How to Adhere a Sculpture to an Armature Stand
- 1). Wrap parts of the armature that jut out from its center, such as a figure's legs and arms, in 32-gauge cloth-covered floral wire. This can be found at most craft stores that sell sculpting materials. Use a few drops of Super Glue to ensure that the floral wire sticks to the armature. Using a Super Glue accelerator (known as a "kicker") will help the glue set more quickly.
- 2). Knead together a two-part epoxy putty, available at many model shops. Use immediately after kneading, as it hardens in two hours. Add the epoxy putty to the floral wire bindings wherever you want to increase their strength, such as where a figure's arms, legs or tail attach to the spine.
- 3). Cut the 28-gauge, uncoated steel floral wire into lengths you can work with easily. Wind them around the armature at about 1/4-inch intervals, then wrap the entire armature with a final coating of this wire. To create small details such as fingers, use the 28-gauge wire to make thinner wire braids that attach to the sculpture. Use Super Glue and some epoxy putty to ensure that these pieces adhere to the armature.
- 4). Build up the "inner body" of the sculpture by covering it completely in epoxy putty. Lightly apply petroleum jelly over the putty with a brush. This will help your clay adhere to the putty when it is added. Apply the clay all over the armature, until you can see the sculpture's basic shape. Keep adding small amounts of clay, building the sculpture slowly. You can add more detail later with your sculpting tools and brushes.
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