Thread: Talking tombstone.. Air dry clay vs Model Magic

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Hey all... I am trying to make up one of these Chris's Crypt, The Lamar Manor Sign as cheaply as possible (already in the subbasement of the doghouse for spending too much this year).

I found 2 products at Michaels: Air Dry Clay and Model Magic Naturals – 2 Lb. Bucket.

The air dry clay is a fraction of the cost of the Model Magic, but Model Magic seems to be the preferred choice of most. Would the Air Dry Clay be too heavy for the mechanism to move, or should I be all right with either??


I humbly submit my request to the far more knowledgeable and able members of the forum.

Just over 2 months to go!! I'm getting all tingly!!

I've never used the crayola line of clay, but if it's typical white clay, it will definitely be too heavy and probably have some shrinkage and cracking as it dried.

Ive used air dry clay several times and I have yet to get good results from it, Id go with the Model Magic... JMO

Hey there Bilbo
I have watching a few threads also on the use of these products and I think the matter of the Air-Dry clay was it was susceptible to moisture and the Model Magic is lighter.
the thread was about casting Skulls and useing laytex molds. I'll try to find it for you.

That's on my to-do list.

I think the model magic is more flexible and less brittle than the air-dry. It is also lighter. It probably doesn't strain the mechanics like a heavier clay would.

I just used the Model Magic to make some faces on my tombstone. I liked it a lot. It is very light and reading the tutorial that sounded like an important aspect to allow the mechanical movements to not have to strain under additional weight.

Go with the Crayola Model Magic (mine came in a 4oz package). I built one of the talking tombstones from the DC prop builder's handbook a few years back (it's basically the same as Lamar's sign) and you really need to stay as light as possible on the jaw mechanism. The Model Magic fits the bill perfectly.

I'm a fan of the model magic clay too. It's extremely lightweight.

Sounds like Model Magic is the clear winner. Thanks to everyone for their input. I'll post pics once I get things underway