has anyone ever used something clay or some other kind of stuff for a base for their models? for custom bumpers and such.... i have styrene, but wouldn't it be easier to do it like this...

1. Styrene layout.
2. cover with clay/REAL epoxy putty(unsandable)
3. a thin layer of tamiya/squadron puttty
4. Sand....


Wouldn't that save the use of putty? or does it not work???

do u mean clay, like for pottery?

The general idea is to use as little clay or putty as possible, because they shrink over time. It may not be immediately apparent, but 6 months after you've painted and polished your car, you'll notice shrinkage in these areas and your finish won't be smooth anymore.

I use styrene plate for most modifications. For filler, you can cut styrene into chips and melt it with cement. It doesn't shrink as much as putty or clay.

I taught of that idea a while ago, won't work, clay is too brittle, that's why we have putty.

We used clay in art class last week. Dont know if it will work with plastic since you have to go thru different procedures to dry the clay.

Those japanese clays like La Doll have bits of oyster shells mixed in and don't crack easily.. but I agree with the above.. go with epoxy putty. It's cheap enough.