Submerged Prop
in Props
Hello from Greece!
First of all I'm new here and really excited to browse through the discussions in the forum.
I need technical advice on a prop project I am currently working on.
It is a deformed baby that will be placed in a jar with colored liquid, the submersion part is a puzzle for me.
I sculpted the deformations with polymer clay on top of a vinyl doll but I cannot bake the clay due to vinyl.
Now I have the below questions If you can help me I would be grateful:
1) Should I place another material on top of polymer clay? Something like papier mache or not?
2) Can I simply draw some details on the clay and use a Matte Varnish on top in order to prevent water from making contact with the polymer clay?
First of all I'm new here and really excited to browse through the discussions in the forum.
I need technical advice on a prop project I am currently working on.
It is a deformed baby that will be placed in a jar with colored liquid, the submersion part is a puzzle for me.
I sculpted the deformations with polymer clay on top of a vinyl doll but I cannot bake the clay due to vinyl.
Now I have the below questions If you can help me I would be grateful:
1) Should I place another material on top of polymer clay? Something like papier mache or not?
2) Can I simply draw some details on the clay and use a Matte Varnish on top in order to prevent water from making contact with the polymer clay?
0
Comments
Papier mache might not hold up when submerged.
Submerging the polymer clay in water will weaken it over time, as components get leached out of it. Coating it with something like liquid latex or a varnish may help, but over time, water will likely find its way in.
One option would be to submerge it in mineral oil, which should not damage the clay as badly as water. The clay will absorb some of the oil and become softer, and the plasticizers may leach out, but it should be relatively stable. Oil paints could be used to tint the oil if you want a bit of color.
You may want to look into weighing the piece down to prevent it from floating. With enough effort, you might even be able to get it naturally buoyant.
How long do you need this piece to last?
/Chris
/Chris