Getting into Sculpting

[Golan2072]

I'm thinking of trying my hand at some simple sculpting and/or conversion for the 15mm scale. I intend to buy some Green Stuff (or the local equivalent, which is grey or yellow) and a sculpting knife and try sculpting simple things such as maybe a giant serpent, giant worms and so on (later I'll try a giant toad).

Once the sculpt is done and hardened, can I prime and paint it directly or are there more steps to be done?

Do you have any advice to share with a sculpting newbie such as myself?

[SBRPearce]

Most sculpting putties can be primed and painted as soon as they're fully cured. Curing time ranges from 2 to 24 hours, shortened by modest heat (150 F or 65 C). If you're not sure how well you can control the heat, just spend the time and let the stuff harden by itself.

Good luck and enjoy the process!

[Golan2072]

Thanks!

By the way, it was suggested to me on another forum that I should lubricate my tools. What kind of a lubricant do I need?

[Silent Invader]

If you check out Matakishi's Tea Room it has a really good 'how to' sculpting section.

[Golan2072]

Thanks

[mondria]

spit works fine as lub, vaseline works too but needs to be cleaned off before the next sculpting step,I just lick my tools works for me. as for sculpting tips check out Ebob he has a couple of easy to follow tutorials

[Golan2072]

spit works fine as lub, vaseline works too but needs to be cleaned off before the next sculpting step,I just lick my tools works for me. as for sculpting tips check out Ebob he has a couple of easy to follow tutorials

Got any link?

[mondria]

http://www.ebobminiatures.com/sculpting/sculpting.htm

[Golan2072]

Thanks!

[rob_alderman]

Use your own saliva, you cannot get a better lubricant.

Read lots of articles, the only way forward in anything is to just read as much as you can on the subject.

Someone told you to get the 'cylinders' of Greenstuff, I actually prefer the strips. You have more control over how much you use that way. I cut the strips into 1CM long (roughly) sections, and put one half of the box in the freezer and keep the rest out. Putting it in the freezer stops it 'going off' and keeps it fresh to work with. It doesn't have to 'defrost' either, you can work with it as soon as you get it out of the freezer. Just don't eat it!

Here is a Q&A with myself, not sure how much of it is useful!

http://orcsinthewebbe.co.uk/index.php/flintloque/miscellaneous/504-sculpting-a-qaa-with-rob-alderman

[Golan2072]

Thanks for the info

[Silent Invader]

I like the strips too, though I don't bother to cut out the centre line as any hardened bits tend to get pushed onto a base along with leftovers to become a boulder or whatever in due course.

I just keep mine in a cool cupboard but I tend to get through it quite quickly.

I lubricate with tap water, using a piece of kitchen paper (a bit like a wet palette).

 

[Golan2072]

Thanks for the tips!

[Heldrak]

There are ongoing discussions about the relative toxicity of Greenstuff, so I would avoid licking your tools (you're liable to stab or cut your tongue anyway).     Some sculptors do use their facial oils, but another common lubricant to use is chapstick. Simply rub a little bit of chapstick on the heel of your off (non-tool-using) hand and then rub the points of your tools in the chapstick when they start to stick.

[Christian]

I would also suggest going for a darker mix of green, rather than the 50/50 that the roll suggests.

Any tips on smoothing out the GS? Any particular tools better for it?