Prepping Armatures - Adding Fimo

This is the final step in preparing an armature for sculpting with polyclay.
Tools:
Posed Armature
Greenstuff (Kneadatite)
Colour Shaper Size 0
Metal Sculpting Tool

[@joviteh6355]

Even though this vid is 5 years old, just wanna say thanks for the amazing tutorial!

[@sirkharuse3019]

Thanks for that encouraging reminder to "...start sculpting. Don't just watch these videos..." - sounds dumb, but that small reminder wakes the viewer up out of the sort of media hypnosis that chaining tutorials tends to induce. Great videos! As a veteran sculptor I really do appreciate the effort that goes into trying to break this skill down and share it with others. I love your videos. Thanks for doing this for everyone who wants to learn to sculpt miniatures on their own time.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Thanks Matt! That reminds me. I should probably say it again in a more recent video :)

[@aiwatch2000]

I started a project where I sculpt miniatures and build diorama based on my dreams. I will then photograph them with a toy plastic camera to get a distorted dreamlike feel. Your videos have been a godsend in hopefully see me through.

[@JohnR1298]

Nose grease? Blood, sweat and tears not enough for you Tom 😂 Love the videos Tom, thank you. I am sorely tempted to have a go myself 😊

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Hahah! Great observation. It would definitely take blood, sweat, and tears if it wasn't for the nose grease!

[@markvincenteguico4084]

I really appreciate your sculpting tutorials! Started the hobby when I saw your channel. Thanks!

[@TomMasonSculptor]

That’s awesome. So glad it has helped.

[@PossumMedic]

"Tom's Nose Grease" Coming to a sculpting shop near you! ;p

[@woodsydayz4361]

i love your videos man its actually just what i need as im slowly trying to sculpt my own D&D half blood orc rogue

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Woodsy Dayz awesome! Be sure to post and share it when you're ready.

[@hezakighamorgan9974]

Man, I really just appreciate your tutorials! Especially how you explain everything that we need to know and why we need to do it instead of just showing us how you do it without explaining why. The latter method tends to lead people into making mistakes when they inevitably start experimenting. So thanks!!

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Thank you so much! I try really hard to cover all the angles.

[@tinhhoang5525]

i am on my own project to create miniature world with tiny human and i was kinda lost not knowing what to do. Thank you so much for the tutorial, that helps so so much !!!

[@TomMasonSculptor]

I'm so glad to hear that. Thank you so much!

[@AaaaNinja]

Hi Tom! I started following this tutorial series a few days ago. I don't play Dnd but we have it at our house every couple weeks. I have never sculpted anything this tiny!!! but for my husband's birthday I thought I would surprise him with a figurine of his character. This series is great! Instead of greenstuff, I have Aves 2-part fixit for the first layer. It was tough to apply but I managed to get as far as covering it with my grey, extra firm super sculpey while still curing. I think it'll be alright. I have a month to finish this project.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

That’s awesome! Good luck.

[@minitzonthesun]

I have been using Fimo classic for a while now! Just got a toaster oven in my studio just for clay stuff. I've really gotten used to it but still use GS for a few things like weapons and when I do faces. Haven't tried mixing it with miliput yet but I might try it. I got all new rubber tools for Xmas but I have been using my metal tools a lot more with the clay. Looking forward to more! Hope to see some face sculpting tips. I have been working on heads and faces and would love to see how you do it.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

That's awesome man. Yeah I still use putty for extra bits for figures. Especially things like weapons. Sculpting faces is a great topic for a video. That's on my list to tackle soon Just have a couple more "setup" tutorials to get through first. If you're already using Fimo than I'll have you sculpting faces with it too in no time :)

[@Machinepriest]

As a miniature sculptor in progress I really appreciate your videos. I learned tonnes while watching the armature videos especially. I love the nose grease tip :) Going to try that instead of licking my tools. I was wondering, have you ever tried Beesputty? The polymer clay that apparently sticks to the armature eliminating the need for a sticky greenstuff skin.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Thanks Machinepriest. I had a sample of Beesputty but never had a chance to try it. If I can find my sample (and it's still good), I'll give it a go and let everyone know what I think.

