sculpting - fingerprints!?

[Nardo]

I picked up sculpting a few months ago, started training myself. I work with Super Sculpey (and am open to more affordable alternatives, hahaha) and have always had this one problem...

How do you sculpt without leaving fingerprints!? hahaha

-and if you can help me out a little more, what kind of tools do you need to get realistic detailed texture?

thanks for any advice.

[VulgarDragon]

Wear latex or nitrile gloves while sculpting. Actually, most sculptors don't unless they are allergic to the sculpey...they usually brush the sculpey with a solvent (91% rubbing alcohol or lighter fluid). It helps to smooth out the fingerprints (and other mess). Just not too much or it will melt all your details.

As for the tools, I guess a dental pick or needle tool would be the most useful in creating textures...it really depends on what kind of texture you want because different tools do different jobs. Experimenting is the best way to find out.

We have a sculpting forum here on CA...it's called 3D & Sculpture. Hope to see you there!

[HunterKiller_]

I believe most sculptors mount their armature to a stand so there's no need to touch it at all with their hands.

btw, you might get more help in the sculpture forum.

[Ilaekae]

As a start to getting some good tools, go to ebay and type in "dental tools" without listing a specific section. $5 to $20 can get you a hell of a lot of stuff...

[VulgarDragon]

I believe most sculptors mount their armature to a stand so there's no need to touch it at all with their hands.

btw, you might get more help in the sculpture forum.

Actually, a lot of touching goes on, at least up until the final texturing and detailing process.