Beginners Tips
Aves Apoxie Sculpt Beginner’s Guide
Dec
Rebecca Schumacher
http://rebas-art.com
http://goddessartist.deviantart.com/
Here’s a Beginner’s Tutorial for using Aves Apoxie Sculpt, the two part ambient set epoxy putty I sculpt with. I work in layers with my pieces and will be writing this up to suit my methods. This is in no way associated with anyone or anything else, just the way I like to work with this material.
To start, I like to take a very small amount of Vaseline or a dab of olive oil and rub all over my hands. I then take equal amounts of parts A and B, say a quarter size ball of each and mix thoroughly for a few
minutes. Once it’s completely mixed and uniform in color I set it aside. Always ensure your material is thoroughly mixed or you’ll have a never curing mess on your piece.
Next I wash my hands, scrubbing off any residual material. This will make the sculpting work more smoothly. I wait about 10 minutes or so, avoiding the stickiest stage. One can wait longer once one has learned the cure stages, as about 20 minutes into the cure for me is the optimal sculpting time. I also mix my clay very well, to ensure a quick and hard cure.
My Dryad piece in my gallery at deviantart along with many others were sculpted with nothing more than a pencil, using the nib and the eraser on the relief piece. I used, of course, my fingers and hands as well. I love pencils. So versatile. Starting out just mix a little at a time and perhaps work a small relief piece. Flatten a piece of Aves Apoxie Sculpt onto a surface of perhaps aluminum foil, or a thin piece of something you’d be able to mount to the wall. We can worry about the back of the piece later.
Take that piece and work to press into the clay, pull over clay, draw into the clay, add clay and build up
a face, or make leaves and vines, just something to get you familiar with the material, and to sit there with it for a minimum of an hour while it goes through the cure stages.
You can work it like earth clay, and some people use water, but I don’t. I only use Vaseline or olive oil. This gives the ability to work in some fine detail, and to polish the surface if you wish. I dip the pencil
tip into the Vaseline jar and then go into detail work and use the eraser for smoothing. I do as much
with my hands up to the detail part. If hesitant just work one part of the face at a time. Experiment.
I sometimes use paint brushes to smooth and pull and give effects to the curing clay. Items can be pressed into the clay for patterns and texture.
This material is perfect for building up armatures for full sculptures. I love it. It adheres to glass, metal, plastic, wood, your eyeglasses, your fingernails, tools, etc. so always be sure to constantly and thoroughly clean your hands and your tools. I work now exclusively in Aves Apoxie Sculpt, with a few other materials on the side like air dry LaDoll and Gapoxio (another 2 part ambient set epoxy direct sculpt putty).
Remember as well that this material can be popped in the freezer to halt the cure for up to three days
, so sometimes I mix three or four little balls and immediately pop all but the one I’ll work with in the
freezer. I’ve had times where I’ve had to dash out whilst sculpting and put the entire piece in the freezer and worked on it later. Be aware, however, that if the clay is too far into the cure prior to being frozen, you may have little or almost no time at all once the material thaws.
Your imagination is your only limitation with this stuff. I need to get busy but have been nursing an injured finger for a month, but am close to being able to sculpt again. Take care and Happy Sculpting Everyone!
Rebecca
Hi…still trying to find out if raw wood needs to be sealed before using Apoxie on it. Thank you.
No it does not – you can seal right over the Apoxie Sculpt if you like.
we would recommend the wood be dried, but you do not need a sealer it will adhere just fine ; )
Is there anything to add to Apoxie Sculpt to make it lighter and easier to carve?
are you using gloves when working with this? I used another brand and it smelled so toxic I was afraid to use my bare hands. That being said I have an awful time doing detail work while I have disposable gloves on my hands
We do recommend wearing gloves for mixing all of our products – it is up to the user to continue to wear them (we recommend a new pair after mixing) to sculpt in them. We started carrying an EXCELLENT sculpting glove – when you get a tighter fit they are easy to sculpt in you can check them out here: https://avesstudio.com/shop/nitrile-gloves/
Hello,
Will Apoxie Sculpt adhere to fabric? ie. a flat cap (baseball hat)
Thank you.
Yes on the non flex part of the cap it would work nicely. or any other hard shoe purse etc.
Will apoxie sculpt adhere to resin (such as those quick cast resin products that can be used in silicone molds) and do this without causing a chemical reaction months later and thus destroying one’s creation?
Apoxie Sculpt would be a great choice to adhere to a quick cast resin material, Apoxie Sculpt is sulfur free and will not damage your piece over time. no problems there ; )
I am so thrilled to hear that! This helps so much! Thank you so much for your reply!
Is this product safe to pour a silicone mold over without sticking or reacting?
Do I have to seal the sculpture with Mr super clear before painting with acrylics? Thanks!
no you do not. but with acrylics we do recommend priming first OR painting and sealing to protect your paint according to the paint manufacturer directions ; )
Hi! Is there a primer you recommend before painting with acrylic paints?
you can prime with any primer you like – i like to use a spray primer for even coating. prime and then paint…or paint and then seal….or all 3 for extra high traffic areas of touching.
I’m looking for a epoxy product I can sculpt around a wire armature of large bird legs. I then want to attach these legs to support a 15# clay bird. Will this product do this I’ve tried another sculpting product the cracked under the weight. The legs are about a finger diameter.
Just wondering if Erin ever replied to this question, as I have similar situation.
