Green Stuff

[Celenial]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this but oh well.

I really like modifying my minis, though I seem to usually run into problems when using green stuff. I always run into the problem though that the green stuff sticks to my tools and so I can't smooth it out or get the designing that I want.

Does anyone know any tips, blogs, or videos that may be able to help me out?

[WEiRD sKeTCH]

I've heard that using petroleum jelly helps with smoothing and it won't get the stuff sticking to your tools.

But I'll let more knowledgeable people speak up.

[derv]

Water is your friend. Keep your sculpting tools wet and they won't stick to the greenstuff.

[powerslave84]

Water or Vaseline work well. I mostly use water since it's rather easy, just make sure your tools are ALWAYS wet. And to let the GS harden a bit (about 15-20 minutes) before you start the small details.

[LoboStele]

Yeah, water works awesome. I keep a glass or plastic tub nearby with plenty of water in it when sculpting with GS. then I can just dunk my fingers/tools in it as necessary.

[AvatarForm]

This may sound gross, however, saliva and oil from your nose work just as well, if not better than petroleum jelly and water and do not leave a residue. Its a sculpting trick that many dont speak of.

[alemon]

This may sound gross, however, saliva and oil from your nose work just as well, if not better than petroleum jelly and water and do not leave a residue. Its a sculpting trick that many dont speak of.

huh.

[ispep]

Water works, and so do water-based "personal lubricants" (wink wink nudge nudge).

I prefer KY over petroleum jelly because its easier to clean up.

If you use anything that isn't water, make sure you clean the mini after it dries but before you try and add more, otherwise it won't stick. And also clean it before painting.

[MrNybbles]

GirlPainting did a "

" YouTube tutorial using water to keep her tools from sticking. She gives some other tips on working with Green Stuff in the beginning and near the end.

I have no idea what kind of modifications you want to make but using Green Stuff on a base is rather common so I thought it would make a good example.

??? "Post Quick Reply" and "Go Advanced". . . What? No preview button?

Edited September 14, 2010 by MrNybbles
I didn't want to embed the video!!!

[AstroZombie]

I have yet to find anything that works as well as saliva. I mean it cant be healthy but I have read several articles from sculptures who do it.

That being said experimenting with the ratio of blue to green and also curing times can change it drastically. I find that using green stuff that I have frozen and then thawed out is not as sticky.

Also I don’t really recommend Vaseline as if you attempt to add additional details it can be a pain to get it to stick to areas you have used the Vaseline on.

[AvatarForm]

Also I don’t really recommend Vaseline as if you attempt to add additional details it can be a pain to get it to stick to areas you have used the Vaseline on.

Due to the residue...

[Wyrrn]

+1 on the saliva

Not only does it work, but it's less runny than water and doesn't seem to dry out as quick either....just make sure you've properly brushed your teeth first so there are no cumbly bits in your spit.

[AntiZombie]

So a little while back i decided to experiment with greenstuff and sculpting a mini ( my samurai jack WACHA) and experimenting with bases. Anyway this is what i learned!

1: saliva is awsome and gets the stick away. Water is good for smoothing out large areas and the initial mixing of the green stuff.

2: always use less than you think you need. You can always go back and add more if you need too.

3: always work your greenstuff in the same direction. This gives it a uniform composition and lets it perform better.

4: Push and pull is the name of the game, not hack and carve

5: when you have a large area that needs to be solid with little detail add more blue to the mix, when you need detail add more yellow. The blue will firm it up when working with it and the yellow will make it more maliable.

6: keep that stuff working. keep working and smoothing the green stuff area you do for at least 20-40 minutes. This will keep it from losing its shape or detail and allow you a little more controll.

7: Dont try to do too much too fast. patience is golden

8: there are ALOT of great tutorials on the web for hair, fur and armor. and honestly, everything else. it is very helpful to see the step by step process that happens for specific things. and a little bit of forsight into the technique iwll go along way.

9: finally know what you want to do before you do it, sketch it or something cause if you dont know what its gonna look like you probably wont be able to sculpt it.

Hope that helps,

AZ

[Wyrrn]

Great summary, AntiZombie.

[Omenbringer]

I prefer to use non metal tools like these rubber ones found Here. Green stuff doesn't stick to it very well.

I would also recommend you let the green stuff sit for a little bit before trying to work with it (two reasons, 1 it wont be as sticky and 2 it will be easier to work with).

[shawnreed343]

To be honest, when I work with green stuff, I don't use anything to prevent the tackiness. I find that a pin and fingernail working in harmony can mold it as desired with a bit of effort- and also, the natural oils in your fingers helps if you want to smooth a part out. I just got some pictures taken with some greenstuff-sculpted bases, if you'd like to see I'll be posting them in the model showcase section shortly.

[Svenn]

I've not done a lot with green stuff, but water worked well for me.

Saliva, really? That's interesting...

[AstroZombie]

If you have $10.00 bucks to spare Cool Mini Or Not sells a PDF "book" with tons of good stuff on painting and sculpting with green stuff. Its pretty basic when it comes to sculpting but might be helpful.

[Stargazer]

Clay shapers are your friend! They are like rubber tipped paint brushes, but you can get ones with different shaped tips and they are brilliant for smoothing as well as countless other things

[AvatarForm]

Clay shapers are your friend! They are like rubber tipped paint brushes, but you can get ones with different shaped tips and they are brilliant for smoothing as well as countless other things

For best results, these still require lubrication if you are sculpting with Kneadatite (GS); Sculpey; or FIMO.

[Omenbringer]

The rubber tiper clay shapers are the ones I linked to in my post. I have never had a problem with them sticking to Green Stuff or Milliput