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

A: Plasticine is basically clay powder mixed with oil and wax instead of water. 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 plasticines do. Varying the proportions of the constituents slightly will yield harder or softer clays.

Andrew Werby- United Artworks


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