[@Chill1332]

"I use my nose grease." I don't think I have ever heard that sentance before in my entire life. LOL! But hey, if it works it works. This is super informative. I wouldn't have thought to use polymer over epoxy as it hardens to get a good grip. I have never sculpted anything so tiny. But I am just getting into terrain and would love to make some figures to go with. Thought it would be fun to make Gilligan's Island.....and I'm pretty sure they don't sell the characters as miniatures

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Hahaha thanks. That’s a cool idea. Hope to see it online someday.

[@kathleenanderson5399]

omg I must say you have sooo much patience I get very confused with the female body lol it's measurements etc but did get a lot of good advice watching your tutorials although your voice tend to send me to sleep ha ha regards from UK

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Hahah thanks for the comments. A lot of my early videos were filmed late at night while I was pretty tired myself. I'm trying to be more energetic now though. Yeah female measurements can be tough. There tend to be a lot more subtleties in the female form.

[@tarasbulba7114]

I watch and it seems easy... I really dont think it will but anyway i'll try! Thankyou! :-)

[@TomMasonSculptor]

That’s the best attitude. Excited to see what you sculpt.

[@kkarumo9194]

Thank You for showing us Your process. Very informative. Doing a little sculpt-along; do I leave the fimo uncured in a airtight (dust and hair preventive measure...) container or is it ok if it cures until the next installment in two weeks? Thanks!

[@TomMasonSculptor]

It should be fine if you leave it out. I do however keep all my pieces in an upside down pickle jar just to keep dust off and from accidentally bumping it. I'll be sure to show it in the next video.

[@MrPaultheguitar]

Been thinking of miniaturising armatures for stop motion filming due to space perhaps one could make miniature like this the cast it in a latex covering it would be ideal for the DIY animator

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Paul Martin Harrison that’s a really cool idea!

[@TheGamerZapocalypse]

@12:06 :) Thank You for the inspirational videos Tom. For sure, my experience has been there always seems to be a tendency to use too much putty. It's amazing how easy it is to over load an area thinking, nah, it will be fine. I also noticed that the sculpt always looks better in areas where I have built up more smaller layers than fewer thicker ones. The putty surface gets a much better look using more smaller layers. Can you please mention where you got that sculpting tool from so I can buy one? It looks like a Dental Wax 5. I've had my eye on one for a very long time, but never bought one because until seeing one up close and being used, I was not sure if I would be getting a good one, as I'm sure there are different versions of this tool. Yours looks like a really good one.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+GamerZapocalypse the only place I've ever been able to find the Wax 5 is from this Australian online store: store.aetherworks.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=16900 Definitely worth the purchase!

[@TheGamerZapocalypse]

+Tom Mason Awesome! Thanks for the link. :)

[@lindsaycaughlin3737]

I've just started trying to sculpt using your videos, however I'm trying to minimize my materials I'm buying while I try it out. I've been trying to work with just the fimo and wire so far, and I was wondering if there is any ways I can help the fimo stick to the wire without using the green stuff? Thanks for the videos they are a huge help!

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Michael Caughlin the only thing you could do other than using greenstuff is to wrap a very thin wire around the the armature wire. That give a bit more texture and is much easier to do on larger scale minis. But to be honest, you're always going to have trouble getting the FIMO to stay without creating air pockets underneath without using something to adhere the clay to the wire. Good luck!

