Frequently Asked Questions

Although different clays have different densities a good estimate is 90 pounds per cubic foot. AutoStyle™ Industrial clay and Y2Klay are light weight (approximately 30% lighter) 

Concerns with mixing different clays are color, reactions to rubber, hard/soft areas and cohesion. A user may hit firm areas and then soft areas when moving tools through the clay. Proceed with caution. 

Try water, Avon Skin-So-Soft (Original Bath Oil), WD-40, Goof-Off, turpentine, lighter fluid, multipurpose oil/wax solvents, Citrus/ D-limonene based cleaning fluids 

Sulfur is an inexpensive, non-toxic, soft mineral filler that enhances the surface texture of the clay. 

Sulfur free formulas are generally easier to make silicone rubber molds from 

Heating some Chavant clays in clay warming devices, often required to soften the material, can produce a distinct non-harmful odor. Many clients have successfully reduced odor emissions from clay ovens by attaching activated charcoal filters to an exhaust vent often found on ovens.

Activated Charcoal (aka Activated Carbon) Filters are available from various manufacturers. Check the Thomas Register under Filters: Activated Carbon. One model that we have seen is produced by Airfiltronix Corporation of Clifton, NJ. They can be reached at 1-800-452-8510 or through their web site www.airfiltronix.com.

In general, oil-based clay will oxidize and get firmer over time although it can remain workable for many years. Once opened, place clay in airtight container or wrap completely in plastic wrap and store away from sunlight or sources of UV to reduce oxidization and maximize usability. 

Some Chavant Clays are sulfur based which helps prevent the clay from experiencing surface oxidization and hardening. 

However, most notably the sulfur-free NSP series does not have an oxidization inhibitor. When the clay is repeatedly heated and cooled, oxidation is accelerated. The NSP clay series can become dramatically firmer over time and ultimately harden to a brick/stone like state that loses the ability to be shaped by hand. There is no way to reconstitute or soften the material after this occurs.

Modeling clay is normally used without skin protection, but it will be up to you to determine suitability. Please read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documents for our products before use. If you have a known allergy or sensitivity to sulfur, do not use sulfur-based clays. If irritation appears when handling sulfur-based clays, it is most likely an allergic reaction and use should be immediately discontinued. Often these symptoms will first appear as mild skin rashes. Most often, practicing good hygiene, primarily washing hands and clothing will eliminate this symptom. 

Wash hands with soap and water after using clays.

Some of these clays, contain sulfur, which may cause a burning sensation in the eyes of some users. Although not dangerous, it may be uncomfortable 

Red Clays (clays containing Iron Oxide) can also stain hands and clothing. 

Do not exceed recommended melting temperatures when warming clays as this can result in overheating and burned clay. Burned clay can experience excessive hardening, discoloration, and a visible appearance of granules. Overheating sulfur-based clay will cause the sulfur to crystallize, which is easy to identify by the small, sand like granules which will be seen after the clay has been burned. These granules are impossible to remove so burned clay should be discarded. 

Do NOT overheat/burn clay. One real danger can arise from Sulfur-based clay when and if the clay were to be ignited. Molten Sulfur may produce Hydrogen Sulfide, a very dangerous gas. Burning Sulfur will produce Sulfur Dioxide also very dangerous. Use caution when heating the clay to its working consistency and never heat the clay to a point where it will smoke or burn. 

However, it is important that users of Chavant clays understand that Sulfur in itself is not a danger. There are Sulfur compounds that are highly dangerous but Chavant does not uses these products and uses only elemental Sulfur. Most importantly, it is critical that the users educate themselves about Sulfur – it is not a toxic product as used by Chavant. 

Chavant uses elemental Sulfur as a filling compound in many clay formulas. Sulfur of this type is found in medicine, soaps, detergents, shampoos used by veterinarians, for burns, in the Sulfur packs in Mash, hot Sulfur springs, food preservatives/processing, paints, plastics, cosmetics, some beer, as a component of black gunpowder, is used in the vulcanization of natural rubber and is a fungicide used extensively in making fertilizers, bleaching of dried fruits and paper products.

Typically, Chavant clay products are used mid-design process or early in the creation process (also called ideation) to meet a specific shaping need. What is a Modeler looking for in a clay? This is difficult to answer because every artist is different, and some artists are looking for a specific outcome while others may be developing their process through experience and exploration. Establish which type of application you have and where you are in your developmental process. 

Creating a checklist can be helpful for deciding your next steps and identify overall needs relevant for your unique model. Documenting your questions and answers can also help you keep track of your progress as well as look ahead to next steps and to build a material and tool list before you start. For example, is this sculpture the ultimate result of your project or is it a study to help you progress your overall project? How will this finished piece be used for example exhibited, molded, digitally scanned, post-finished (painted/sanded/tooled), or transported? Is there a specific clay feel you are trying to match too, softer or firmer? Are important/specific tools being used that need to work the clay? Will the clay need to be adhesive and stick to an armature surface? What is your armature and base made from (example: aluminum wire and melamine board)? Are there potential challenges you can identify that you will need to overcome with this unique project? Are you going to need to store your clay model over time?