To effectively smooth plastilina clay, especially after adding material, a good technique involves using a lubricant like liquid dish soap or tincture of green soap. This method helps the clay glide smoothly without smearing.
Understanding Plastilina and Smoothing Challenges
Plastilina, also known as oil-based clay, is a non-hardening modeling material. Unlike water-based clays, it remains pliable indefinitely, making it ideal for sculpting and stop-motion animation. However, its oily nature can sometimes make smoothing surfaces tricky, often resulting in a smeared or uneven finish.
The Lubricant Method: Using Soap
Based on practical experience, applying a lubricant is a highly recommended approach. As one sculptor notes, they like using soap for this—either liquid dish soap or tincture of green soap.
Why Use Soap?
The primary benefit of using soap as a lubricant is that it keeps the clay from smearing, which is most of the problem with plastiline. A thin film of soap on the surface or tool reduces friction, allowing you to shape and smooth the clay without dragging or tearing the material.
When to Apply Soap
It's important to use this method strategically. You only want to do this after you're finished adding clay, since new clay won't stick to the soapy surface. Applying soap earlier in the process would prevent you from building up or joining clay pieces effectively.
Step-by-Step Smoothing with Soap
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Complete Clay Addition: Finish adding all the clay you need for the form you are creating.
- Prepare the Lubricant: Have a small amount of liquid dish soap or tincture of green soap ready. You can dilute it slightly with water, but a concentrated solution works well.
- Apply to Surface/Tool: Gently apply a thin film of the soap solution to the surface of the clay you want to smooth, or directly to your smoothing tools.
- Smooth the Clay: Use sculpting tools (like spatulas, loops, or even your fingers) to gently work the surface. The soap will help the tool glide over the clay, reducing drag and creating a smoother finish.
- Wipe Away Excess: Once satisfied with the smoothness, carefully wipe away any excess soap residue.
Tools and Materials for Smoothing
While the soap method is key for reducing smearing, having the right tools enhances the smoothing process:
- Sculpting Tools: Metal or plastic spatulas, smoothing tools, and loop tools.
- Fingers: Often the most sensitive tools, especially for subtle smoothing.
- Solvents (Use Caution): Some artists use solvents like mineral spirits or lighter fluid sparingly, applied with a brush, to melt the surface slightly for smoothing. However, this method can be harsh, potentially weaken the clay structure long-term, and requires good ventilation. The soap method is generally safer and less disruptive to the clay's composition.
- Soap Solution: Liquid dish soap or tincture of green soap.
| Material | Purpose | Application Note |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Dish Soap | Lubricant | Apply thinly to surface or tool; prevents smearing. |
| Tincture of Green Soap | Lubricant | Similar to dish soap; preferred by some artists. |
| Sculpting Tools | Shaping/Smoothing | Use with lubricant for better glide. |
Additional Tips for Smoothing
- Clay Temperature: Slightly warmed plastilina is softer and easier to smooth than cold clay. You can gently warm it in your hands or near a heat source (avoid melting it).
- Light Touch: Use gentle pressure when smoothing with tools and lubricants to avoid digging into the clay or creating new marks.
- Work in Sections: Focus on smoothing small areas at a time for better control.
By incorporating a soap lubricant into your process after the modeling is complete, you can achieve a much smoother and more professional finish on your plastilina sculptures.