[@lindsaycaughlin3737]

+Tom Mason Thanks

[@mrspacely5580]

I have no minis as reference and am concerned my dwarf is too big but oh well, maybe he'll turn out cool.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

You’re doing good practice either way. But it definitely helps to have a reference mini :)

[@swampmeat]

Great videos. Even this older stuff. My FIMO has been very difficult to spread while on the figure and I end up shifting the green stuff around underneath. I can knead it up just fine, but after a while of sculpting it turns crumbly. Is there something I should be doing to soften the clay as I sculpt or is it just a matter of getting used to the medium? Thanks

[@hyper4831]

I haven't known polymer clay to be crumbly... Maybe it's age.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Always knead the poly clay in your hands first. When it's warmer it's much easier to spread. Also make sure you are putting on small amounts for the initial layer. If you're still experiencing the same problem, you probably have a batch of old clay. If you have FIMO Mix Quick, you can add some of that in to recondition the clay. However, it will probably save a lot of time and frustration to just pick up a new block of clay.

[@HeresyProducktionz]

Is the reason to use a clay on the outside instead of green stuff related to softness and workability of the material? Cheers

[@TomMasonSculptor]

HeresyProducktionz Mainly because of the infinite work time, however I do simply prefer working with clay over putty. I sculpted with putty for most of my career, but never felt comfortable with the gummy quality. However, putty can't be beat when you want something durable or that self cures.

[@petarknezovic9447]

Does this fimo stuff dry by itself od do you have to bake it? Also do you need to wet your tools to work with it (like you need to with green stuff so it dosent stick)?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Petar Knezović FIMO is a polyclay so only hardens once baked. No need to wet or lubricate the tools. It's basically like sculpting with normal clay.

[@lectric]

Hey Tom hope all is well. I have a question, up until now I've been using epoxy putty (greenstuff, milliput) for my miniatures but im considering using polimer clay (sculpey). Do you think its a good idea or should I stick with epoxi ones?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Thanks for the question! You're just in time. I'm about to do a Q&A episode. Be sure to check it out as I'll be answering both of your questions.

[@mcalahan]

Not sure if I missed it in this video or in the older version, but after laying down the first layer of polyclay do you wait for it to harden before adding the bulk?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Yes, I usually let it harden before bulking up the FIMO further. You can add more on, but you run the risk of destabilizing the greenstuff and fimo understructure from the armature. THANKS!

[@danles5518]

Is that a layer of green stuff on the clamp/wood block? Does that have a specific purpose?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Yes. It makes the blocks more durable and gives a smoother working surface.

[@ricardoeguico1749]

Hi Tom, do you prefer adding polymer clay while green stuff is freshly attached to the armature or wait GS to cure before adding PC?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

It’s actually not a matter of preference. You have to add the polyclay while the putty is still fresh and I cured or it won’t stick. Make sure to put the polyclay on the putty right after you skin the armature. If you find it’s taking you to long to put the putty on the armature and the putty is curing, just work in smaller sections. Skin part of the armature, add the poly clay, then add more putty to the other sections and repeat. Hope that helps!

[@ricardoeguico1749]

Great! Thanks Tom.

[@dragonlady4909]

Hey! If I’m looking into getting into sculpting but I have no idea what supplies I need. What list of supplies would you give me to start out (and a brief description of what each item does?)

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Here's a video I did on the main sculpting tools I use: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2evmXdoareIh6s On top of that I'd pick up some greenstuff and or ProCreate as well as FIMO. I have some episodes of the MSSS that talk about those materials as well.

[@dragonlady4909]

Tom Mason Thank you so much! You’re doing awesome work!

[@emilwestgaardhenriksen1715]

how does fimo behave compared to "gray stuff" or is it more or less the same? :) love your videos you are such a huge inspiration :D

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Emil Westgaard Henriksen I assume by gray stuff you're referring to ProCreate? ProCreate is more like a tough gum while FIMO feels like real clay. FIMO doesn't bounce back and tends to hold its shape better, but it is softer. Let me know if that answers your question. Thanks for watching!

[@emilwestgaardhenriksen1715]

Tom Mason okay thank you so much :) I have been working with both green and gray stuff (proCrate as you said) and I really like it though I have not had the feeling that it bounce that much because I make a kind of light mixture with maybe 55-60 of the white to the darker gray :) think I should give FIMO a shot because it looks really comfortable to work with :) thank you so much for answering and keep oon sculpting :)

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Emil Westgaard Henriksen right, gray stuff is much less bouncy than green stuff. If you end up liking FIMO but want to have the self-curing ability of grey stuff, you can do a mix of gray stuff/FIMO with about 25-50% FIMO. That's the mix I use whenever I need to use putty.