Well this stick to ceramic
If I create an art piece with apoxie sculpt how many years will pass before it begins to break down on its own and require restoration? I am thinking about the expected longevity of the finished piece after it is cured.
Our products are designed and tested to be permanent, they do not break down over time….check back in 100 years ; )
Do I have to wait the full 24 hours for a complete cure or can I begin to paint with acrylics after 12 or so? The piece seems really firm but I don’t want to mess it up 🙂
you can paint whenever you like – wet or dry ; ) no problems at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12…or full cure.
Will it stick to a flat wooden surface? Like that of a photo frame?
YES – its perfect on wood!
Is Apoxie Sculpt safe to use with mirror glass? If so, do the mirrors require prior sealing?
sure is! works great! no prep needed.
Is the clay safe to touch directly with your hands once it’s cured?
gosh yes!its completely inert, and skin safe.
Hi I’m trying to make a custom action figure with apoxie sculpt, will I need to stick metal rods in so every thing keeps shape?
Look for armature wire … I’ve been seeing it at Michael’s in the aisle with the polymer clay. Or maybe look it up. I’ve seen people use wire they twist to get their desired shapes for this too.
I know this is an old post/question but thought I’d share this tip. I went to Fleet Farm and purchased a roll of aluminum electric fence wire. I have enough armature wire for the rest of my life for like $45. (I am 66 years old. If you’re younger one spool may not last YOUR entire life.;-)
Can I use apoxie sculpt to create a mold to use w precious metal clay?
How do I do this?
Thanks!
this would work prior to baking or firing the PMC, I would check with PMC for the type of release agent they would recommend with their product to ensure success. I would think you could press and pull PMC from an Apoxie Sculpt mold if its not too deep and a proper release is applied.
Can Epoxy Sculpt be sanded once cured? Also is the material suitable to be recast in Bronze by the rubber mold process
Apoxie Sculpt sands really well – it also takes heat when fully air cured to 350 degrees F. use your discretion with the rubber mold process.
Hello!!!
My first time using product. I know it was answered but what exactly is the best primer and sealer when before painting and after painting sculpture.. what brand is best to use for this product?
any brand should work just fine. I tend to use Krylon spray primer and a Krylon indoor/outdoor sealer when needed. Sealing and priming preserves your paint job – it in not needed for Apoxie Sculpt on its own for indoor use and art work…if you are using our colored Apoxie Sculpt for outdoor work I would recommend you use an auto quality sealer/clear coat with UV protection to preserve the color in the sun light (everything fades in the sun overtime).
What kind of release will stop epoxy clay from sticking to carved wax? I only want to pick up the carved detail and then work on the epoxy clay alone without the wax.
I would a silicone release spray or if you are just going to make an impression coconut oil works great!
I am a pipe maker and I am wondering if apoxiesculpt can be used to make a pipe or if smoking through it would be toxic? Thanks!
I have some epoxie sculpt I bought over a year ago but just recently opened. It seems harder than what I have seen in tutorials. Can it be softened?
Thank you
YES! it sure can. we find that gently heating the PART A only is effective. Remove the lid, place the container in the microwave for 15 seconds, you can repeat this 15 seconds if needed. Remove with caution. Allow the product to cool completely before handling or mixing with part B there can be hot spots when you heat the product. ***PLEASE USE COMMON SENSE when handling hot and sticky products*** note that heat accelerates working time so allow it to cool before mixing. (There is no need to heat the part B. DO NOT HEAT PART B).
After letting it cure and painting the epoxy sculpt, what can I seal it with? I don’t want it to get wet or rained on and the sculpt to get damaged.
Apoxie Sculpt itself doesn’t require any sealing it will hold up outdoors in all weather conditions. If you paint it however, you will certainly want to protect the paint. we recommend priming then painting followed by sealing for best results outdoors. I simple Krylon Spray for outdoors works great. if you didn’t prime – that’s okay…just be sure to double coat the sealer ; ) Happy Finishing Everyone!
any basic sealer will do…Krylon outdoor/indoor spray is what I usually use, or an art resin or even like a shalc if something is really going to be high traffic and handled excessively.
Does the black cured apoxie sculpt turn grey when scratched? I use it for jewelry and ruined a few pieces because the scratched and the lines never went back k to black, but rather stayed a light grey, like cement.
If the Apoxie Sculpt is not fully cured it sure can behave like wood and scratch – you could use any type of sealer or art resin to help keep that piece much more scratch resistant from the start. Full cure for wearing apiece or shipping a piece is 24 hours. you could try just a little bucher block oil, or scratch guard for wood to fill that scratch.
I have a small sculpture I made using apoxie sculpt and I’d like to make a mold of it. I was planning to use Smooth-On’s Mold Star 15, but their instructions warn that epoxy can cause cure inhibition. Would it be safe to use or do I need to find a different silicone mold maker?
Great question Smooth-on has some great mold making products, I would ask them what they recommend from their offerings. I have not heard any issue with Apoxie and that mold system. We like to use a product here called Knead-A-mold…we also have Brush-a-mold (neither are Aves products) but we do carry them and they work great for mold making and stamps but these would be flexible molds.
Hi! Do I have to wait the full 24 hours before spray varnishing apoxie sculpt? I know you said you can paint whenever you like – wet or dry — but just wanted to check that that applies to spray varnish (specifically MSC) as well. I want to complete my project as soon as possible tomorrow, so it would have been curing about 16 hours by then (hopefully you can reply me before that haha). Thank you!
NOPE! you can spray it before it cures and the product will continue to harden just fine ; )
Is it food safe?
