Clay Bodies: General, Technical and Descriptive Information

Chavant Professional Plasteline is the original sculpting clay formula developed by Mr. Claude Chavant in 1892. The name was Trade-Marked by Chavant in 1927. Each of Chavant's various clays are used by industry professionals and the name "Professional Plasteline" should not limit the use of alternative clays by Professionals. Professional Plasteline is simply a name for one of the Chavant product lines. The basic formulation of Professional Plasteline has not changed very much during the past 100 years. It is a sulphur-based clay body that is pliable at room temperature. It is available in only one grade of firmness. If clients prefer a firmer clay body with similar characteristics to Professional Plasteline they should consider the Industrial Clays CM-50 or CM-70. Fantastic sculptural works have been achieved using these products. Professional Plasteline is one of the softest clays Chavant produces. DaVinci, soft and firm, are even softer. The sulphur filler gives this clay a silky feel appreciated by many artists. The clay has some amount of length but is susceptible to cracks when armatures move under the weight of the clay. Professional Plasteline is available in Brown or Gray-Green. Professional Plasteline is most commonly used by artists for the creation of sculpture and is often used to fill cracks in industrial patterns or to build dams when making splash molds.

Handling Tips: Professional Plasteline can be warmed to soften further. Using small amounts of water as a lubricant on the surface of the clay will help to attain a smooth surface.

Unique Prop's: Silky, smooth surface

Softening point: Professional Plasteline is generally used at room temperature but it is not uncommon to warm the clay to 110° F - 120° F to soften it even further.

Working Temp: Room Temperature

Cautions: Professional Plasteline contains sulphur, which may cause a burning sensation in the eyes of some users. Although not dangerous it may be uncomfortable. Over heating sulphur based clay will cause the sulphur to crystallize, which is easy to identify by the small, sand like granules which will be seen after the clay has been burned. Wash hands with soap and water after use.

Description: Le Beau Touché and Le Beau Touché - HM are two distinctly different products with some very similar characteristics. Both are sulphur free modeling clays that were introduced because of their exceptional smoothness and adhesive qualities. Le Beau Touché products are used by many types of artists who often are looking for a product that will stick to basically any armature material. Both Le Beau Touché formulas hold very good detail, carve and shape easily, have tremendous flexibility and will not dry or crack. Le Beau Touché - HM is preferred by clients working in warmer climates, above 90° F. It is very similar to the original Le Beau Touché but is slightly firmer and less tacky at room temperature. The original Le Beau Touché is very sensitive to heat variations but the HM formulation will remain stable even at higher temperatures. Le Beau Touché and Le Beau Touché - HM are every smooth and even flowing products. The smallest amount of heat, just friction from rubbing it in your hands, will soften the original Le Beau Touché. These clays may feel slightly firm in the original extruded blocks but slicing off small amounts will make it very manageable. The Le Beau Touché product line is commonly used by artists for the creation of sculpture or to build dams when making splash molds. Both formulas are available in Brown and Gray-Green. Handling Tips: Le Beau Touché can be warmed to soften but as it softens it also becomes sticky. Le Beau Touché - HM can be warmed to soften and will work quite nicely at about 105° F. Using small amounts of citrus-based solvents, lighter fluid, latex paint removers, turpentine or mineral spirits as a lubricant on the surface of the clay will help to attain a smooth surface.