Essential Clay Modeling and Sculpting Tools
Contents
If sculpting has been your passion, now is the time to learn it and become a pro. Times have changed, and now you have all the freedom in the world to show off your creativity and become a sculptor. All you have to do is choose the right type of sculpting supplies and materials. Having the right tools can help you improve your technique and become better over time. When paired with practice and patience, your skills will improve and you’ll be able to create ‘magic’.
Types of Clay
You may not be familiar with this fact, but the truth is that there are different types of clay that can be used for sculpture. All of them can differ in terms of handling and finish, which is why understanding them can help you make the right choice.
Oil-Based Modelling Clay
This clay can be tricky to work with, especially for detailed work since it can appear unrefined. However, a lot of people love it when they are in their beginnings as it is soft, workable and great for practising.
Polymer-Based Modelling Clay
This type of clay has the same softness as oil-based clays with the difference that the polymer clay can be baked in a household oven to fix a composition. The main downside of this clay is that cracks are not an exception.
Pottery (Firing) Clay
This is a water-based clay that can be shaped and fired (baked) at temperatures around 120°C in order to stay firm. These types of clay are mainly used for creating household ceramics.
Tools
Clay Wooden Modelling Tools
Clay wooden modeling supplies are great for creating smooth edges and curves on items. You can find handy modeling supplies available in different shapes that can help you control the curve and create 3D shapes.
They are also great for cutting lines in almost any modelling material or clay, giving you the opportunity to create different things. For instance, the tool that has a rounded ball end can smooth out hard to reach places while the pointed tools can help you work the fine details with precision.
You can use a short blade tool to slice and cut clay while the pointed end can help you produce curved surfaces. A tool with a forked end can help you create textured grooves, and you can carve out concave areas with a small curved tool. As you can see, the choice of such modelling materials is huge and so are the chances to find the right set of wooden modelling tools.
Loop Tools
These wooden handled tools with narrow loops made of metal are great for smoothening the corners and curves of your sculpture. All you have to do is take the right tool and start pulling out small amounts of clay in order to create the desired texture or pattern. Practice shows that these tools are great for levelling the clay across the desired area thanks to their looped blades. Available in numerous shapes and sizes, there are infinite ways to use these tools.
Cleaning Tools and Knives
As the name implies, these tools are used for cleaning up greenware (unfired pottery). Usually, these knives have two ends where one of the ends is curved. The curved part allows for working with paper clay, polymer clay and even epoxy putty. Since the other part of these tools is pointed, they can work as sturdy knives which can be great for working with harder clay.
Mini Wire Brush
This tool is usually made from a clump of wires from a wire-brushed which are embedded in a chopstick. These kinds of brushes are mainly used for smoothing out hard to reach areas and for creating some kind of effect.
Colour Shaping Tools
The colour shaping tools allow for controlled shaping of clay, paper clay, softer polymer clay, epoxy putty paint, etc. These tools are great for moving moistened paper clay around to fill in any tiny gaps when creating or repairing miniatures.
Colour shaping tools are available in a wide range of tip styles, sizes and firmness. This gives you the opportunity to choose from the numerous tools with rounded or sharp edges and softer or harder tips. The set of colour shaping tools you choose will mainly depend on your needs.
How to Use Clay Sculpting Tools?
There really isn’t any right or wrong way to use your sculpting tools. There might be some tips and tricks that could help you sculpt your clay, but in the end, it’s all comes down to practice. Practice is key which is why you should invest in all the needed modelling supplies and keep on working. After a while, everything will fall into place and you will be amazed by all of your hard work.
