Das Air Drying Clay - Pro Terrain Tips & Tricks

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In this Back 2 Basics vid, we delve into the world of Das air drying clay, once again giving you everything I know about working with Das Clay. Covering techniques commonly used in terrain and model making, including how to get better adherence, avoid cracking, easy texturing, using molds and additives.

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[TheTerrainTutor]

OK, that's what I've got tip wise, anything to add folks?

[giannadyer]

he gives me favorite art teacher vibes

[michaeljaysonbanua]

I use air dry clay a lot. I always have a small spray bottle filled with water whenever I work with it. I realized it's better to start with a thin layer of airdry clay in making sculptures let it dry and re apply another layer, building up. Sometimes I mixed airdry clay and more water to turn it into a paste and I use it in filling cracks or as a adhesive whenever I apply a new clay over a dried up clay.

[Yunnub]

This has probably been said but don't throw away any small parts of dried air dry, add them to a tub of water and mix them to make slip. Slip basically glues the clay better than plain water and adding a light layer to a piece before drying can avoid cracking.

[booshbush]

I was worried like "oh I might have some bad clay" but then I saw you had the exact same clay as me and I thought : oh that's good

[chloestevenson]

I've been in a kinda of hole for a while and have been avoiding everything I've ever enjoyed, including art. I'm trying to get better and your video is the start, thank you for motivating me enough to try again

[leonecass]

I just bought my first pack of air dry clay, planning to make some tiny pins, and found this whole freaking masterclass. Thank you so much for the whole-hearted instructions!

[stephenharmon]

I love how you actually take the time to explain everything. Thank you so much! Some people just show you how to work with materials for a specific purpose, but you give a very basic understanding, assuming we know nothing. So helpful!

[super_awsomecat]

0:00 intro
1:10 dark clay and light clay
4:46 wrap/seal your clay
5:46 tools
7:30 clay fall of surface?
11:11 clay cracking ?
17:50 can i use it in molds?
24:00 tips on using different tools
28:26 adding additives
29:11 mixing das with pva
32:29 quick recap
34:10 outro

[calbrookes]

I have been using air dry clay for many years in Western Canada which is a very dry climate. One idea that I use to keep my clay from drying too quickly is to take a bit of a sponge, soak it, wring it gently & place next to the clay. Cover all with cellophane wrap. I do this when working on large pieces that take several days to complete as well as when I am finished to prevent cracking.

[noutvandersloot]

This is the best 30+ min video I’ve seen in the past 2 years on YouTube

[xMrDog]

I'm a digital 3D artist, I work in the interior design field but I wanted to model organic things like animals and such, so for my birthday my girlfriend got me DAS + sculpting kit with all of the tools, I'm very glad to see such a wonderful tutorial with tips and tricks too, you show a lot of enthusiasm for what you're doing and you transmit passion to the listener. I wish more videos on youtube were like this one. Instantly subscribed! Love from Italy

[KaciCallahan]

he makes me feel like i’m actually there, this is super helpful. i just bought this clay knowing almost nothing about it and now i do thanks to you!

[Traveler]

I have added veg oil and linseed to my air drying in small amounts which seems to help prevent cracking, probably by slowing the drying time quite a lot

[vinci]

the way i just smiled when he started talking like i already know that im gonna learn sumn from him

[RoninGroupUK]

Just starting my clay modelling journey. This guy is fab !

[tonyharwood]

As a long-term user of DAS to make wargame terrain, I use it in a slightly different way.

1 - I add DAS over a thin layer of dilute PVA glue

2 - I score the base material either MDF or plastic card with a scalpel. Criss-crossing across the surface to produce a 'key' for the DAS to grip to.

3 - I bake my DAS in the oven short bursts of about 10 minutes at low temperature.

4 - When fully set I seal the DAS with a dilute PVA and water wash.

I have not had any problems with cracking or lifting.

If I need to add a thick layer, I will apply the DAS in two or three thinner layers or use Balsawood or foam as a bulking up product and apply DAS over the top.

Finally, I prefer DAS Terracotta (I think it is is finer), but use DAS White as it does not stain.

Just my technique.

Tony

[crazycornishcrafter]

I so appreciate your placement of ads in natural breaks rather than mid sentence. Great content too. Thank you. (Typo edit.)

[AnnoyedKitten]

FINALLY answer on some question and problems I have! Just started to work with clay like this and have been searching and only find useless videos. Thank you!! Also, you seem to be a really awesome guy with a really nice energy, love listening to you explaining stuff! :)

[mikehavstad]

Sooo helpful. I bought a block of DAS, which is labeled in German and no training provided. Your tutorials are thorough and understandable. I have watched many of your tutorials and am amazed by your skills as an artist and as one who pursues the why's and the science. Thanks.