Clay

[Tbohlken]

Just curious what type of clay you guys use for eyes, earbutts, and general sculpturing on deer heads. Is regular potters clay like what you can get from a craft store ok or is it better to use a taxidermy specific clay like critter clay?

[Keyda81]

I've been wondering this myself.  I bought critter clay from Van Dyke's, and used that on my deer mount.  I'm not sure what is a good replacement for it.  I know I read it some where on the forum once, and now I can't remember where.  You could try a search, see what you come up with.

[Keyda81]

http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,288245.0.html

http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php/topic,252637.0.html

Here's a couple links to some discussion on potter's clay and such.  Hope this helps.

[insane1]

i use critters clay but seen that in Jim Allred taxidermy supply there clay is supposed to do same thing for a lot less money going to try it.

[josh s.]

I use critter clay for the eyes and potters clay for the ears. Works just fine and the ears are rock solid when dry.

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[George Roof]

Don't believe everything you read. Critter Clay doesn't shrink. Potters clay will shrink and crack. I use Critter Clay around the eyes and potters clay everywhere else.

[jockamoe]

Does Critter Clay give you enough time to work? I use Potters clay everywhere.

[Keyda81]

Does Critter Clay give you enough time to work? I use Potters clay everywhere.

If you've got a little bit of water on hand it will give you plenty of time to work. 

[u2cme21999]

Does Critter Clay give you enough time to work? I use Potters clay everywhere.

If you've got a little bit of water on hand it will give you plenty of time to work. 

I have a spray bottle of water I use while shapeing the clay,
 I sometimes will hang a damp paper towel over the eyes,the clay will stay soft.
                                                                                        u2

[George Roof]

How long are you guys taking? You install the eyes and clay them immediately before you mount the hide. (I use the short "Y" and do my eye work through the "Y" after the hide is on.)So the wet skin keeps it moist until you're ready to work them. Some guys clay their eyes through the eye opening after the deer is mounted.

[josh s.]

I clay mine right before I put the hide on (short y also) and I have plenty of time to work on them. I have never tried potters clay on the eyes and I don't intend on it.

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[Keyda81]

How long are you guys taking? You install the eyes and clay them immediately before you mount the hide. (I use the short "Y" and do my eye work through the "Y" after the hide is on.)So the wet skin keeps it moist until you're ready to work them. Some guys clay their eyes through the eye opening after the deer is mounted.

I took a little while to get them in there, seeing as it was my first one.  Then threw the cape on, which did keep the clay nice and moist while I tucked and shaped everything.