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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: alone_withmyaxe on 02 April 2010, 02:16:48 PM

Title: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: alone_withmyaxe on 02 April 2010, 02:16:48 PM
How can i get hard edges using green stuff?


I am struggling with it at the moment, and all the times I use it it seems to make round soft edges, nice for muscle not so great for armour plate or mechanical things.

Any tips or video tutorials much appreciated.

I am a novice with it at the moment but happy to try anything.

Cheers.
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: Sangennaru on 02 April 2010, 02:23:35 PM
y in several ways:

first, if it is a "simple" edge, you can let the greenstuff demi-dry, or freeze it, and then cut it.
if you have more difficult parts, you have better to use alcohol on your metal tool and work on the piece when it is demi dried.
otherwise, you can sand the product, for the best result. But sanding a hidden part is nearly impossible :)

i'm not an expert, but i try to help as i can! :)
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: dijit on 02 April 2010, 02:36:13 PM
I've seen many people use 'brown stuff' from the same company to make hard edges, but as I'm still low on the greenstuff skills, I can't say I've tried it myself.
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: white knight on 02 April 2010, 02:56:47 PM
Brown stuff is better for hard edges. It also sands better than green stuff.

I know pro's also tend to go over the edges again when the greenstuff is half cured to make them as crisp as possible.

If it's something you can easily access with a blade, you can also sculpt it slightly to big and then carve it when cured for a straight edge. I've tried that with acceptable results.
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: Dolmot on 02 April 2010, 02:58:50 PM
Agreed and extended:

You can:
- Sculpt the plates separately.
- Reshape the edge several times while it hardens. Pushing it against a sharp corner may help.
- Let it harden and then cut it with a very sharp blade. Dull ones will just tear it.

Sanding/filing GS is no fun. It's possible, but takes good tools and lots of time. Avoid it if you only can. With GS, all time is better spent making the original sculpt perfect than trying to correct it afterwards.

Alternatively, you can use other putties. Brown stuff and Procreate are a bit better, but still somewhat rubbery. That is, they may tear. Consider getting some clay-like putty like Magic Sculp or Milliput. They can be filed, drilled and sanded easily.

Or: if possible, use ready made parts, plastic profiles, tin bits from sprues etc.

Green stuff is fine for general work, but it's also among the softest putties out there. Like someone said, it's like trying to shape chewing gum sharply. Other tools may be a better idea than using GS stubbornly for purposes where it doesn't excel.
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: rob_the_robgoblin on 02 April 2010, 11:18:28 PM
I use brown and file it down.

I have to say, hard edges are one of my weaker points!
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: alone_withmyaxe on 04 April 2010, 11:43:25 AM
Thanks for all the tips guys, I will let you know how I get on.
 :)
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: Mr. Burning on 05 April 2010, 10:58:50 AM
I agree with most tips here.
When using green stuff the trick is to let it start to cure before attempting any detail work. This will enable the form to be held whilst still allowing movement and shaping opportunities.

Procreate and Brown stuff are probably better for creating hard edges. YMMV of course.
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: CompanyB on 05 April 2010, 08:55:21 PM
Instead of using brownstuff, you can also just mix an equal amount of prepared milliput with the green stuff.  you then get light green stuff, which has all the properties of both.  Plus the new mix sands quite nicely.
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: dijit on 05 April 2010, 09:15:20 PM
YMMV of course.
YMMV? ???
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: alone_withmyaxe on 06 April 2010, 09:03:02 AM
YMMV? ???

Your Method May Vary, I had to look it up!
 :)



As ever you guys have given me loads of top tips, of which I will have to trial and report back. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Hard edges using green stuff
Post by: dijit on 06 April 2010, 11:23:20 AM
Ahah! thanks!