Modelling clay

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A bust of the sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, by Auguste Rodin (1882). Terracotta, originally modelled in clay. Rodin Carrie-Belleuse p1070141.jpg
A bust of the sculptor Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, by Auguste Rodin (1882). Terracotta, originally modelled in clay.
Giant clay sculptures in Caruaru (Brazil). Caruaru-figuras-de-barro.jpg
Giant clay sculptures in Caruaru (Brazil).
Roses and seashells made of Paperclay (DECO) DECO clay roses and seashells.jpg
Roses and seashells made of Paperclay (DECO)
Industrial clay: a clay model of a BMW BMW 1 Series model.jpg
Industrial clay: a clay model of a BMW

Modelling clay or modelling compound is any of a group of malleable substances used in building and sculpting. The material compositions and production processes vary considerably. [1]

Contents

Ceramic clay

Ceramic clays are water-based substances made from clay minerals and other raw materials. [2] They are baked at high temperatures in a process known as firing to create ceramics, such as terra cotta, earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain. Paper clay produced by pottery clay manufacturers is a clay body to which a small percentage of processed cellulose fiber has been added. When kiln-fired, the paper burns out, leaving the clay body. Consequently, the firing temperatures and glazes selection should be the same on those used with the clay body.

Clay model of Indian traditional village games Clay model of Indian traditional village games.jpg
Clay model of Indian traditional village games

Oil-based clay

Oil-based clays are made from combinations of oils, waxes, and clay minerals.

Unlike water, the oils do not evaporate and oil-based clays remain malleable even when left in dry environments for long periods. Articles made from oil-based clays cannot be fired, and thus are not ceramics. Because rising temperature decreases oil viscosity, the malleability is influenced by heating or cooling the clay. Oil-based clay is not water-soluble. As it can be re-used, it is a material commonly used by stop motion animators who need to bend and move their models. It is available in a multitude of colors and is non-toxic. Readily worked in fine detail, oil-based clays are also suitable for the creation of detailed sculptures from which molds can be made. Castings and reproductions can then be produced from much more durable materials. Cars and airplanes may be created using industrial design-grade modelling clay.

Oil-based clays are referred to by multiple of genericized trademarks.

Polymer clay

Polymer clay is a modelling material that cures when heated from 129 to 135 °C (265 to 275 °F) for 15 minutes per 6 millimetres (14 in) of thickness, and does not significantly shrink or change shape during the process. Despite being called "clay", it generally contains no clay minerals. Polymer clay is sold in craft, hobby, and art stores, and is used by artists, hobbyists, and children. Polymer clay is used in animation, since it allows static forms to be manipulated frame after frame. Leading brands of polymer clay include Fimo, Kato Polyclay, Sculpey, Modello and Crafty Argentina.

Paper clay

Paper clay is handmade or commercially available clay to which a small percentage of processed cellulose fiber is added. The fiber increases the tensile strength of the dry clay and enables dry-to-dry and wet-to-dry joins. Commercial paper clays air-dry to a firm, lightweight sculpture, with minimal shrinking during the drying process. [4]

Paper clay can be used as an unfired body in craft and doll-making. It is used in ceramic art studios as sculptural and functional studio pottery.

See also

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This page describe terms and jargon related to sculpture and sculpting.

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This is a list of pottery and ceramic terms.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bacterial cellulose</span> Organic compound

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6
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10
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5
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produced by certain types of bacteria. While cellulose is a basic structural material of most plants, it is also produced by bacteria, principally of the genera Komagataeibacter, Acetobacter, Sarcina ventriculi and Agrobacterium. Bacterial, or microbial, cellulose has different properties from plant cellulose and is characterized by high purity, strength, moldability and increased water holding ability. In natural habitats, the majority of bacteria synthesize extracellular polysaccharides, such as cellulose, which form protective envelopes around the cells. While bacterial cellulose is produced in nature, many methods are currently being investigated to enhance cellulose growth from cultures in laboratories as a large-scale process. By controlling synthesis methods, the resulting microbial cellulose can be tailored to have specific desirable properties. For example, attention has been given to the bacteria Komagataeibacter xylinus due to its cellulose's unique mechanical properties and applications to biotechnology, microbiology, and materials science.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conservation and restoration of ceramic objects</span> Preservation of heritage collections

Conservation and restoration of ceramic objects is a process dedicated to the preservation and protection of objects of historical and personal value made from ceramic. Typically, this activity of conservation-restoration is undertaken by a conservator-restorer, especially when dealing with an object of cultural heritage. Ceramics are created from a production of coatings of inorganic, nonmetallic materials using heating and cooling to create a glaze. These coatings are often permanent and sustainable for utilitarian and decorative purposes. The cleaning, handling, storage, and in general treatment of ceramics is consistent with that of glass because they are made of similar oxygen-rich components, such as silicates. In conservation ceramics are broken down into three groups: unfired clay, earthenware or terracotta, and stoneware and porcelain.

References

  1. Putman, Brenda, (1939). The Sculptor’s Way: A Guide to Modelling and Sculpture. Farrar & Rinehart, Inc, New York, p. 8
  2. Bergaya, F.; Lagaly, G. (2013). Handbook of clay science (2nd ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier. p. 453. ISBN   978-0080993713 . Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  3. "Plasteline". sculpturetools.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008.
  4. Hay, G. (2006). "A Paperclay Update". Ceramics Technical. pp. 39–40. Retrieved 23 March 2018.