaping and pushing the clay. Basics for Shaping Clay A needle on a stick or a purchased tool of similar design is good for fine lines and details.