George Boyle
WED clay, also known as EM 217, is a water-based clay developed for Walter E. Disney and his design team to sculpt characters for Disneyland. It is a popular choice for artists and mask makers in the film industry, especially for large-scale sculptures. WED clay has a slow drying time due to its formula, which includes glycerin, and shares some sculpting qualities with oil-based clay. It is easy to work with, can be detailed, and is cheaper than oil-based alternatives. However, it is not meant to be used when completely dried and is not infinitely reworkable.
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What You'll Learn
WED clay is a water-based clay
WED clay is widely used in the film and TV industry for creating large, detailed sculptures, such as monster sculptures. It is also commonly used for mask-making, as it is easy to work with and can be revived with water if it dries out. WED clay is typically sold in 25 or 50-pound packages, and it is known for being a more affordable alternative to oil-based clay.
While WED clay is a great option for larger sculptures, it may not be the best choice for small, detailed pieces. This is because it dries out more quickly when used for small pieces, and it becomes fragile and prone to breakage when dry. Additionally, WED clay is not meant to be reworked or fired, although some users have fired it in a kiln with inconsistent results.
When using WED clay, it is important to keep it moist and covered in plastic when not in use, as it can dry out. Users also recommend spraying it with Krylon Crystal Clear before moulding to create a barrier and make demoulding easier. Overall, WED clay is a versatile and affordable option for sculptors and artists, especially those working on large-scale projects.
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It's great for large-scale sculptures
WED clay is a great option for large-scale sculptures. It was originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his design team, who sculpted character models for Disneyland. Due to its association with the film industry, WED clay is also known as EM 217. This type of clay is popular among FX artists and mask makers, who use it to create large, detailed sculptures.
WED clay is a water-based clay that dries more slowly than other types of clay due to its formula, which includes glycerin. This makes it ideal for large-scale sculptures, as the internal volume of clay stays protected from the air and locks in moisture for longer. It also has the sculpting qualities of oil-based clay, making it a good choice for those who are used to working with oil-based clay but want to switch to a water-based option. WED clay is also cheaper than oil-based alternatives.
When working with WED clay, it is important to maintain moisture and smooth the surface with a spray bottle of water. It is quite soft when you first open the bag, which is great for fast block-in at large scales, and then it slowly gets harder as it dries, going through a leathery phase that is good for detailing. WED clay can be used to create molds for foam latex stop-motion puppets and large pieces like masks.
While WED clay can be fired in a kiln, the results may not be consistent or desirable, so it is not recommended for this purpose. Additionally, WED clay is not meant to be used when it dries out, as it becomes fragile and messy. Therefore, it is crucial to keep it covered and moist when not in use.
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It's not ideal for small, intricate details
WED clay is not ideal for small, intricate details. It was originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his design team to sculpt character models for Disneyland. As such, it is best suited for larger applications and creating large, detailed sculptures.
WED clay is not meant to be used when it dries out, as it becomes fragile and messy. Small structures, such as fingers and noses, can easily break off. It dries out much more quickly when used for small pieces, as the internal volume of clay is exposed to air, causing it to lose moisture faster. This makes it less suitable for intricate details that require a slower drying time.
Additionally, WED clay is not infinitely reworkable. The surface requires regular rewetting throughout the day, and it must be stored in a plastic bag when not in use. This storage method can increase the chances of ruining small, delicate details on sculptures.
For beginners looking to create small figure sculptures with intricate details, other types of clay, such as Super Sculpey or firm polymer clay, may be better options. These clays can hold finer details and are more robust than WED clay for small sculptures.
While WED clay can be used for small pieces as an armature or filler material, it is primarily designed for larger-scale projects where its slow-drying properties and sculpting qualities similar to oil-based clay are advantageous.
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It's easy to work with and shape
WED clay is a great choice for sculpting because of how easy it is to work with and shape. It is a water-based clay, which means that it uses water as its base solvent, making it non-toxic and easy to manage. It has a similar feel to oil-based clay but is not as sticky, making it easier to manage and sculpt with.
WED clay is also more affordable than oil-based clay, which makes it a great option for experimentation without the worry of losing expensive modelling media. It is also easy to smooth out, which is a bonus for those who enjoy this aspect of sculpting.
WED clay was originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his design crew, who sculpted characters for Disneyland. It is therefore a great option for larger pieces, such as masks, or as an armature/filler material for smaller pieces in oil clay. It is also ideal for fast sculpts and can be used to make clay moulds.
To keep WED clay workable, it is important to keep it moist. This can be done by spraying it with water and covering it with a damp cloth or wet paper towels when not in use.
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$12.34 $18.5
It's not meant to be fired
Wed clay, originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his design crew for sculpting characters for Disneyland, is not meant to be fired. While it can be fired in a kiln, the results may not be consistent or desirable.
WED clay is best suited for larger applications and is not meant to be used when it dries out. When dried, it becomes fragile and messy, with small structures easily breaking off. It is also not infinitely reworkable, as it dries out quickly when working on small pieces. Therefore, it is recommended to use WED clay for larger pieces to preserve moisture and avoid frequent rewetting of the surface.
WED clay is meant to be sculpted and then sprayed with a clear coating before creating a plaster or hydrocal mold. The final sculpture, which remains semi-moist, can then be removed from the mold piece by piece. If the clay hardens completely, it will be locked in the mold. While WED clay can be used for small sculptures, it is more delicate and challenging to work with compared to polymer clay.
WED clay is a water-based clay that uses water as its base solvent. While it offers the advantage of being non-toxic, it requires regular moistening and storage in plastic to prevent drying out. This makes it less suitable for beginners or those seeking a longer working time.
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Frequently asked questions
WED clay is a water-based clay that was originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his design team to sculpt characters for Disneyland. It is now commonly used for large-scale monster sculptures for film and TV.
WED clay is used for sculpting large, detailed sculptures. It is popular among FX artists and mask makers. It is also used for creating moulds for foam latex stop-motion puppets.
WED clay has a similar feel to oil-based clay but is water-based. It doesn't stick to tools as much as oil-based clay and doesn't need to be constantly sprayed with water to keep it wet.
Air-dry clay is typically formulated for children and dries solid once it's exposed to the air. WED clay, on the other hand, is a water-based clay that dries more slowly and can be maintained with a spray bottle of water.
WED clay may not be the best choice for beginners as it works best for larger applications. It dries out quickly when used for small pieces and is not infinitely reworkable. It is also quite fragile when dry, making it unsuitable for small, detailed sculptures.
