Chavant Clayette Medium is a professional medium-hardness sculpting clay formulated with wax and mineral oils, completely sulfur-free. This means it is fully compatible with platinum silicones (addition cure) with no risk of inhibition. Its non-tacky texture, dimensional stability and reusability make it a reference tool for sculptors, model makers and special effects professionals looking for a balance between firmness and workability.
Technical specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Presentation |
Individually wrapped 906 g block |
| Color |
Bone white / beige |
| Hardness |
Medium |
| Base |
Wax and mineral oils (non-aqueous, non-polymeric) |
| Sulfur-free |
Yes |
| Toxicity |
Non-toxic |
| Odor |
No significant odor |
| Working temperature |
Room temperature (can be warmed for greater flow) |
| Reusable |
Yes — does not dry in air, can be reheated repeatedly |
| Oxidation |
Does not oxidize |
| Compatible with platinum silicones |
Yes |
What it is used for
Clayette Medium is the most versatile option in the Chavant range. Its intermediate hardness allows both the sculpting of large volumes with good shape retention and fine detail work with pointed tools. It is the most widely used clay when the level of detail required by the piece is not known in advance, or when the process combines roughing out and refining in the same work session.
- Bust, full figure and relief sculpture in fine arts
- Sculpting heads, creatures and prosthetics in special effects (FX)
- Creating masters for mold making with platinum silicones with no risk of inhibition
- Industrial prototyping and concept models
- Architectural and product scale models
- Educational modeling in art and design schools
- Pieces requiring reuse or successive modifications
How to use it
- Prepare the material: At room temperature, Clayette Medium can be worked directly with your hands. If the studio is cold or you want greater flow, gently warm the block with a heat gun or leave it for a few minutes near a moderate heat source.
- Build the base volume: Add blocks or rolls of clay onto the armature or support structure. Work from large to small scale: general forms first, then secondary planes.
- Refine with tools: Use spatulas, styluses and wooden or metal loop tools to define details. Clayette Medium responds well to both drag and pressure tools.
- Smooth surfaces: To achieve clean surfaces free of tool marks, wipe with a slightly warmed soft cloth or use a natural-bristle brush with a touch of heat.
- Correct and reuse: Leftover material can be reincorporated into the piece or stored. It does not dry out or harden irreversibly. You can reheat it as many times as needed.
- Prepare the master for molding: Make sure the surface is clean and free of contaminants before applying the silicone. Being sulfur-free, no prior sealer is needed for platinum silicones, though a light sealing coat may be advisable on very porous surfaces.
Usage tips
Temperature control in the studio
Clayette Medium is sensitive to ambient temperature. In summer or in warm studios, the clay may feel somewhat softer than usual; in winter, firmer. If you need more rigidity to preserve detail during work, opt for the Chavant Hard version. To locally soften a specific area without warming the whole piece, use a heat gun at short range in brief intervals.
Compatibility with platinum silicones
Being free of sulfur and other inhibiting compounds, Clayette Medium can be used directly as a master for molds with addition-cure silicones. Do not mix or contaminate it with other clays containing sulfur, with latex, cyanoacrylate adhesives or uncured epoxy resins during the molding process, as those materials can inhibit silicone cure at the interface.
Storage and reuse
Store leftover clay wrapped in plastic film or in its original packaging, away from direct heat sources. It does not dry in air, so no special humidity conditions are required. Recovered material can be blended with new material without compatibility issues. If dust particles or residues from other materials have been introduced during work, remove them before reusing the clay in contact with platinum silicones.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the various hardness levels of professional sculpting clay?
Hardness determines how much force you need to apply to deform the material and what level of detail you can retain. A harder clay holds its shape better under the heat of hands and allows finer details, but requires more effort to build large volumes. Clayette Medium is the intermediate option: comfortable for long sessions and capable of retaining medium-to-high levels of detail. If you need greater precision for very fine textures, consider the Chavant Hard version.
Can this clay be used directly as a master for platinum silicone molds?
Yes. Clayette Medium is free of sulfur and inhibiting compounds, making it compatible with addition-cure (platinum) silicones without the need for a prior sealer in most cases. This is one of its main advantages over other clays that contain sulfur, which would inhibit silicone cure at the interface.
What materials inhibit platinum silicones?
Addition-cure silicones are inhibited by contact with sulfur, latex, uncured epoxy, freshly cast polyester, urethane rubbers, petroleum jelly and some sulfur-containing clays. Clayette Medium contains none of these compounds, making it safe to use as a master. If other materials are involved in your process, make sure they do not contaminate the surface before applying the silicone.
How do you soften professional sculpting clay to work with it?
The most common method is to use a heat gun at a medium distance, applying heat in short intervals until the desired consistency is reached. You can also leave the piece in a warm area of the studio or use your hands to soften small portions. Avoid microwave ovens or high-temperature ovens, as excessive heat can alter the texture unevenly.
Can the clay be painted or sealed once sculpted?
Yes. Clayette Medium accepts both water-based and solvent-based paints on its surface, though for final results it is recommended to make the mold first and work on the cast copy in resin or another rigid material. If you want to photograph or present the master directly, you can apply a thin coat of diluted acrylic paint to unify the color.
How much material do I need to sculpt a life-size head?
A life-size head with neck and part of the bust may require between 2 and 4 kg of clay, depending on whether you build an internal core (armature with foam or other filler material) or work solid. A 906 g block of Clayette Medium is sufficient for small pieces or for adding detail layers over an already-built base volume. For large projects, always calculate with a margin and keep backup material on hand.
Does professional sculpting clay dry out or harden over time?
No. Clayette Medium does not dry in air or polymerize. Its wax and mineral oil base maintains plasticity indefinitely when stored correctly. This sets it apart from polymer clays, which require baking to harden, and from epoxy putties such as Epoxy Putty 610, which cure irreversibly.
Is it suitable for educational modeling or can it be used by someone with no experience?
Yes. Being non-toxic, virtually odorless and reusable, Clayette Medium is suitable for educational environments and for people new to sculpting. The medium hardness makes it more accessible than the Hard version for inexperienced hands, without sacrificing the ability to retain detail. For beginners, it can also be useful to combine it with the Plant-Based Industrial Clay to practice volumes before moving on to a higher-cost material.