[@emilwestgaardhenriksen1715]

Tom Mason okay I will remember that! I am really greatfull for your answers and you can be sure I will keep watching your videos you are a really skilled artist :)

[@TomMasonSculptor]

+Emil Westgaard Henriksen thank Emil. Looking forward to seeing your work as well!

[@digitalink1575]

Do you prefer Fimo or Procreate for sculpting? Really nice video by the way.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Fimo hands down. The only time I use Procreate or Greenstuff for finished sculpting is if I'm doing a conversion or finishing work that requires the material to stick and self cure.

[@Machinepriest]

Tom Mason How about Super Skulpey Firm? How does that compare to Fimo? I've never tried the latter, so I'm curious.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

***** Super Sculpey Firm works great too. As the name suggests it is quite firm which is fine for some people. I prefer my clay softer though. In a future video I'll talk about the exact mix of Fimo I use.

[@zakhoskins6404]

Just curious what you're using now for sculpting since Fimo Classic is being phased out. Is the newer Fimo Professional just as good for minis in your opinion? I've heard some say yes/no, but those were on forums unrelated to minis. The main reason I hear people loved Fimo Classic for this is because of its firmness, and supposedly, Fimo Professional isn't as firm.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

I have a stockpile of FIMO Classic so haven't used Professional yet. I do plan on picking some up soon and discussing it in a future video. For now what I can tell, it seems Professional is the best alternative at the moment.

[@zakhoskins6404]

Tom Mason Cool. As someone just now getting into this without a stockpile, I eagerly await that future video. Hope your new job is going well.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Thanks Zak!

[@zakhoskins6404]

Tom Mason Also, ever play with CX5, Chavant Castilene, or any wax based product for making minis? I know that kinda incurs the extra cost of a dental waxer, but it can also be fully reworked and never gets old. I'll probably stick with epoxy for my first several minis for cost reasons, but just curious if you had ever tried and liked wax.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

I still have a small stockpile of FIMO classic, but I just started a miniature that will be done in FIMO Professional. I'll be doing a video on FIMO Proffessional very soon. Thanks!

[@dadnar7615]

Are you still using Fimo professional? My local art shop only carries about a half dozen different types of sculpey.

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Yes, FIMO Pro is my fav! Sculpey is totally fine too. If you really want to use FIMO there are several independent online retailers you can pick it up from. That’s where I first got it until the larger craft stores near me started carrying it. Good luck!

[@bradleylawrence2703]

Im new to this, do you have to use fimo as the second layer?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

Bradley Lawrence yes. The first layer is greenstuff followed immediately by a layer of Fimo. After it sets up for about an hour, go crazy with more Fimo.

[@leejames929]

What's the advantage to using fimo as opposed to just using green stuff for the whole modal?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

For me the advantage is being able to sculpt on any part of the model I want for as long as I want, whenever I want, without the material ever hardening. That’s very important to me since I like to develop the entire piece rather than sculpt one part to completion then move onto the next part.

[@publii066]

Hi, my fimo professional not so soft as yours on video. How can I make it more soft like on this video?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

If you add FIMO MixQuick, that can help reconstitute FIMO and make it more workable. Also, if you are working in a cold environment, FIMO is hard. If you are in a warm environment the FIMO will be softer. If your clay remains hard after using MixQuick, I would throw it away and buy a fresh block. Sometimes old clay will get hard to work with.

[@publii066]

@@TomMasonSculptor thank you

[@easystarallstar89]

Does the greenstuff cure in the oven at the same time as the Fimo?

[@TomMasonSculptor]

No, the greenstuff cures on its own. By the time you would bake the FIMO (when your sculpt is complete) the greenstuff has long since fully cured.

[@easystarallstar89]

@@TomMasonSculptor thanks Tom. Using it now! 😊