First Plastina Bio Sculpt

[chickenjug]

I've started a clay Bio. My first time sculpting anything since elementary school.
I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for smoothing plastina? I've tried a wet sponge (which did nothing) and I've tried heat (which made a sticky mess).

I don't intend to end up with a P1. Other, more talented, individuals have mastered the P1 already.
I will be adding ridges and flanges and other decor.

The color change is just flash vs no flash.

 

[chickenjug]

I just saw on one of the sculpt threads where people recommend 99% isopropyl or acetone for smoothing Plastina...

 

[wonko]

Looking good so far.  What are you using for an armature?  I've been wanting to attempt a bio, but don't know which armature to go with.  Keep it coming!

Brian

 

[chickenjug]

I used a lopsided pepakura bio for the armature. The resin dried saggy, so It wasn't much use for anything else.

Added some extras.
Not much progress on smoothing. I don't have any 99% alcohol on hand. I tried the usual 70% and It doesn't work much better than the water.
There are three females in my household, so I know that there must be nail polish remover somewhere around here...

 

[REYALS1]

Yeah, 70% isn't going to work to smooth that out. You need 90%+.

Looking good though. Keep at it.

 

[chickenjug]

Still not much progress on smoothing this thing. I think that the cold is making the clay more stubborn.
I have made a few changes to the overall shape.

The basic laser housing is there now.
The upper snoot(?) is now an open half circle instead of a downward point.
The lower outer jowl(?) has been built up. I am slightly concerned that this gives the mask a 'fat face' - it certainly looked sleeker before.
I have also added some dome ridges.

It is somewhat difficult to accurately describe and discuss 'things-which-don't-really-exist.'

 

[UnitedHerps]

looking good!  looking forward in seeing your first pull

Pitoon

 

[chickenjug]

I have started to make a mold...

I am either going to have a kick-ass bio, or I am going to learn an important lesson about skimping on quality art supplies!

 

[A Hunters Moon]

Nice details.  Like the ridges in the cheeks, dome, etc. 

 

[Untamed]

I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to skimping on art supplies with my mask. kind of worried how it will turn out. if it doesnt turn out the way you want paint it and call it "The Training Bio" lol

 

[AlphaTech686]

Dude I don't understand what you think you are skimping out on. This is looking pretty good.

 

[ShowOFF]

good luck with your first sculp)

 

[Lowdmekon]

Fingers crossed for you buddy

 

[chickenjug]

Dude I don't understand what you think you are skimping out on. This is looking pretty good.

Here is where the skimping comes in...

The instructions on the little tub of modeling latex I bought reads "...for models up to three inches, up to 8 coats may be required. Larger models may be possible with increased layers." The emphasis is mine.

This is much more than three inches!

I am bulking up the mold with latex caulk.

If this works, then I am a super genius.
If not, I am an utter fool.

 

[Nickolos]

putting it in a oven or under a heat lamp will cure it deeper in latex just skins if left to air dry and its too thick but a heat lamp/ oven not too close or hot can curve this id suggest a heat lamp since you dont want caulk and paper resin in your oven 

 

[chickenjug]

putting it in a oven or under a heat lamp will cure it deeper in latex just skins if left to air dry and its too thick but a heat lamp/ oven not too close or hot can curve this id suggest a heat lamp since you dont want caulk and paper resin in your oven 

The clay that I am using has a very low melting point. I don't think that I can bake it. I have been careful to keep the layers thin.

I think that it has set up properly.  I have a few days off at the end of this week, I should find out then.

 

[chickenjug]

I have built a base for my mold. I decided to extend the lip of the latex before I make the fiberglass jacket. I was impressed and inspired by BonzRus' excellent thoroughness and made a knock-off of his setup. His build is top notch and worth a look: http://www.thehunterslair.com/topic...-completebio-is-done-0218/page-10#entry363020

Next I will be stuffing the gap with dirt clay and extending the latex.

 

[chickenjug]

The latex caulk did not stick to the molding latex.

I now have a super flimsy mold and a super thick, padded and insulated mother mold. Heck, the stinking thing is probably sound proof.

I will attempt a pull from it later today, assuming that my resin supply holds out.

 

[wonko]

Sorry for your luck Brian, but I have to admit, I got a little chuckle out of your description of what you ended up with.  Hope the pull comes out good for you!

Brian

 

[BonzRus]

Just seeing this for the first time. Very nice looking bio and valiant effort on the molding...  I too looked at going this route and did some experimenting with GE 100% silicone in a tube but didn't have too much success. By the time I got to the point of molding I had so much time and effort into my build that I decided I didn't want to cut any corners so I forked over the $$$ for the Smooth On silicone. It is well worth it if you can make the investment. I would still like to experiment with the tube stuff sometime. Were you able to salvage the sculpt to where you could try again based on what you now know?

Steve