Q: What is plastiline clay and how can I mix my own?

A: Plastiline, or oil-based modeling clay, is basically clay powder mixed with oil and wax instead of water. Its advantage over water-based, or potter's clay, is that it stays workable for long periods of time, instead of drying and shrinking as it does so. One recipe is as follows:

10 lbs microcrystalline wax
1/2 gal. #10wt oil
4 lbs plain automotive grease
25 lbs dry clay powder (such as Kentucky ball clay)

Melt wax, oil, and grease together in an electric frying kettle; stir clay in slowly once melted. Pour into shallow microwave-safe plastic containers, or into a wet plaster mold.

This basic recipe may be modified for specific applications. One variation I have worked out uses beeswax for part of the wax component, substitutes petroleum jelly for the grease, and purified mineral oil for the 10wt. motor oil. This smells better, and doesn't have a problem with the rubber mold compounds I use, like most proprietary plastilines do. Varying the proportions of the constituents slightly will yield harder or softer clays.

Andrew Werby- United Artworks

Note: Earlier versions of this article referred to PLASTICINE clay, which I have since been informed is not a generic word for oil-based modelling clay, as I had assumed, but is a trademark of the Bluebird toy company of the UK. This recipe does not attempt to duplicate their product.


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