I have a styrofoam head that I thought about using to create a Halloween decoration. Will Apoxie Sculpt melt styrofoam?
Apoxie Sculpt is GREAT over styrofom! it will not eat foam at all ; ) I prefer smooth foam.
Great! Thank you!
Can you use part A by itself , or do you have to use both a and b when sculpting a figure?
Parts A and B MUST be MIXED together to activate the product so that it hardens/cured. using the components separately will NOT WORK.
Does Apoxie sculpt stick to expanding foam or should I first put air drying clay on the expanding foam, then put Apoxie sculpt on top of the air drying clay?
As long as the foam is done expanding then yes – you should have no troubles going right over that with Apoxie Sculpt.
Can you use Apoxie Sculpt over air dry clay? Will it stick?
Can you use Apoxie sculpt to make a kitchen canister? If so, do I need to spray the inside where food would be? What type of spray would I need to use in that case and could the canister be washed from time to time?
Apoxie Sculpt is inert once it has been cured. There is no measurable leaching of any kind in all of our laboratory testing- thus in its cured state it is very safe for skin contact, and making utensils handles, mug repairs serving trays etc. I do avoid soup bowls or anything overly hot just because it lightly scratches a little when using utensils like a Apoxie bowl and you use a fork in it…. – for that stuff I use a food grade sealer. It is however dishwasher safe and temperature rated to 350 degrees F. Apoxie Sculpt has not been rated or approved by the FDA.
What food grade sealer do you use?
I have used Amazing Clear Cast by Alumilte in the past with success.
Do you have samples packs of the gloves? FYI- I did a sculpture directly on the side of a bottle and it seems to have adhered well. To the glass. It also took staining watercolor paints!
you can request a sample of the gloves – sure. please note the size and we can send some with your order. we don’t just send samples out ; ) cool project! sometimes there is a coating on those bottles – I find its helpful to rough that contact surface up with a little sand paper – wipe clean and then apply. Also when you make the contact point be sure you are applying it in a smear application to eliminate an air bubble pocket – this can cause it to pop off later on BUT you shouldnt have any troubles if you do though know that you can just always go back, rough it up and reattach with Apoxie ; )
I am thinking about using apoxie sculpt to fill cracks in a wood serving tray. Is it food safe once cured?
YES – GREAT application. Apoxie Sculpt is inert once it has been cured. There is no measurable leaching of any kind in all of our laboratory testing- thus in its cured state it is very safe for skin contact, and making utensils handles, mug repairs serving trays etc. I do avoid soup bowls or anything overly hot just because it lightly scratches a little when using utensils like a Apoxie bowl and you use a fork in it…. – for that stuff I use a food grade sealer. It is however dishwasher safe and temperature rated to 350 degrees F. Apoxie Sculpt has not been rated or approved by the FDA.
Is there anything you can mix with the SCULPT to color it in its playable stage?
oil paints are a great choice! a little bit goes a long ways…wearing glove – mix your parts A+B first …then add your color. I say to mix it first to not mask the blending process. when using oil paints it colors like frosting you need little pin swipes of color. To much color and it will be gooey – acrylic paints make it like a chewed bubble gum – I personally don’t care or recommend to mix acrylics into the Apoxie. Also you can mix and match ANY of our Apoxie Sculpt colors to create whatever color you like. There is a down loadable color chart on the Apoxie Sculpt product page.
Hi! This is such a useful FAQ, so thought I’d keep this question in the “Coloring” section. I’ve used Molotow Black (a brand of graffiti ink— solvent Is alcohol) to color the Apoxie Sculpt. It worked, although the clay seemed drier. This was only a small amount as well, so just adding to the knowledge base. I’m interested in any other thoughts you have on colorants as well as sanding. When I tried to cut off a portion of my cured black piece, it left a grey mark. This was using a Dremel cutoff wheel. So coloring plus post-curing shaping tips appreciated! Thanks so much for all your great information— I am loving this product!
Is there anything other than silicon that it does not stick to?
Great questions! Apoxie Sculpt will adhere to any rough or hard surface. Though it can “stick” to silicone it will pop right off when the silicone is bent and com out really clean with no issues. …this would also apply to most rubber, and soft plastics, even some vinyl, slick fabrics, coated glass (if there is an air bubble under the Apoxie). you get the point ; ) you can also use a release agent to prevent it from sticking to just about any surface…if you are mating parts up a silicone spray will be helpful. if you are using a hard mold we recommend using a good release agent and pressing the Apoxie in and pulling it out right away so it does not have a change to adhere (you can ruin a mold if you leave it sit in there and its a hard mold!) If you are stamping or using a flexible mold I like to use coconut oil spray as its more clear then other oils and is highly effective for stamping all types of textures and surfaces .ofcourse any type of kitchen oil would work that you have on hand. – be sure to wash the surface with a dawn dish soap once cured if you plan to paint it to remove any grease on the surface. When molding general rules say one part must be flexible…Apoxie is not flexible when it cures so that indicated your mold has to have flex…okay way more then you asked for ; ) Happy Sculpting!
side note….if you want something to stick to vinyl use Apoxie CLAY
Is it safe for pets to sand the sculpts indoors?
you should always sand your pieces with a dust mask and away from pets – just like you would with wood ; ) a few swipes here and there with sand paper is no big deal but if you really are going to sand it then yes use recommended sanding guidelines. It is safe for fish….and zoo animal habitats…not sure what you are asking about pets? – please email us for more indpeth or clarification aves@avesstudio.com 😉
I would like to use Apoxie Sculpt to fashion a trim on the rim of a gourd. (picture the shape of a pitcher without the spout or handle). I would like to know what I could use to prevent the AS from sticking so I can remove it after it has cured. I would like to use metal leaf, and then seal it before glueing the trim back on the gourd. I was thinking of plastic wrap as a possible solution. I can send a picture if you like, or you can go to patricialelie.com and click on “portfolio”. Undercurrents IV is the gourd in question. Thank you so much, I am looking forward to working with this product.
