Franklin Dean
WED clay, also known as EM 217, is a water-based clay that was originally developed for Walter E. Disney's team for sculpting animatronics models and character designs for Disneyland. It is a popular material among FX artists, mask makers, and professionals in the entertainment industry due to its slow-drying, smooth, and pliable properties, resembling those of oil-based clays but at a lower cost. WED clay is commonly used for creating large-scale sculptures, masks, and detailed models for film and TV work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Developed for | Walter E. Disney and his design crew for sculpting Disney's animatronics models and characters for Disneyland |
| Type | Water-based clay with properties similar to oil-based clay |
| Texture | Smooth |
| Drying | Slow drying |
| Pliability | Extremely pliable |
| Use | Large-scale sculptures, masks, modelling, mockup, tooling, design, film and TV work |
| Moisture | Needs to be kept moist with a spray bottle, damp towel or thick plastic sheets |
| Price | Good value for money |
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What You'll Learn
WED clay for film and TV work
WED clay, also known as EM 217, is a water-based clay that was originally developed for Walter E. Disney and his team to sculpt characters for Disneyland and Disney's animatronics models. It is slow-drying, smooth, and extremely pliable, making it a popular choice for sculptors seeking a "'fast sculpt'" medium.
WED clay has become a common material in the film and TV industry for creating large-scale sculptures, masks, and monsters. It is often used for stop-motion puppets and large monster sculptures for film and TV productions. The clay's slow-drying formula, which includes glycerin, allows it to retain moisture and facilitates smoothing with a spray bottle of water.
WED clay is also known for its sculpting qualities, which are similar to those of oil-based clay but at a more affordable price point. It is easy to work with and can be used for both studio and home projects. The clay's ability to retain moisture for a long time and its sculpting qualities make it a preferred choice for creating large, detailed sculptures.
In addition to its use in film and TV, WED clay is also used in schools for theatre productions. For example, it was used to create lioness masks for a school production of "The Lion King". The versatility, ease of use, and affordability of WED clay make it a popular choice for various applications in the entertainment industry and beyond.
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Creating large sculptures
WED clay, also known as EM 217, is a water-based clay with a smooth, slow-drying, and extremely pliable formulation. It was originally developed for Walter E. Disney for sculpting animatronics models and character designs for Disneyland. WED clay is commonly used for creating large sculptures, masks, and monsters for film, TV, and other entertainment industries.
WED clay is ideal for creating large sculptures due to its slow-drying and pliable properties. Here are some steps to create large sculptures using WED clay:
- Planning and Armature Building: Begin by planning the sculpture's design and creating a proportional armature, which serves as the internal structure. This can be made from wire, foil, or other materials to support the clay.
- Bulk Application: Start applying large amounts of WED clay to the armature, focusing on the basic shapes and proportions of the sculpture. The clay's slow-drying property allows you to work on the sculpture in stages without worrying about it drying out too quickly.
- Detailing: Once the bulk form is established, focus on adding finer details to the sculpture. WED clay's smooth texture and pliability make it excellent for intricate details. Use various sculpting tools to shape, cut, and define the features of the sculpture.
- Moisture Maintenance: Throughout the sculpting process, ensure that the WED clay remains moist. Use a spray bottle or damp towel to spritz or cover the clay regularly. This helps maintain its workability and prevents cracking.
- Refinement: As the sculpture nears completion, refine the details and make any necessary adjustments. WED clay can be smoothed out using water, although it may become slightly gummy. Use a combination of tools and water to achieve the desired surface finish.
- Drying and Protection: Once the sculpture is complete, allow it to air-dry thoroughly. WED clay dries rock-hard, providing a durable final product. To protect the sculpture from dust or other contaminants, wear protective gloves, eye protection, and a respirator when handling it after drying.
WED clay is an excellent choice for creating large sculptures due to its versatility, ease of use, and similarity to oil-based clays. Its slow-drying property allows sculptors to work on large-scale projects without the worry of constant moisture maintenance, making it a popular choice in the film and entertainment industries.
