Lumin's Workshop Foam Clay - Now Available at Arda Wigs Canada!
Posted on 25 June 2018
Are you tired of sanding layers upon layers of foam? Don't have space or time to carve out those organic details? Does your prop need to stay as lightweight as possible? You'll want to read this; your crafting prayers have been answered!
We’re excited to announce that Arda Wigs Canada is bringing Lumin’s Workshop Foam Clay to North America!
Brought to us by Lumin’s Workshop, a cosplay supply company based in Australia, this revolutionary material is sculpt-able, mold-able, and air-cures into a high density, ultra lightweight foam. Once cured, your object can be cut, sanded, primed and painted just as you would EVA craft foam. No specialty tools are required! It's perfect for those living in apartments or those who do not have access to a work space required for traditional foam carving techniques. Sculpt your piece on top of a base to save material and give your project added strength.
Check out how Kamui Cosplay utilizes Lumin’s Workshop Foam Clay for the spikes large and small on her latest Monster Hunter cosplay.
Foam Clay blends together like a dream while moist, and can be used with a tiny amount of water to aid in smoothing when the clay surface begins to cure. Give your piece at least 48 hours to fully cure for the best results. Keep in mind that thicker pieces may take even longer to cure on the inside, so hold off on sanding or cutting until you know the piece is solid all the way through! Foam Clay is available in Grey, White, and Black, allowing you to choose the foam that best suits your project overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Download the extensive User Guide HERE
How much working time do I have before it starts to cure?
The more you knead the clay, the stiffer it will begin to feel. Generally speaking, you have anywhere between 10 minutes to half an hour of working time depending on the consistency you require for your project. If the surface layer has dried too much to smooth it out, add a little water to your fingers to re-soften the area (not too much though, or it will affect the curing process). Use a soft finely textured sponge with water to help blend seams together naturally.
As the clay cures, you may notice that the surface may become even smoother than when it was wet, helping to blend out any minor imperfections as it cures.
After 48 hours your can safely paint your object. If you want to cut into the surface or sand it with sandpaper, we recommend letting the object cure from all sides for 7-10 days.
How long does a container last for?
As long as you keep the lid on tight, it should last at least a year, if not longer!
What molds can I use?
Silicone molds work great for smaller projects, combined with a touch of talcum/baby powder to help take the piece out when the top has cured (make sure to take the piece out so the foam touching the inside of the mold has time to completely cure in air). Plaster/gypsum molds will help the clay cure as well.
Can I use it as a gap filler for my larger foam-smithing projects?
Absolutely! Press the clay into the gap and leave a little extra on the outsides to help with bonding, then simply sand down the excess once cured.
What kind of paint can I use?
All sorts! Spray paint and acrylic paint react the same to the cured foam as your standard EVA foam. While heat sealing is not necessary, a good primer will assist from the foam soaking up the paint. We recommend Flexbond as a primer.
Objects made from Grey Foam Clay, painted with Jaquard Lumiere paints.
Can I heat up the foam to shape it once cured?
Yes, just remember foam heating safety while doing so. Heat the object just enough that it will flex, and make sure to heat the object evenly.
How flexible is it when fully cured?
While this material is foam like and flexible, it is not completely indestructible. Thicker objects will be more durable than thinner objects when fully cured. For thicker objects, if the material has not cured fully on the inside, you are able to bend and squish the object more easily, however you may accidentally dent or rip open the cured skin if squished too aggressively. Using a primer such as Flexbond will assist in strengthening your object over all. Using heat from a blow dryer or heat gun can assist in reshaping the foam to your desired overall shape if needed to avoid any unwanted tears.
What sizes does it come in?
Lumin's Workshop Foam Clay is available in 50g, 150g, and 300g sizes.
Are you a retailer interested in carrying Lumin's Workshop Foam Clay in your store? Send us an email to wholesale@ardawigscanada.ca.