How to Sculpt a Model Car Body
The model car presents a sculptor with a true challenge. Here is a subject where the accuracy of every line and every plane truly matters. Traditionally, sculptors used oil clay to create the body of the car. Oil clay is handy because it never dries out, allowing for constant reworking. If the sculptor needed a more permanent model, he could simply make a cast of the clay sculpture. However, if you desire a more permanent car body right off the bat, you can substitute a two-part sculpting epoxy for oil clay. This epoxy cures to a hard resin which can then be sanded for a fine finish.
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Things You'll Need
- Model car axle, wheels
- Designs
- Ruler
- Reference magazines
- Oil clay or 2 part epoxy
- Gloves
- 400 grit sandpaper
- Dust mask
Instructions
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Purchase a model car axle with wheels to use as a basis for your model. It is much easier to design a model car around a car base that you already own than to find a base that fits your model after you've already sculpted it.
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Design your model to scale using the axle. Use a ruler to draw a top view and a side view. This can be done easily if you lay the top and side view next to each other to ensure accurate proportions. Use reference material such as car magazines to create your design.
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Begin to build your model. Keep it rough and focus on getting the proportions of the car right. If you use oil clay, you can warm it in your hands to make it more workable. If you decide to use sculpting epoxy, you will need to mix equal parts of the A and B putties in your epoxy kit together for one full minute. Wear gloves at all times when handling uncured epoxy.
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Compare your model with the top and side view on your design. Place your model right next to the design to check for accuracy. Do this frequently throughout the sculpting process.
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Refine your rough model. Cut the planes of the doors, trunk, front and top using a straight edge such as a ruler or knife. If you find that cutting your model leaves ragged portions, you can smooth these down with your fingers by dragging them across that plane. Wetting your fingers helps to smooth epoxy, but does not help with oil clay. Using a ruler or knife to cut planes assures sharp, well defined edges where the planes of your car meet.
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Using your straight edge, press gently into the clay to create the windows and windshield. The straight edge should create a sharp indentation. Pull displaced clay towards the center of each window and pinch it off with your fingers. Smooth the surface of each window down with your fingers.
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Add any external features such as handles or rearview mirrors, smoothing them into the body of the car where they join with it. Use your straight edge to cut out any sharply defined planes.
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Let your model sit fir three hours. In the case of the oil clay, the model will cool and become harder to work. In the case of the epoxy, your model will begin to cure.
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Return to your model with a fresh eye. Check it against your design again. If your model is made of oil clay, make any final alterations you need. The clay is cool and less workable, meaning that you can make alterations without the risk of damaging other portions of your model. If your model is epoxy, sand any flaws off using 400-grit sandpaper. Sand each plane for a smooth, even finish. Wear a dust mask when you sand the epoxy to keep from inhaling the residue.
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References
- Photo Credit model speed car image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
