Modelling clay

[Guest]

I bought some from an art supply shop, a big block of it, about the size of a brick. It says it hardens in 24 hours but I only want use a small piece of the block. How do I store the remaining clay for another time once I have removed the shrink rap. Is it a case of wrapping it in plastic bags or what?

Just in case you're wondering, it's for a diorama

TIA

[Guest]

It will eventually go off but you can prolong it for a fair while by wrapping it in a damp cotton cloth and then sealing it in a an airtight plastic bag, one of the large zip-close sandwich bags would do nicely. finally keep it in the fridge as the cooler air will slow the curing process even more.

[Guest]

Thanks, Colin! I should've bought a smaller block.....

For next time, is there anything better to use for making a basic landscape?

[Guest]

For a harder base (like your clay) i use a polyfiller powder, just mix up as much as you need and mould to shape. the benefit of the filler is you can vary the viscocity from thick and easy to mould to a very thin "wash"

I mainly use pieces of polystyrene that can be melted carefully into shap with a flame, then i'll make a thickish filler up and add to the detailing.

[Guest]

Okay, thanks! And just to think, polyfiller powder is what I usually use..DOE!

[Guest]

Wrapping it as tight as you can in cling film might help. The trick is to keep it out of the air, cling film is great for that.

[Guest]

Thanks, Graham! I'll give it a try when I begin work