I’ve read on this forum that Monster Clay is called a “temporary” material, meaning if you want a lasting sculpture, you need to make a mold and cast it in something else.
Can I just put my Monster Clay sculpture on a shelf and have it stay intact? Or will it melt down over time? Polymer clay costs way more, so I’d rather skip molds if possible.
Hey there, I work as a full-time SPFX artist in the movie business. I’ve had Monster Clay sculptures sitting around for over 10 years without molding, and they’re totally fine. Monster Clay doesn’t melt, crack, or fall apart. You could keep it on display for decades without any issues.
@Skyler
Wow, that’s super helpful, thank you.
Reese said:
@Skyler
Wow, that’s super helpful, thank you.
No problem at all, anytime you need help.
@Skyler
You have no idea how happy this makes me. I make nature dioramas and Monster Clay has the perfect texture for mushrooms and plants. It’s great for details on fruits, too. I even found a way to paint it, so it’s a relief knowing it won’t melt or crumble on me.
@Dakota
That’s awesome. If you get the new grey Monster Clay, you can actually mix in different colored crayons when it’s melted to add color directly to the clay. Since it’s wax-based, the crayons blend right in.
@Skyler
That’s exactly what I was planning to try. I have a big tub of grey and some bright crayons ready to go. 
Dakota said:
@Skyler
That’s exactly what I was planning to try. I have a big tub of grey and some bright crayons ready to go.
Go for it. If you don’t add too much crayon, it keeps a natural look that makes it feel so lifelike.
@Skyler
Wait, so when you melt Monster Clay and let it cool, it keeps the same texture?
Morgan said:
@Skyler
Wait, so when you melt Monster Clay and let it cool, it keeps the same texture?
Well, if you melt it, it’ll turn into liquid, so be really careful not to spill any on your skin or clothes; it can burn you.
@Skyler
Got it, so it’s more like adding color by using it as paint. Makes sense.
@Skyler
Can I use Monster Clay for making a two-part mold if my original piece is also Monster Clay? I find it way easier to work with than Super Sculpey, but did I mess up here?
Alden said:
@Skyler
Can I use Monster Clay for making a two-part mold if my original piece is also Monster Clay? I find it way easier to work with than Super Sculpey, but did I mess up here?
I wouldn’t recommend using Monster Clay to make the mold walls around your sculpture. It could stick and mess up your edges. Use regular water-based clay instead for the mold walls. You can get it cheap at most craft stores.
@Skyler
Do you have a specific brand in mind? The ones I tried were either too stiff or broke easily and damaged my sculpture.
Alden said:
@Skyler
Do you have a specific brand in mind? The ones I tried were either too stiff or broke easily and damaged my sculpture.
Check out the white clay option from Monster Makers (link: https://www.monstermakers.com/water-based-clays/). If you’re in Canada, let me know, and I’ll suggest a local option.
@Skyler
Thank you, really appreciate it.
Alden said:
@Skyler
Thank you, really appreciate it.
No worries. 
@Skyler
Great tip. I’ve wanted to make action figures and cast them in silicone, so this helps a lot.
@Skyler
Can I display my Monster Clay sculpture inside a glass dome to keep it safe from dust and curious fingers?
Morgan said:
@Skyler
Can I display my Monster Clay sculpture inside a glass dome to keep it safe from dust and curious fingers?
Sure thing. I cover my sculptures with either plastic or glass, and it works perfectly.