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Basic
Techniques for Using DAS Modelling Clay
 DAS is a modelling
clay, similar in many respects to many others. However, unlike many of
the others, DAS sets hard
and therefore will last as a finished product, virtually indefinitely.
There are other modelling clays that can be hardened, usually
by baking them in an oven but DAS hardens on its own if just left to stand.
The only drawback of this is that any unused DAS must be stored in
an airtight containeror double wrapped in cling film. If care
is taken to re-pack in an air-tight container after use, DAS should
still be in workable condition,
when
you come to
use it, next time.
DAS has a vast range of uses. Facing cardboard or balsa wood buildings
with DAS, enables stone or brickwork to be scribed into the soft clay,
which,
when hard, is virtually permanent.
Trees, rocks and boulders, pathways
and roads, and many other landscape items also fall naturally into this
ability to mould and carve easily while the clay is still soft yet have
rigid, handleable products once the clay has hardened.
Working DAS with
the point of a needle, tip of a nail file, or even purchasing a set
of proper implements, will quickly demonstrate the versatility of the clay
and it is probably fair to say that any technique successfully used
with
conventional modelling clays, can be used here, too.
Wetting your
finger with a small amount of water will soften the surface and allow
the clay
to be smoothed as it is worked. However, take
care,
too much water renders the whole thing far too fluid to
work.
DAS does not set in seconds, there
is a definitive setting time and practice has shown that it pays to try
to finish any given part of a project in no more than two or three hours.
DAS generally sets hard overnight though leaving it for a couple
of days is not a bad idea before painting.
DAS comes in only two colours, white and terracotta. When dry, it is
easy to paint. We can
recommend Vallejo model acrylics as they seem to take well to the surface
and give a durable finish when varnished.
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