Oil Clay (plasticine)

Alberto · Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 20 Location: Sydney

Hello folks,
This might be a long shot but I'd like to hear from anyone who has made their own oil clay successfully. I use Roma Plastilina No.4 at the moment. Great except that on wire armature it cracks after some months (can't work on it every day). I'd also prefer it even harder. I prefer sulphur clays because they're not sticky under the fingers or tools. The only alternative to Roma I can find is Chavant but what they offer is not all that different. I've been looking into making my own and I have a recipie, though I'd like to hear from someone who's already done that, since plasticity in the clay is a tough problem to solve - or so it seems to me anyway. Any takers? I'll also duplicate this post in the "Studio" category. Thanks...
Alberto

Ricardo · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Posts: 826 Location: Blue Mountains

Hi Alberto
I am waiting for an artist friend of mine to sent something on 'plasticine', however he suggested trying 'DAS', he uses DAS as opposed to plasticine. Oh by the way do you know Rosalin Duncan, she goes to J A's to draw? If so, say a big hello for me.

Ricardo · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Posts: 826 Location: Blue Mountains

Hi Alberto

Here it the recipe, imperial measure.

Making your own oil-based clay

10 lbs Micro-crystalline Wax
1/2 gal Purified Mineral Oil
4 lbs Vaseline
25 lbs Clay Powder

Melt wax, oil and Vaseline together in an electric frying pan; stir clay powder in slowly once melted. Mix thoroughly and pour into shallow microwave-safe plastic containers. You can also use a portion of beeswax for part of the wax component for an even smoother clay. Don't use to much though, as it can become too sticky.

OR

this is on that does not use clay, it works well.

480 g bee wax or Micro-crystalline Wax is less sticky
200 ml purified mineral oil
192 g vaseline
1200 g talc (white)
In an electric fry pan ( 60 C don't get it too hot to let wax smoke) mix beeswax + mineral oil + vaseline. Before they become entirely liquid, mix in the talc) you can play around a little with the amounts, mix the types of wax.

Alberto · Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 20 Location: Sydney

Thank you Ricardo for your speedy replies - the recipie is basically the one I have and I take your points about the stickiness depending on how much wax you use and what kind. I'll let you know how I go.

Yes I do know Rosalin Duncan, and I'll definitely pass on your greeting when I next see her - god, small world! (That's what the net's for I guess).

By the way, I checked out your work - I thought "Senti il mio grido..." was especially effective visually - and it also confirmed my assumption about your Italian origins (like mine)...nice to know...keep up the good work and best wishes with it Wink

If anyone else has any other suggestions and experience making oil clay please keep the discussion going.

Thanks again very much,
Alberto

Ricardo · Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Posts: 826 Location: Blue Mountains

Your welcome Alberto and thank you for you kind words

Kate · Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 44 Location: Sydney

Before I started creating wire sculpture I used to make figures in plasticine and cast them in plaster. I found plasticine better and easier to mould using the heat of my hands and cooling the plasticine once I was done. I would then cast it with liquid latex and reinforce that with plaster to hold the shape. Then I would cast it in good plaster. It would then be possible to take it to a metal casting place to have the finished product in bronze. Perhaps it could also be cast in another product but one would have to ensure the latex mould was not eaten away with a reactive chemical base.
Kate

Alberto · Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 20 Location: Sydney

Thanks for your reply Kate...

murdo · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 1 Location: Melbourne

Wikipedia gives the rough composition of genuine Plasticine
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasticine

I find heating in an oven at 40 to 45 C makes it easier to mould.

Re: plaster casts: genuine Plasticine (distributor www.colorific.com.au) seems
to be waterproof, same for Fun Clay (www.edcolours.com.au) but Plastilina (JOVI, S.A.)
iis slowly soluble in water so may be unsuitable for making casts.

It may be worth checking home recipe oil clay before making casts.

Alberto · Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 20 Location: Sydney

Thanks Murdo,
I've checked the Wikipedia article and note that the recipie is very similar to Klean Klay - one I've been buying from Barnes (availalble in Melbourne).

Since my last post I've been occupied with other things and have not tried making any more clay, but it's good to have info on hand.

Thanks again for the info and it appears you're new to the forum (or new to posting) so either way: welcome!
Best wishes,
Alberto

SallyHaynes · Joined: 23 Jun 2010 Posts: 1

Hi,
I know you've moved onto other creative things, but I found this amazing recipe that may help other artists interested in making your own plasticine.

Personally, I enjoy making it just for the fun of it and I know the kids will love having their own plasticine to create paintings and sculptures.
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Here is the recipe site: http://www.instructables.com/id/Homemade-Oil-based-Modelling-Clay/
It uses LIMESTONE powder, available at any hardware store as the main filler and BEESWAX because it can be remelted many times over without disintergrating.