Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 7 min read

If there’s one thing that can elevate your sculpting game, it's getting intimate with your materials. And when it comes to procreate putty, there's a lot to learn and love. In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about procreate putty, from understanding the material itself to the best techniques for sculpting and caring for your creations. So, grab your sculpting tools and let's get started.

Get to Know Your Materials

Before you can start shaping and detailing your putty, it's important to get familiar with what you're working with. Let's take a look at what makes procreate putty unique, the tools you’ll need to work with it, and some safety tips to keep in mind.

Understanding Procreate Putty

Procreate putty is a two-part epoxy putty specifically designed for the needs of model makers and sculptors. Here's what makes it special:

Workability: Procreate putty has a smooth, non-gritty texture that makes it easy to shape and detail.
Flexibility: Unlike some other materials, procreate putty remains flexible after curing. This makes it less likely to break or crack under stress.
Curing Time: Procreate putty has a working time of approximately 60 to 90 minutes. After this, it will begin to harden and cure over 24 hours.

Tools for Sculpting

No sculptor is complete without their tools. When working with procreate putty, you'll want the following at your disposal:

Sculpting Tools: From spatulas to loop tools, there are a variety of sculpting tools that can help you shape and detail your putty.
Water: A small bowl of water can be useful for smoothing out the putty and preventing it from sticking to your tools.
Work Surface: A non-stick mat or a piece of glass makes a great work surface when dealing with procreate putty.

Safety Measures

While procreate putty is generally safe to use, it's always a good idea to take some safety precautions:

Use Gloves: Wearing gloves can prevent the putty from sticking to your skin and keep your hands clean.
Ventilation: Make sure you're working in a well-ventilated area. Although procreate putty is non-toxic, it's always good to have fresh air circulating when you’re working with any type of sculpting material.
Safe Storage: Keep your procreate putty out of reach from children and pets. After all, we want everyone to enjoy the art of sculpting safely!

Prep Like a Pro

Like any great artist, preparation is key when it comes to sculpting with procreate putty. A clean workspace and well-organized materials can make the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.

Clean Your Workspace

First things first, let's clean up that workspace. Whether you're working on your kitchen table, a desk, or a dedicated art station, here's what to do:

Clear the Clutter: Remove any unnecessary items from your workspace. This gives you more room to work and helps prevent accidents.
Wipe it Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe down your workspace. This ensures your procreate putty doesn't pick up any dust or debris.
Organize Your Tools: Have your tools ready to go. This saves you from having to hunt for them mid-sculpt.

Gather Your Materials

Now that your workspace is clean, it's time to gather up your materials. Here's what you'll need:

Procreate Putty: Obviously, you'll need your procreate putty. Make sure you have enough for your project.
Sculpting Tools: Gather all the tools you'll need for sculpting. This could include things like a spatula, loop tool, or even a toothpick for fine details.
Water: Don't forget your small bowl of water for smoothing out the putty and preventing it from sticking to your tools.
Reference Material: If you're sculpting something specific, having a reference image or model can be incredibly helpful.

With your workspace clean and your materials gathered, you're ready to start sculpting with your procreate putty. Let's move on to some basic sculpting techniques.

Basic Sculpting Techniques

Now that you've prepped like a pro, it's time to dive into the fun part — sculpting. Here are some essential techniques to help you shape your procreate putty into a masterpiece.

Kneading Your Putty

Before you can start shaping, you need to prepare your procreate putty. Here's how:

Warm it Up: Hold the putty in your hands for a few minutes. The heat from your hands makes it more pliable.
Knead it: Work the putty with your fingers, squishing and folding it, until it's soft and easy to shape.

Forming Shapes

With your putty ready, you can start forming shapes. Remember, it's okay if it's not perfect, just have fun with it:

Start Simple: Start with simple shapes like spheres, cubes and cylinders. You can combine these basic shapes to form more complex structures.
Use Your Tools: Use your sculpting tools to refine your shapes. For example, use a spatula to flatten sides, or a loop tool to carve out details.

