Using Clay To Sculpt Decoration?

[Natail]

Would it be safe to use a "natural based" ceramic clay to sculpt decorations for my BP?

Sorry if the answer is obvious. I was thinking of making some deocrations for my little boy, all the decorations in the stores either scream some sort of safety hazard (like hollow small openings) or just arent what I'm looking for.

I'll be buying this clay because I wanted to do some sculpting for myself, and wanted to know if I can use it for my little Bucky aswell.

Ontop of that, are any kinds of paints safe to use?

Are there any things I need to pay attention to?

Sorry if these are dumb question, I'm a new time snake owner, and I'm not used to an animal not licking and eating their stuff (like my other pets) and I tend to worry a lot.

[Craiga 01453]

I've seen clay used to make hides before. I would just make sure the paint is covered with a clear coat that will prevent the clay from getting wet. I would also make sure to give it plenty of time to air out before putting it in the enclosure.

Sorry, but I can't be any help on specific paints or clear coats, as I have no hands on experience.


Lastly... not a dumb question at all. Everybody here was a beginner once upon a time. Every expert on any topic started out as a beginner. The only way we learn is to ask questions and do research.
Keep asking, keep reading and keep learning. The more you know about your animal the better a home you can provide

[Starscream]

After the clay is fired (if it needs to be fired. Apoxy sculpt can set after 24 hours in open air), you want to grout it, then paint it as desired with acrylic paint, and seal it with a water-based sealant. I don't remember which kind of grout at the moment, but @MissterDog has done some pieces for her ball python and probably knows the process better than I do, as well as specific recommendations.

[MissterDog]

Thanks for the mention Starscream!

To OP;

Personally never dealt with ceramic clay but i think as long as it's non-toxic and non-porous when fired it should be totally with a waterproof sealant. I advise double checking it's properties and see if its considered food safe.

I don't think you'll necessarily need grout (or foam coat) for ceramic since it's normally used to give more weight and body to foam based sculptures and prevent interior deteriation. But if you want to treat the clay as a base and bulk/texture it up with grout you could do that too!

Sanded tile grout is what I use (use atleast 4-5 layers). Just make sure its thoroughly sealed afterwards.

Grout I used:
https://www.amazon.com/CUSTOM-PRODUC...d+sanded+grout

Apoxie sculpt is my go to reptile safe medium since its water proof in addition to being non-toxic and non porous once it's cured.

For sealants you'll want to find one that is at least water resistant but at best waterpoof. Non-toxic/low voc and water based. Make sure never to use oil based sealents.

This is the one I use
https://www.amazon.com/AgraLife-TriC...kennel+sealent

However I have heard of ceramic specific glazes used and should be fine as long as it's food grade safe and does not contain copper.

Similar rule for paints, stick with water based acrylics and avoid anything oil related.

Hope that helps gives you more ideas what to look into. This is just based on my personal experience and research so feel free to do any further digging to make sure everything is fine and dandy! Looking forward to seeing what you create!

[Natail]

Thank you so much!

Now that I know what I have to look for, I'll start searching in some time :3

The package says that it's air drying so I wont need to be firing it.

very helpful post though, just what I was looking for.

To OP;

Personally never dealt with ceramic clay but i think as long as it's non-toxic and non-porous when fired it should be totally with a waterproof sealant. I advise double checking it's properties and see if its considered food safe.

I don't think you'll necessarily need grout (or foam coat) for ceramic since it's normally used to give more weight and body to foam based sculptures and prevent interior deteriation. But if you want to treat the clay as a base and bulk/texture it up with grout you could do that too!

Sanded tile grout is what I use (use atleast 4-5 layers). Just make sure its thoroughly sealed afterwards.

Grout I used:
https://www.amazon.com/CUSTOM-PRODUC...d+sanded+grout

Apoxie sculpt is my go to reptile safe medium since its water proof in addition to being non-toxic and non porous once it's cured.

For sealants you'll want to find one that is at least water resistant but at best waterpoof. Non-toxic/low voc and water based. Make sure never to use oil based sealents.

This is the one I use
https://www.amazon.com/AgraLife-TriC...kennel+sealent

However I have heard of ceramic specific glazes used and should be fine as long as it's food grade safe and does not contain copper.

Similar rule for paints, stick with water based acrylics and avoid anything oil related.

Hope that helps gives you more ideas what to look into. This is just based on my personal experience and research so feel free to do any further digging to make sure everything is fine and dandy! Looking forward to seeing what you create!