smoothing out clay?

[hunisher]

hello again,

so i started sculpting using super sculpey and my problem is that i cant achieve a smooth look. what tool do you guys use to smooth out the clay? it seems the only way i can smooth it out is using and pushing in with my fingers but then it doesnt look even and hard to do with detailed or small areas. ive tried using a paintbrush and sculpey diluent but that didn't do much either. how do you guys do it?

[Bongsplat]

Unfortunately the biggest part of getting something smooth is....Patience:(

If you havent already you could use a wire loop tool to scrape the clay down a bit and then smooth it with your fingers

I use a small spatula type tool to scrape away unwanted clay then a plastic knife to smooth, finishing off with turps and a brush

once its cooked you could go further and sand it to a finish if you need something super smooth

Good luck:)

[Silas Loki]

You could use the Rubber Tipped Clay Smoothing tools that are avavilible.....I use them for 28mm miniature sculpting on "Green Stuff" and they work very well. Of course, technique goes a long way as well :)

[TitusCrow]

did no one think to mention the worst kept secret in modeling? :) alcohol! after you have got things to where you want them smooth it out by painting on alcohol of various strengths. This will melt the clay and dissolve any little shavings of clay that are bothering you, you can also use this stage to do things you cant so easy in other stages. I use 91% alcohol myself its pretty cheap and I got I big 5 liter can that will last for practically ever.

This guy explains it all way better with some pictures and detail on another part of the forums.
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=18287

Oh and you cant have to many tools, there very cheap on ebay and other places and they all give you different finishes - buy random modeling tools and experiment, you would be amazed at the finishes you chance upon. Loki is right too, those silicone clay smoothers are invaluable too for smoothing.

[Mah ' Crub]

I find that just a few drops of water work great also! Burnish with a soft sable brush. But don't use too much water,,, just drops,,,,,You will be amazed at what your finger tips can do to smooth things. And we all have to sand and polish for the final fini.
Mah ' Crub

[AJLee]

Try using brushes with varying hardness and 99% alcohol, starting with the hardest brush and working down to the softest. I find I am able to get a nice smooth finish using this method. After baking if you need it even smoother use the same method but with sand paper going from coarse to fine grain.
Hope that helps.

[hunisher]

hey thanks guys for the responses. ive actually found a smoothing/shaping tool that i like in an unexpected place: a golf tee! the point is sharp enough to shape with and the curves are just right for smoothing.

i did also purchase the rubber tip clay shapers and are the best purchase ive made in a while. great tools.