All the qualities of traditional clay but without the need for firing unless specifically required. This clay is reinforced with nylon fibres which means a much lower shrinkage rate. Drying times will vary and models can be kept workable under a damp cloth. This versatile and economical clay can also be fired for use by more advanced potters.
Modelling With SCOLA Earthen nylon reinforced clay
Scola Clay Air Drying Modelling Clay is available in terracotta clay and stone clay colours. Both dry somewhat lighter than the colour supplied. The nylon reinforcing synthetic fibres are a superb bonding agent which reduces brittleness and also means that the clay need not be fired and can be painted and varnished. Therefore it is an ideal modelling medium for both children and adults
For more durable models, the clay can be fired and glazes applied.
Instructions for use
Always keep your Scola Clay in a closed airtight container. The original packaging is ideal if there are no holes in it otherwise double pack. If the clay does dry out, break it into small pieces, put them into a polythene bag and sprinkle water on them, and leave until soft and workable again.
Before starting, think carefully about making your model and make sausage or ball shapes to represent the object you have in mind, e.g. a cat might comprise a ball for the head, a sausage for the body and thin sausages for the legs. Bearing in mind the clay won’t hold up weight like legs to bodies, think about using wire, sticks (dowel) and other reinforcers to form your clay around – this also saves weight and clay
Next join the bits up and make sure they are well moulded to each other otherwise something is likely to fall off. Now you can start with surface features like noses, eyes etc. You can also add other materials like wood shavings, leaves, seeds and endless other things to enhance your model. The only limit is your imagination
Larger Models
If you want to make large models, it is unnecessary to make these entirely out of Scolaclay, as they might use up too much of your clay and be too heavy.
An excellent light weight base for sculpting and larger models is wire mesh. We stock fine medium and coarse mesh and this will flex as the clay dries which should help reducing cracking. Flexibility in the armature is very important otherwise the clay is certain to crack as it dries. It is also important to use thin slabs of clay. The thicker, the more likely it is to crack as it dries. You can also use tightly bunched up old newspapers but these are too springy for me yet will give as the clay dries.
Having got your basic shape you can now start clay modelling by making long sausages and wrapping your model in it or forming thin slabs and layering your model with it.
If your model is to be left for any time and needs work to continue on it, get an old towel, wet it, wring it out and drape the damp towel over all of the clay surfaces, thereby ensuring that it is immediately ready to work on when you come back to it. To prevent the towel drying out, use a garden spray and regularly dampen your towel.
Block Printing
ScolaClay works well for printing. You can cut your pattern or press blocks against a rugged surface to create a textured print. Use clay that has other material sunk into it, to create even more unusual patterns.
Making containers
The clay, unfired and unglazed is not suitable for holding water, so it is not good for making pots unless they are to be used for non liquids like dried or artificial flowers.
Using suitable glazes and firing the clay will give you a waterproof container.
Modelling in relief
Scola Clay can be used to make very large or small items and after it has dried out can be glued using P.V.A. glue to cardboard tubes, boxes or hardboard. Many pattered objects can be made in this way, for example pictures and decorated boxes. Push moulds and clay cutters are a handy way of easily producing complex shapes.
Finishing the Model
Water based paints work very well with Scola Clay but before you finish your model, you can use heavy duty pva glue or acrylic gloss varnish to stick paper, powders, sand, seeds, sawdust, etc., to the surface.
If you want your colours to glow, coat your model in white, acrylic primer undercoat, then paint it. Good quality water based paints are ideal. We carry a huge range of colours in Acrylic paints. The acrylic paints are available in both hobby and artist qualities. You can also use oil based paints but your model must be very dry if you use oil paints.
Having painted your model, you can then varnish it to bring up the colours and to give it that extra coat of protection. Acrylic water based varnishes work very well and are easy clean (brushes). When dry, acrylic varnish does not wash off and is water resistant.
Firing ScolaClay
Scola clay is designed to be air dryed, however, if you have a kiln and want to fire your work, it fires well. Your kiln should be set within 1000°C to 1250°C