I would use a plastic ziplock bag and cut it to the size you want and tape it to the gourd OR silicone spray ; )
Hi Erin, I would like to use apoxie sculpt to create a sculpture thats around 1M x 1M, how much product would you suggest me to get? (just to be safe) thank you so much!
Approximate Product Coverage at a ¼” inch thickness, when in doubt Always Calculate High:
1 pound kit = 0.5 sq ft (1/2 sq. foot)
4 pound Kit = 2 sq ft
20 pound kit = 10 sq ft
I’m thinking of using this to make Kryat Dragon fangs for Lightsaber hilts, how easily does this break when struck?
its pretty strong if you use pins for your teeth to give them more stability – something to anchor them in – I think t could work – they are hard like rock but if they are thin they will if struck break.
Hi! I’m new to the Apoxie sculpt world.
I was wondering if there are some materials it doesn’t stick to.
And what about stamps and molds? should I use silicon ones or also the plastic ones (like the cookie ones for example) will work too? Thank you 🙂
Great question! flexible materials – Apoxie Sculpt will not stick to silicone or rubber…we sell a fantastic silicone craft clay mat to work on for this reason, you can let your pieces cure right on the mat ; ) https://avesstudio.com/shop/aves-clay-mat/
Stamps of any kind work great. I like to use coconut oil spray as a general release agent – works great because it is a lighter oil and colorless. you can also dip your stamps in water or safety Solvent if you like as an alternative. rubber stamps, silicone stamps, texture stamps of all sorts, plastic, cookie cutters, metal…all work great with the proper release.
thank you!
I need to add feathers to a finished fiber clay sculpture. Can I just add a disk of apoxie sculpt to the sculpture and then sculpt the feathers right on the existing sculpture?
your spot on! yes you sure can – you can add Apoxie onto or to itself in any stage of set up at anytime ; ) feather away!
What is your working time once the a and b parts are mixed?
2 -3 hours…that timing is for working and tooling…if you are sculpting and embellishing the workable time is 1 hour + time to tool
Hi there! I like to work in stages. After Apoxie Sculpt is cured, can I add more Apoxie Sculpt on top of the cured? For example, if I have a cured arm (but no hand), can I add a hand a week later without any issues of it falling off after the hand is cured?
you sure can! Apoxie Sculpt and ANY of our 2 part epoxy products ( Apoxie Clay, Apoxie Sculpt, Super White, FIXIT, FIXIT Sculpt) can all be used in conjunction with one another in any stage of your working progress and yes even after setup….months later ; )
Great! Thank you for your reply! 🙂
Hello,
I have an antique necklace, the earrings long ago lost. I would like to replicate part of the necklace which is a small snake to fashion matching earrings. Is there a safe way to cover the necklace, to obtain a detail a mold from it ? Then using the apoxie sculpt mold with apoxie sculpt to create my piece? I would like to gold leaf it or paint it to get the best match. Thank you! I am new to this product and trying to read as much as I can about it.
I would use a product we sell called Knead A Mold. its perfect for this – it will not wreck your jewelry if you use it to cast on it. apply, allow to fully cure (20 minutes) and pull it off….simple. or if its a highly detailed piece we have brushAmold.
use the Apoxie Sculpt in the mold – no release agent needed. (unless you want to press it in a dn pull it out while its still soft…you could do that and finish it too.
I have purchased apoxie sculpt to make clay letters to incorporate into a mosaic piece. The letter molds I’ve purchased from a baking supply company are made out of a 3-d printer, the manufacturer says food grade plastic – they are not silicone.
Do you recommend that I spray the plastic cookie cutter first, then cut the apoxie sculpt which has been rolled out? Will I still get a sharp clear cut even with a coconut oil spray on the letter? And if I do that, when do I clean any of the residue on the cut clay letter?
Great question… so you will want to mist spray the mold – just a spritz. Mix your A+B Apoxie…allow it to rest for atleast 20 minutes to settle down and loose a bit of the super stickiness, it will also hold detail better and then do a press and pull on the Apoxie Sculpt…. you can apply that right to your piece if you like the spritz of coconut oil will be on the front side so will adhere just fine on the back…if decide you are laying it out on a surface to dry before you attach them to cut and shape etc…a freezer grade zip lock bag is a great surface for that and it will peal right off (freezer grade is important)you should not have to sorry about the front of the letter being spritzed – that will absorb in the clay and not need further attention. Your mold should be just fine and also need no attention – maybe a little soap and water. Apoxie Sculpt will adhere to itself in any stage of set up so you can certainly attached them later if you like.
Wondering if having very thin pieces would ever contribute to longer curing time?
the thickness does not make any difference because it is from a science point it is a “chemical reaction cure” If your product is not curing there are 4 factors that exhist:
1.Always make you you have one part A and one part B and have mixed two fairly equal amounts of proudct together. (it will not cure if it is not activated…try and eye ball 50/50 ratio…you can be off 10% even more either way no worries!)