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Mask-making
WED clay, also known as EM 217, is a water-based clay that is commonly used for mask-making and large-scale sculptures. It was originally developed for sculpting Disney's animatronics models, and its name is derived from Walter E. Disney. WED clay is popular among FX artists and mask makers due to its slow-drying, pliable, and sculpting qualities.
WED clay is a suitable option for mask-making because it is easy to work with and keeps its shape once moulded. It is also detailed and can be used to create large sculptures. The clay needs to be kept moist using a spray bottle or a damp towel. Saran wrap can also be used for this purpose.
When using WED clay for mask-making, it is important to seal the clay with a product like Krylon Crystal Clear before creating a mould. This helps to prevent the clay from drying out and cracking. Additionally, filling cracks with paper mâché can help strengthen the mask.
WED clay can be used in combination with other materials, such as paper mâché, to create unique masks. Some people also use a layer of light plastic wrap over the WED clay before applying paper mâché to make it easier to remove the mask. Others have used products like paste wax, car wax, and petroleum jelly, but these may not be as effective in achieving the desired results.
Overall, WED clay is a versatile and popular choice for mask-making, offering ease of use, sculptability, and the ability to create large and detailed sculptures.
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Mold-making
WED clay, also known as EM 217, was originally manufactured for Walter E. Disney and his design team to sculpt characters for Disneyland. It is a water-based clay that is popular among FX artists and mask makers. It is also used for large-scale monster sculptures for film and television work. WED clay is often used for creating large, detailed sculptures and has sculpting qualities similar to oil-based clay.
WED clay dries more slowly than other clays due to its formula, which includes glycerin. It can be maintained with a spray bottle of water for moisture and to smooth its surface. However, it is not considered reusable, and it is important to seal the clay with a product like Crystal Clear prior to molding to prevent mold growth.
When creating a mold from WED clay, it is important to consider the type of mold material to use. Silicone is a popular choice for molds, and resin is often used for casting. It is also important to note that WED clay is not formulated for firing in a kiln, although some users have tried it with varying results.
For those new to WED clay, it is important to be aware of potential mold growth, especially if the clay has been stored for a long time. Mold can be removed by spraying the outer surface of the clay with a mixture of bleach and water to kill the surface mold. Overall, WED clay is a versatile material for sculpting and mold-making, offering unique qualities that make it a popular choice for artists and sculptors.
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Sculpting Disney's animatronics models
WED clay, also known as EM 217, was originally developed for sculpting Disney's animatronics models. It is a water-based clay with properties similar to oil-based clay. WED clay is known for its versatility, smooth texture, and slow-drying formula, which includes glycerin. It is widely used in the entertainment industry for large-scale sculptures, masks, and modelling.
WED clay is a popular choice among special effects artists, mask makers, and sculptors seeking a "fast sculpt" medium. Its slow-drying nature allows sculptors to take their time and make detailed creations. The clay is also praised for its quality and value, with many finding it cheaper than oil-based alternatives.
When using WED clay, it is important to keep it moist, as with any water-based clay. This can be achieved by using a spray bottle of water or a damp towel. Saran wrap is also commonly used to maintain moisture.
WED clay is available in different quantities, typically sold in bags of 25 or 50 lbs. It is a great option for creating large, detailed sculptures and has been used in film and TV work, including for masks and monsters.
Overall, WED clay is a versatile and cost-effective option for sculpting, especially for large-scale projects. Its slow-drying formula and smooth texture make it a popular choice among professionals in the entertainment industry, including those creating animatronics models for Disney.
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Frequently asked questions
WED clay was originally developed for Walter E. Disney to sculpt his characters for Disneyland. It is now commonly used in the entertainment industry for creating large-scale sculptures, masks, and monsters for film and TV.
WED clay is a water-based clay with similar properties to oil-based clay. It is smooth, slow-drying, and extremely pliable, making it great for sculptors seeking a "fast sculpt" medium.
WED clay needs to be kept moist, preferably with a spray bottle or a damp towel. Cling wrap or thick plastic sheets may also be used to protect the clay from drying out.
WED clay is easy to work with and stays moist for a long time. It is also cheaper than oil-based alternatives. Additionally, it is versatile and can be used for a variety of applications, such as sculpting, mould-making, and mask-making.
