One of the basic supplies in a taxidermy shop shop is epoxy clay. Taxidermists use epoxy clay to accomplish molding, sculpting, and adhering throughout their mounting process. Magic-Sculpt and Apoxie Sculpt are two-component sculpting epoxies. To use epoxy clay, simply mix equal parts of the resin and the hardener and knead it together until a uniform color is obtained.
The epoxy putty can then be shaped, sculpted, and smoothed with a wet finger or modeling tools. It can be smoothed with water or Aves Safety Solvent. Hardening will take between 2 and 3 hours depending on weather and studio conditions. Both Magic-Sculpt and Apoxie Suclpt will adhere tenaciously to most any surface including foam mannequins and models, wood bases or backgrounds, and most any part of the project’s components. After hardened it can be sanded and painted.
Fish taxidermists use it for setting fish eyes, rebuilding shrunken areas, repairing damage, hiding seams, smoothing heads, rebuilding tongues, rebuilding sclerotic capsules and fiberglass repairs. Epoxy putty can be used to create a texture mold from the original fish and then used to texture soft clay on the sculpt.
Bird taxidermists will find it useful for repairing shot holes in bills and legs, as well as rebuilding eyelids.
Use in mammal taxidermy for sculpting around jaw sets, noses, eyes, lips, foot pads, ear butts, and other modifications on the mannequin. It can be used for reconstructing broken antler tines. Dries rock hard and will never shrink or crack. Accepts all types of paint when dry.
These products are really great for any sculpting project in many different artistic fields. FX studios, sign makers, doll artists, miniaturists, sculptors, fine artists, and furniture restorers are among the users of epoxy clay. Museums use it to create life size dinosaurs as well as leveling the display of ancient artifacts.
Magic-Sculpt and Apoxie Sculpt can be purchased from our online store.