2.Always wear gloves to retrieve and Mix together parts A+B ….this does a couple of things A) it keeps it off your skin. B) it ensures anything that was not thoroughly mixed stays on the glove not stuck to your skin. C)keeps your hands clean.
3.When wearing gloves ALWAY change your gloves after mixing…this is important and these are sticky products and they like to stick to your skin even parts that could be not mixed this can be a huge cultprit for the product remaining uncured and tacky 4.When mixing Set a timer and mix mix mix……2 full minutes mix, twist, rub, knead -repeat. your activing parts A +B to cure – this requires some friction…your activation signal is a uniform color, sufficient mixing time and **TIP: Heat coming from the product. No heat keep mixing!** this is especially important when your mixing large amounts OR unequal portions.
If your product is still soft after 10 hours….something isn’t right and its 99.9% listed here – please email us if you are having any trouble with this – we are hear to help! aves@avesstudio.com
Can you cut into dried apoxie or will it crack?
you can drill or cut – with the right tools ; )
I just wanted to know and I apologise if it’s been answered I did read all the comments and questions above and tried a Google search. I have an idea to create a sort of bead cone (I’ll add color and embellishments as well) to add to my paper beads, can apoxie sculpt stick to paper? Also if I have the paper already sealed with say something like a modge podge or a waterbase sealer? Or just unsealed paper or paper at all lol ? Hope this makes sense
Great question! I do not see that answered here! – Apoxie Sculpt will stick/adhere to paper – thicker the better – (the stiffer the paper the better due to weight of the Apoxie not the paper) – if that makes sense. you could use a modge podge or other sealer over the paper and still adhere Apoxie Sculpt to it ; )but Im not sure if the paper would show migration from the Apoxie Sculpt or any water or smoother you might want to apply to the Apoxie… – it shouldn’t but its just a side thought I had.
I have been brain storming on a project. I am making a pet urn and am thinking of using Apoxie Sculpt. I need for it to be hollow. My thoughts, so for, are to make a foil base, then form the Apoxie Sculpt around the foil. I need to be able to remove the foil once cured. Would it be best to spray the foil with Silicone spray or wrap in freezer bag plastic? For silicone spray we have a garage door opener Premium Silicone spray – would that be ok as a release? Once I have the foil interior removed I’m going to use Cosclay on top of the Apoxie Sculpt to refine and build out. The maker of Cosclay says it works well over Apoxie Sculpt. Will Apoxie clay hold up over multiple bakes, up to 300 f?
Apoxie Sculpt would work great forth is urn use and great over or under Cosclay and withstand the 300 degree F bakes. freezer bag will be a great option to keep it from sticking – or silicone lined something such as a silicone baking mat – may be costly to cut a silicone matt up like that but it would work great and be reusable…just thought. The other thought is you would use a preexisting ceramic like or wood turned container of some sort and just coat that with Apoxie and then cosclay. then you don’t have to remove it – Goodwill is loaded with stuff like that. Great project – have seen lots of urns over the years and they are always so neat and truly hold that sentimental value and honor it deserves.
Medicines are expensive, that’s why many people cannot afford the medications they need. There are divers good medications available now. Most likely every man knows about medication aca-demic. What should patients discuss with a physician before taking Sildenafil Citrate? Whereas ED is more common in men over sixty, men of any age can develop sexual health problems. There are divers things that can lead to impotence. Mercifully, most cases of sexual dysfunction are treatable, so it is important to share your concerns with your partner and sex therapist. Perchance you read about ACAdemic.
Hi! I tried to paint a piece using Liquitex basics acrylics but it looks like apoxie does not accept it very well. Should I use a primer? I have tried a kind of “gesso” spray too but it cracks. Thank you.
Doesn’t look like you had an answer and this was a the question I needed an answer to. Please state what type of primer works best and paints thereafter.
You can use a spray primer such as krylon brand, or any primer you like ; )…prime, paint, seal for maximum painting results – always follow the paint brand instructions.
Hi, I was curious if the apoxie sculpt will stick to resin. I make resin skulls and would like to use it to add horns to the skull. Would I need to score the resin and apoxie sculpt to make it stick or just mold it to the finished resin skull?
I would score it just for added strength – but may not be necessary. Apoxie Sculpt in White color, Super white Apoxie, or FIXIT Sculpt would all be great choices and work well.
Hello! I was wondering if the Apoxy Sculpt (after painting it) can be coated with clear Epoxy Resin to make it glossy . Also, is there a way to make it food safe?
Yes it sure can! I have used Art resin, ice resin and also amazing clear cast resin over Apoxie Sculpt with great success. I prefer the amazing clear cast as it doesn’t yellow like the other ones and claimes to be food safe. Apoxie Sculpt is inert once it has cured – it is however not FDA approved for use with food so I cant tell you to do that – I do have many customers that use it for cold food items, utensil handles, serving trays, decorating coffee mugs and salt shakers etc etc. ; )
Can Apoxie Sculpt be primed with Mr. Super Clear?
That should work well ; )
Hi Erin,
Just a few questions about Apoxie Sculpt and Fixit/Fixit Sculpt…
1. Are they both fully weatherproof for all climates? Particularly very wet and moderately cold climate where I am!
2. What is a realistic estimate of how long a big outdoor sculpture would likely last before requiring major repair or replacement? e.g. are we talking 5 years or 50 years?
3. For a large sculpture or one with protruding parts, what kind of inner reinforcements are needed for structural integrity beyond just a simple tin foil or foam armature? Do you need to use a thicker or double layer too so it is more self-supporting?
