Plasticine

Description

1) A common name originally used for a putty composed of vulcanized Linseed oil mixed with a white pigment. The name 'plasticine' is also commonly used for many types of non-hardening modeling clays, such as Plasticine®, Klean Klay, FIMO®, and Farcolina.

2) A registered trademark for a pliable, modeling material that does not harden or shrink. Plasticine® has been used to temporarily position object or fragments during photography. However, it contains an oily plasticizer that can cause staining on porous surfaces. Plasticine® is also used as a substitute for clay or wax in modeling sculptures.

Synonyms and Related Terms

plastiline; plasticina (Port.)

Examples: Plasticine® [Flair Leisure Products]; Klean Klay; Farcoline

Risks

• Some commercial products may contain corrosive sulfur components.
• Oily components may migrate into porous substrates.

Resources and Citations

• G. Eggert. 2006. Plastiline: Another Unsuspected Danger. VDR-Beiträge 2/2006, pages 112-116 link

• Marjorie Shelley, The Care and Handling of Art Objects, The Metropolitan Museum, New York, 1987

• George Savage, Art and Antique Restorer's Handbook, Rockliff Publishing Corp, London, 1954

• Ceramics and Glass Conservation Section, List of Workshop Materials, The British Museum, London

• Conservation Materials Ltd., Catalog

• John S. Mills, Raymond White, The Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects, Butterworth Heineman, London, 2nd ed., 1994