What sculpting compound to use?

[gameboy86]

Hello I better introduce myself my name is chris but everyone calls me gameboy.

I am looking to start making some small sculptures and I was wondering what would be the best material to use. The sculptures will be at most around 12" tall and most will have some detailed features. I am looking to do mostly horror/monster type sculptures. After researching I found that some good materials to work with could be plasticne (sp) or castilene. The only things that I was wondering about is how do you get them to be hardened so if I would want to sell or ship these they would be fine?

Any other sculpting compounds would be better for what I'm doing? Any other tips? I'm still a beginner with this and don't know much yet.

Sorry for the long post, I've just been really excited to start a new hobby. Any other input would be much appreciated!

[Ilaekae]

I'd suggest doing some research with google first. The two items you mention DO NOT harden, which is why they're used for the initial sculpture. After that, a mould is made and the final versions are cast in that mould. The best material, off the top of my head, for that stage would be some sort of resin.

Also look into low-firing synthetic clays like sculpey and fimo.

[gameboy86]

so after you make the molds, you fill it with normal clay and go fire them? Sorry I just done know that much about them.

[Ilaekae]

You didn't read my response correctly...

You're indicating you're making smallish figures. The logical way to get a final piece is o make a mould and cast a final piece in RESIN--which DOES NOT require firing. Technically, you could also use a porcelain slip which DOES require firing. These two approaches normally use a flexible combination mould. You can also cast in metal, which requires you work in a wax to start with, and requires a non-flexible, rather substantial mould.

You really have to do some research on google. This is a very complex area that is a bit too broad to cover here in a back and forth conversation. Look up sculpting, casting sculpture, resin sculpting, porcelain, mould making, clay sculpting, clay types, etc.

[Mirana]

Go look in the 3D forum and read the stickies at the top by Smellybug.