4. How heavy are the sculptures once cured? For instance, roughly how big would you suggest one can make a sculpture whilst still being able to lift it single-handedly with no machinery required?
Thought I might as well put them all together! Thank you so much in advance for your advice. 🙂
Great questions!
1. Are they both fully weatherproof for all climates? Particularly very wet and moderately cold climate where I am! YES Both work great, I do favor FIXIT/FIXIT Sculpt on the bases when they will be sitting in snow, ice/salts etc…you can use both Apoxie and FIXIT in conjunction with on another. I do use an outdoor UV protective sealer to preserve color and or paint when using colors. sealer is optional.
2. What is a realistic estimate of how long a big outdoor sculpture would likely last before requiring major repair or replacement? e.g. are we talking 5 years or 50 years? These products do not break down over time. I would say all of 100 years! because we have yet to see it happen…this is one of the reasons museums favor our products and use them to repair dinosaur bones ; )
3. For a large sculpture or one with protruding parts, what kind of inner reinforcements are needed for structural integrity beyond just a simple tin foil or foam armature? Do you need to use a thicker or double layer too so it is more self-supporting? I would be more generous in those delicate areas – wires, tin foil, foam…all great choices. FIXIT Sculpt would be great for those spots also with the added industrial strength – and allows you to build out and hold its shape more
4. How heavy are the sculptures once cured? For instance, roughly how big would you suggest one can make a sculpture whilst still being able to lift it single-handedly with no machinery required? a pound is a pound..it doesn’t loose weight when it cures so I would say 50 pounds product + your armatures…would make then around 75 pounds and movable this will vary from person to person the main point is the Apoxie and FIXIT don’t loose weight as they cure.
Thank you so much that is very helpful, much appreciated! 🙂
I’m excited to learn that Apoxie Sculpt can withstand baking and be used with Sculpey and Cosclay. I’m curious about Apoxie Paste. Does it have the same temperature range?
Apoxie Paste would work also – the temperature rating is a bit lower at 300 Degrees F
I softened some old, hardened part A in the microwave, then waited for it to be completely cool before mixing with Part B. Using the same 50/50 ratio as always, I now find the colour once mixed for 2-3 minutes is extremely light….as if I had added white! e.g red is now pink!!! Is this an effect of softening the PartA……very frustrating!
so sorry! Please disregard my previous post!
Guess who microwaved part B!!!!!!! That would be me…not paying ANY attention at all!
Lesson learned !
sorry again!
Hi, I am using this product to waterproof a mini waterfall that is maybe 8 inches tall. It is in a terrarium, so the goal is to prevent water from spilling over the edge. My question is, does the surface that I am applying it to have to be dry? I am applying it to a moist surface, but am wondering if it would do a better job sticking to something completely dry. Thanks
it is always best to adhere to a dry debris free surface. however it can set underwater – and frequently is used in that type of application.
I would like to cover a 4″ diameter styrofoam ball with beads and glass, to create a mosaic. Would the apoxie sculpt adhere best if I first coated the styrofoam ball with some thinset mortar and then used the apoxie sculpt to adhere the beads and glass? Or is it okay to stick the apoxie sculpt directly on the ball to adhere the beads and glass? Thanks.
both ways would work! we have a great episode on make it artsy on exactly this ; ) enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C1rjj_D1Lk&list=PLmp_Aed_bWA1RGAfP3l_yBoIpyxEvKure&index=48
Hi, I used Apoxie Sculpt for years. But I need to know (for a friend) WHY is WATER not recommended for smoothing it? Do you still sell the liquid you used to have fir smoothing the Apoxie Sculpt?
Hi Jane – GREAT question. First; You can totally use water! and you can also use the Safety Solvent Finishing Solution. – I recommend water on your large areas and using the Safety Solvent on the smaller detail areas AND more important for quick clean up of any findings to remove the Apoxie residue from whatever you need to remove it from quickly and cleanly. WHY…? – the water in small detail areas tens to muck up the surface and wash away your details where as the Safety Solvent doesn’t do that – it helps make those crisp lines and eliminate the tool drag AND also aid in a nice seamless feather when trying to blend into on your substrate surfaces – this helps eliminate allot of sanding on those spots. ; )
What’s the best thing to use to stop the putty sticking to the board when rolling out? Can I use PTFE spray or silicon?
We love our Aves Clay Mat for rolling product out – a light spriz of coconut oil spray on the Aves poly clay roller and surface works excellent! the other option is rolling it between two zip lock freezer grade bags (the zip lock freezer bags are thicker and the product peels nicer from it from the coating that’s on them). I have used a zip lock bag for years to work on and roll product out – works great!
Hi, I love apoxie scuplt and use it daily in my art. Is there any way to get a metallic color to it? Should I just use a metallic oil paint? Thanks!
this can be achieved a few ways, 1. paint it…2. on the uncured Apoxie Sculpt surface use a product called rub N buff, or gilders paste, mica powders also work very good for this and gold leaf/silver leaf works well too.
I’m sculpting some high-density polystyrene foam and intend to finish off with a thin coat of Apoxie Sculpt, which I haven’t used before. I’ve watched lots of videos demonstrating its use, and it always appears that the two parts when mixed form a firm medium. I’m concerned about its adhesive properties and wonder if it’s okay to first apply a Sculpt coating that is made a bit glueier by adding some water, then laying the putty-like medium straight on top, which I will form and make impressions into.
