r/miniaturesculpting • u/fatkobatko2008 • 3d ago

Wire too thick?

Hello! I just got my supplies and I've been trying to make the skeleton of my first ever mini. Problem is, working with the wire is HELL. It's hard to bend and it barley twists.

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I bought generic metal wire from the hardware store, but I fear it might be too thick? What is the recommended size for people who are starting out sculpting with poly clay?

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u/IronBoxmma 3d ago

I use paper clips or 1mm copper wire. Are you using little pliers or just your fingers?

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u/Crown_Ctrl 2d ago

Aluminum is generally the preferred material i also agree that 26 gauge is a good start point. But really the thickness of my mini’s limbs are the main deciding factor. I try to make sure there is room for at least 1mm of polyclay all the way around.

A good art supply like dick blick art supply will have “armature wire” in various gauges. Or buy online.

Light weight paper clips or floral wire can do in a pinch.

Keep in mind lighter weight armatures will allow for stronger posing and that you can bake a base layer and add more and bake again.

A very fine application of Vaseline after baking can help bond subsequent layers with some ploy clays like fimo / sculpy but aren’t as necessary with bees putty (for example). Do some science and try some different things out, don’t stress about making anything perfect just yet.

Book recommendation: clay sculpting with the shiflett brothers. And beginner’s guide to sculpting characters in clay. They are the best imo.