Modeling and Painting Tips
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Green Stuff
Sculpey
 Modeled Bases
I have learned to use Green Stuff in many different stages. I start to lay out the base of a model when it is first mixed. I like to let it set up a bit before I start putting in details. I have found it sticks less that way. I have also read that water helps it avoid sticking to your tools, but I have not tried this yet. I also work in stages and let small details set up before moving on or else the result is smashing them with my thumb.
I use Sculpey for bases to save Green Stuff. I also use Sculpey to make tools. Green Stuff does not stick to it very much. You can sometimes make a tool to fit in hard to reach places with a wire and a little Sculpey. It is also a lot cheaper than buying tools.
 A great tip for modeled bases is using your sprues from plastic model kits. I cut the chunks up for bits of broken concrete or debris. You can get very creative and even make some architecture with the scrap and why not you paid for it so use every little bit you can.
Molds Tools Mixing Putty
I like to make rubber molds for different stages of my models. I often make rubber molds of my model bases in case I would like a different figure, but do not want to resculpt the base. I just cast a base and add new details to it. I also make a cast of the finished model so I can make more or replace parts in case something breaks. I make all of my molds for models as blanket molds or pour molds. They are both easy to do and take very little time since you just pour the rubber in. They do not use a lot of rubber since they are small, that is why I use this method. You can also make vulcanized rubber molds if you plan on casting them under pressure. They can withstand high temperatures. I make a lot of my own tools. As I mentioned I make some of them out of Sculpey. This allows me to make a customized shape for a hard to reach spot. I have had many instances in which I needed a curved tool or some strange shape. I could bend my metal tool or just make one out of Sculpey. You can file the Sculpey if you take your time and are careful with it. I am planning to make molds of all my tools and cast them in metal in the future. I once read in an article that you can mix milli put and green stuff together and it sets up. I tried it for the first time and it works very well for anything you want to carve. The problem with green stuff is that it does not carve or file well, and milli put is very brittle. When mixed they take on similar properties and tend to stay together better and also carve and file nicely, the best of both worlds!
Modeling Clay Easy Rust Painting
I use different modeling clays for a number of uses. I use different consistencies for different tasks. I use soft clay to line my flasks to make molds. The hard clay I work on armatures and make larger models for casting in resin. Don't be afraid to use clay to make models if you will be casting them in resin. Green Stuff is used because of its pressure and heat bearing capabilities. An easy way to make rust is a base coat of minthril silver dry brushed with a mix of brown and red. Then take and mix up a silver wash and paint it over the top. When dry the silver particles are a nice contrast to the muted silver under the brown and red colors. Metallic paints tend to separate when mixed with too much water and knowing this can lead to nice effects. One tip I can give those of you who are not the best painters is stick with a monochromatic color scheme. This means red and orange, or purple and blue.
My Tools
Below are the tools I use most often when sculpting. Keep your tools clean and when you do get some green stuff that builds up on them clean them with sand paper, a very fine grit. You do not want to scratch them up with files or a rough sand paper.