Apoxie Sculpt will work for this – your would roll it thin and apply and yes, you could use it for sculpting – perfect or that. For a thinner medium please see Apoxie paste – its is a brushable version of Apoxie Sculpt ; ) – no thinning required – it will smooth really easily and clean up with Aves Safety Solvent.
Ok so is this clay safe to make a pipe out of? I wanna start making handmade pipes and wanted to know if this clay is safe to do so, also would I have to use some sort of varnish after I’m done? Or idk
You can use it to make parts of a pipe – we do not recommend the bowl part of a pipe but the shaft, decorative additions to existing pipes and mouth piece are very safe – there is a place called Kahona Pipes in Hawaii that make pipes with Apoxie Sculpt – very successful.
You can heat Apoxie up to 300 degrees ; )
Thank you, Erin, for your reply about whether to thin Apoxie Sculpt for adhesion. My work will be very detailed in high-density polystyrene and the Sculpt will be a thin skin (maybe only 1 to 3 millimetres thick) that will have final detailed impressions made. The model will be outside in the elements and I would need to use your exterior foam coat, which I understand has a gritty texture. I’m concerned that the foam wouldn’t allow me to make the fine impressions I’m aiming for. I really need something that has a putty-like consistency. Am I correct in thinking that the foam coat would not be suitable for this? And is a thin Sculpt skin as described durable in an exposed location? Thanks.
Erin, I need to clarify my question. If I use Exterior Foam Coat, which I’m told is gritty, (1) can I make the surface smooth and even by running a damp finger over it and (b) can I make fine, detailed impressions such as I could with Apoxie Sculpt? Also, will a thin skin of Foam Coat be as durable as Apoxie Sculpt?
Hi Les – Apoxie Paste will take impressions and textures in the right stage of set up…..it will not take the same fine details Apoxie Sculpt will. you can skim coat the foam with Apoxie Paste and then once that has cured go over any area you like with Apoxie sculpt. If you have more questions please send us an email; you will pickup with me there is you do its easier to communicate on this ; ) aves@avesstudio.com
Can I pour a layer of resin over apoxie clay before the clay is completely cured?
YES – I usually wait till 2-3 hours after mixing before I do that to ensure the Apoxie is curing.
Is Apoxie sculpt microwave safe once cured?
I’m planning on using it to extend the connector of a part of the rotating center piece, because they don’t sell the same size to fit the old microwave oven.
I think it would be fine, Apoxie Sculpt has a temperature rating of 350 degrees F. we have put it on coffee mugs and repaired chips in them and microwaved them with out any issues. I look forward to hearing the success with this project!
Hi, can the consistency of the Apoxie putty be changed with something? Can it be made pourable? Thanks
We do not recommend trying to change the consistency of Apoxie Sculpt because anything you might add to it will weaken the product – we DO have pa fantastic product called Apoxie Paste which is a stirable, brushable, pourable, trowelable version of Apoxie Sculpt with the same great finishing features as Apoxie Sculpt. Be sure to pick up the Aves Safety Solvent to help smooth and tame the Apoxie Paste – that stuff is amazing for that!
Is apoxie sculpt washing machine safe. I’m wondering if i can use it to make buttons for clothing and have it safely washed and dried. Thanks!
I’ve just ordered a new supply, but want to use the old stuff while waiting. Unfortunately, the cold stuff is years old, and the Part B has separated into what looks like clay and what looks like oil. The non-“oily” portions are extremely hard, making them nearly impossible to knead, much less mix. Is there any way to save my old part B?
I wanted to use apoxie sculpt for jewelry. How thin can it be rolled out and still not break once cured?
Is there a minimum thickness for using it? Thanks.
Can I add encaustic wax to the surface of Apoxie Sculpt? Can I then heat the wax with a heat gun with short bursts of heat? I am unsure what temperature that would reach.
Can I coat a surface with apoxie sculpt having applied mold release wax to a surface in order to make a smooth mold ? Can I buff the Apoxie sculpt mold, apply wax mold release to the mold , then make a part using fiberglass ?
I hv been told that although apoxie sculpt initially adheres to driftwood, as the wood shrinks and swells due to temperatures and air moisture it will eventually pop off. Is there a solution for that? Also is it safe to use on opal rough or will it affect the opal.
I’m molding bits of Apoxie Sculpt with silicone molds, and then sticking them onto plastic. To get it to release easily from my (very detailed) molds, I sprayed them with Olive Oil. I’m now realizing that the backs got a little greasy when I did this, and then I stuck them (grease and all) onto a plastic surface. Do you think they will stick?
Hey! I plan to use this Apoxie sculpt with a dinosaur mask project, and I also build Bandai’s Gunpla line of model kits, and intend to use it with that. Gunpla is made of polystyrene plastic, and as I far as I know these are all compatible. My problem is with primers. I plan to use Rust-Oleum painters touch 2X Ultra Cover flat white primer with the finished Apoxie. Should I prime the plastic first, waiting for the primer to dry, and then stick on the sculpt Apoxie? Or should I clean the plastic, sculpt on Apoxie Sculpt, and then prime?
I was doing touch-ups on my model horse with this clay and I came back 3 days later to see that the Apoxie was still a bit mushy. I tried smoothing it a little bit with water, but I made it even worse, it started flaking and made a huge hole in my horse’s tail. I’m very disappointed as I spent several hours on this horse. I took a while to mix everything up properly as I usually do, but I always have trouble making sure that the parts are equal. Any suggestions on how I can make them closer to the same portions? Also, why is my Apoxie still wet? This was supposed to be for a customer and I am set back for several weeks on this project now…
Is there any way to soften part B? My container of part A is fine, but the part B is hardly usable.
