One of the things I struggled with for a considerable time was getting a smooth finish when sculpting mache clay heads.
I used various products and materials. I now use almost the same method and materials every time.
I start with a urethane foam skull which I cast from 2 part foam then carve to suit my needs.
The I add Celluclay to change it appropriately, adding mass or bulk as needed. This also adds a good substrate for the Paperclay which will be used later on.
After the Celluclay dries it is very hard. I set the eyes in the sockets with some glue. Now I can begin adding detail with a much finer product, Paperclay from creative. This will usually require many sessions.
After this is done I will usually do a bit of light sanding and add the ears because I hate making ears and I always forget to make them.
Prior to adding the 1st coat of paint (Below) I will do a skim coat of thinned down Sculpt or Coat, this helps add a level of smoothness to the skin texture and some durability to the Paperclay
Once the piece is entirely painted (above) I coat the mouth and eyes with clear 5-minute epoxy. Then I sprayed the face with a bit of thinned Plastic Varnish Gloss.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Grim – have you ever worked with the air dry clay brand Prang Das? I can get it here for much cheaper than the Paperclay. I really like it, due to it having a very close consistence to real clay when it is worked and it has almost a porcelain like quality when dry.
I have not used that brand. I get Paperclay direct from the manufacturer wholesale, and get really good pricing that way. LaurieBeast is a DAS fan, you may want to ask her if she has used it.
Grim
Paperclay is wonderful stuff. I usually make strip paper mache clones of my foam skulls, then put a layer of pulp mache clay. I use the Paperclay last for the detail work on the face and to smooth out the rest of the skull. I really need to just buy a bunch of Paperclay in bulk so I'll quit hoarding the small amount I usually have on hand!
Love the prop by the way!
Hey, I do that too!! GMTA Cool!! But celluclay has got such great texture for some projects, I just cannot cover it up with the paperclay!!! Smiles
Thanks for the tips. Do you get your celluclay and paperclay online? I searched for those in my area but can't find any. Surely it can be bought online but I was wondering if there is a particular trusted site for those?
I get Celluclay from Michaels locally. Blick is very reputable online and you can get it there. Celluclay@DickBlick. Paperclay I usually order from the manufacturer, There website is currently down, I just called them and it should be back up tomorrow. They have the best prices I have found if you are buying in quantity. If not Blick also sells it. Paperclay@DickBlick
Thanks for the tips
Respect~
How far do the Celluclay and Paperclay stretch? For instance how much of each did you use for this project? What size quantities are you buying them in?
Stay True~
FMI
Celluclay I have no idea, Its relatively cheap.
I buy it in a 5lb bag, I always buy gray, I don't like the consistency of the white Celluclay. Maybe a few cups once mixed.
Paperclay I would guess about 1.5 pounds. I buy it in bulk from the manufacturer, in 8oz packages. Usually I buy 15 pounds at a time.
Grim
Amazing. Thanks for the tutorial. Looks like I'll be giving this a try in the future. I've used Celluclay but never Paperclay. Seems to be a lot of fun to experiment with.
Thanks for sharing your process. This is very helpful to those of us who work with paper mache.
wow, it's amazing to see that head coming to life… like the bit about forgetting ears!
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