Smoothing and Detailing

Once you've formed your basic shapes, you can start adding details and smoothing out any rough spots. Here's how to do it:

Smooth it Out: Dip your fingers in water and gently smooth out the surface of your putty. This helps eliminate fingerprints and rough patches.
Add Details: Use your tools to add details like texture or patterns. Don't be afraid to get creative. Remember, the devil is in the details.

With these basic sculpting techniques, you're well on your way to creating something amazing with procreate putty. But if you're ready to take it to the next level, let's explore some advanced sculpting strategies.

Advanced Sculpting Strategies

Ready to take your procreate putty sculpting skills up a notch? Here are some advanced strategies that can help you create more intricate designs and achieve a polished finish.

Creating Textures

Texture can add a lot of depth to your sculptures. Here's how you can create different textures:

Use Tools: You can use sculpting tools to create textures. For example, a wire brush can create a rough texture, while a toothpick can create fine lines.
Experiment with Materials: You can also use everyday items to create textures. Try pressing a piece of fabric, a sponge, or even a piece of crumpled up aluminum foil into the putty to see what kind of effects you can create.

Sculpting Fine Details

Add an extra touch of realism to your sculptures with fine details. Here's how:

Work Slowly: When adding details, slow and steady wins the race. Take your time to ensure you're getting the shape and depth just right.
Use Fine Tools: Use tools with a fine point to add intricate details. This can include carving out eyes, adding fur or feathers, or creating patterns.

Creating a Polished Finish

Finally, you'll want to give your sculpture a polished finish. Here's how to do it:

Smooth it Out: Just like in the basic techniques, use water to smooth out any rough patches. This will give your sculpture a clean, finished look.
Seal it: Once your sculpture is dry, you can seal it with a clear sealant. This will protect it from dust and moisture, and give it a glossy finish.

With these advanced sculpting strategies, you're ready to create some truly impressive works of art with procreate putty. But remember, even the best artists make mistakes. Let's look at how to handle these in the next section.

Handling Mistakes

Everybody messes up sometimes, even professionals. But don't worry — there are ways to fix up those minor mishaps or even rework your entire sculpture if need be. Let's get into it.

Fixing Cracks and Smudges

Cracks and smudges happen, and here's how you can fix them:

Use More Putty: If you've got a crack in your sculpture, work a small amount of fresh procreate putty into it, then smooth it out with a wet tool.
Smudge Solution: For smudges, use a lightly dampened sculpting tool to carefully smooth the area.

Reworking a Sculpt

Not satisfied with your final product? Don't fret, you can always rework your sculpture:

Start Fresh: If you're not happy with your sculpture, you can always start over. Procreate putty remains workable until it's baked, so feel free to roll it up and begin again.
Modify: Alternatively, you can modify parts of your sculpture without starting from scratch. Just add new putty or reshape the existing one until you're satisfied.

From small imperfections to significant changes, there's always a way to fix or improve your procreate putty sculptures. Now, let's move on to how to take care of your sculptures and your putty.

Care and Maintenance

Now that you've created your masterpiece, how do you keep it looking great? And how do you store your procreate putty to ensure it stays in top condition? Let's find out.

Cleaning Your Sculpt

Keeping your procreate putty sculpture clean is easier than you might think. Here's how:

Dust Off: Use a soft brush to gently remove any dust from your sculpture. Be careful not to press too hard and damage your work.
Mild Cleaning Agent: For stubborn dirt, use a mixture of mild soap and water. Dampen a soft cloth in the solution and gently wipe the sculpture. Dry it thoroughly afterwards to prevent any moisture damage.

Storing Your Putty

Proper storage of your procreate putty is essential for its longevity. Here's a simple guide:

Seal it Up: Store your unused procreate putty in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out.
Room Temperature: Keep the container somewhere cool and dry. Extreme temperatures can affect the texture and workability of the putty.

With these simple care and maintenance tips, your procreate putty sculptures will look fantastic for years to come, and your putty will stay fresh and ready for your next project.

If you enjoyed our "Procreate Putty: Sculpting Guide & Tips" blog and want to dive deeper into the world of digital drawing, don't miss the workshop 'Intro to Procreate: Drawing with Digital Tools' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will provide you with a solid foundation to develop your digital drawing skills and get the most out of Procreate.