I have recently purchased a large Apoxie Sculpt and am planning to travel. Is it possible to transfer it into smaller containers for travel? I have small Apoxie Sculpt containers and can use two of the empty containers for this.
We would not recommend repackaging the product for travel – TSA is very strict about materials like this and will generally let you through if it is properly packed and in your luggage. If traveling internationally please email us to request an MSDS for the product to make things simple when you reach customers – please be aware of any size / travel restrictions for your items.
Whats the best kind of surface to work on? I dont have the ability for a big table and I’ve struggled to find a good surface to work on for rolling and such that it doesnt stick to
What topcoat sealer would you recommend for acrylic used to paint Apoxie Sculpt? I’m working on modifying Hair Pieces for Nendoroid/Obitsu11 Dolls that are made of PVC, and my project requires a matte finish. However, I’ve read that depending on the topcoat sealer it could leave the project tacky in texture. Thank you, this has been a very helpful article and thread!
Typically we use spray coat sealer by Krylon Matte Finish. Krylon comes in many different finishes and works fantastic to preserve your paint and other finishes over Apoxie Sculpt both indoors and outdoors. It is a “permanent, non-gloss, clear finish that eliminates glossy sheen and light reflection on black and white or colored surfaces”. Dries quickly in about 10 minutes to the touch and is dry enough to handle after 3 hours. Its a nice soft, satin finish.It comes in a spray can. I have sprayed it in a dixie cup and brushed it on when needed also (but again it sets fast so you have bout 5 minutes to brush it on before that happens – for small spots it great for that. Inexpensive product great results!
I have 2 cracks in the legs my sculpted heron. Is there any liquid Apoxy sculpt that I could pour into the cracks. The cracks go right deep to the wire amature. My fault. Too heavy handed. I was chiseling with a hammer and dissecting a toe
I didn’t hear back about liquid Apoxy sculpt to fix the cracks in my heron legs. I THINK I’ve fixed them using Apoxy clay, which is a little softer than the Apoxy Sculpt.
Hi Erin,
Been trying to do my homework about which polymer clay techniques are +/- transferable to Apoxie Sculpt for jewelry making. I know it has much to with the inherent differences in the products, tools and work time. Someday, it would nice to see a chart round up of what can be done to apoxie sculpt when.
Right now, my head’s swimmy with it all. Could you clarify whether raw vs dry surfaces are better/necessary for:
-image transfers
-decoupage
-alcohol ink
Thank you 🙏
Is this product okay to adhere crystals onto animal skulls?
After using this successfully twice, this time around it won’t harden — even after 3 days. I did my best to mix A and B 50/50. Is there any way to correct this?
Does apoxie sculpt bend / become flexible once cured, or is it rock solid?
I used the brown Apoxie Sculpt to repair and bond pieces of dark brown stoneware. It worked like a charm, especially mixed with ground dark clay that was fired as well. The repair feels incredibly strong. The only issue is when it is sanded, unlike “real” stoneware, it turns a light color. I used a wax medium to seal it and it sort of took care of the issue, but I’m wondering if there are other things that might work better as a light polish to get into the scratches and keep the color dark?
I want to make miniatures I can later suspend in resin. What surface can I let my Apoxie Sculpt cure on so it won’t stick? Like if I make a fish and want to let it dry without attaching it to anything what surface is safe for it to sit on to cure?
Will Apoxy sculpt stick to styrofoam. I’d like to use it as an armature. Or possibly aluminum foil. Thank you.
Apoxie Sculpt will not eat foam so Styrofoam works great – I like to roll my clay out and lay it over the top when using foam and then press it on there to avoid foam from lifting off and getting into the clay. Aluminum foil works great!
I am teaching myself to do high relief drywall sculpting. I need to have some stem that rise from the surface for up to two 2-5”, run for roughly two feet then return to the surface. There will be crossing or underlaying elements offering support. Can this be rolled into ropes? will it be strong enough without an armature?
I’ve used Epoxie Sculpt on small mosaic projects having purchased it in 1/4 lb a few times. By the time I want to use it again, it is hard and discolored……..toss it out and purchase more. I read, once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator. Does that help prolong shelf life? Can anything be done to make it usable once it is discolored and/or hard?
Apoxie Sculpt should be stored in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and light. The biggest factor in keeping the product fresh is to keep the part A and B components separate – which means you will want to always use separate tools or gloved fingers to retrieve parts A and B out of the respective containers.If they cross int eh containers it will cause them to get hard and crusty. If you notice that happened – be sure to scrape out the contaminated part and discard. You certainly can store the product in a refrigerator or freezer – it is freeze thaw stable – however if crossing the product int eh containers is whats causing it to prematurely go bad that will not solve the issue.
Does Aves Apoxie Sculpt use heat or produce heat to cure? The manufacturer of my SMD LEDs says not to use with 2-part epoxies (they reference JB Weld) as the heat produced may damage the fragile diode. Aves doesn’t seem to produce heat on the surface but I don’t know what’s happening at the core. If Aves produces heat, how much? THANKS!
Apoxie Sculpt will get a little warm while its in the final curing stages but nothing that would damage anything.
Can you use the Apoxie on the inside of a gourd to increase the wall thickness to 1/4″ for carving.
Will it adhere to the inside of the gourd or does the inside of the gourd need to be sealed first.