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Gentletouch · Newbie

Brittle scupty clay

Buffington · Guru

First, pay very close attention to the baking directions. Measure your sculpted pieces before baking to make sure how long to put them in. Also, make sure you get an oven thermometer. If your temp is too high it can bake your clay wrong and mess everything up.

Danielle Zweers says to only put your clay in the oven once as it would get brittle otherwise.
You can also make sure you are not using old clay. Try getting some that is fresh and squishy. I think if it's too old (and some can set on the shelf for who knows how long in the stores) and you use it that could be the problem too.

Gentletouch · Newbie

Thanks for the hint. I did use the thermometer and was very careful with the temp and time the second time round. It may have been too thick in some places but the fingers where quite thin, perhaps part of the problem is the variations of thickness. Is there a hint for this.
The clay being old may also be the problem. I just got the clay from the supplier, but noticed it was fairly stiff. I usually use porceline clay so I am not use to how the polymar should feel.

Buffington · Guru

Glad to hear about the thermometer! Serious variations in thicknesses can affect the way things come out. Try some thinly rolled aluminum foil in the fingers next time, it may give them more stability. Or maybe a skeletal form from Jack Johnston. Secrist has head forms but no limb or hand forms but Johnston has both.

Aged clay is ok to work with but sometimes it's sooo just "old" it can't perform right. I always "feel" the clay I purchase. Fresh clay is very pliable and soft, sometimes too soft to use right away. But the old clay will be very stiff and brittle. You don't want it if it's like that. Firm is good but not brittle.