Procreate is a two-part epoxy putty specifically designed for sculpting miniatures. It consists of a hardener and a resin that, when mixed, harden over time. Procreate is popular among miniature sculptors because of its smooth, non-grainy consistency, flexibility, and long working time.
Working with Procreate
- Mixing: Procreate comes in two parts that need to be mixed thoroughly. A 50/50 ratio offers around two hours of working time, but this can be adjusted by changing the ratio.
- Working Time: Procreate has a working time of 60 to 90 minutes before it begins to harden. During this time, it gradually becomes less sticky. Sculptors can freeze Procreate to extend the working time.
- Tools: A variety of tools can be used to sculpt Procreate, including spatulas, loop tools, and even toothpicks. Water can be used to smooth the putty and prevent sticking.
- Detailing: Procreate is known for its ability to hold fine detail. It can be sculpted, smoothed, and textured to achieve various effects.
- Curing: Procreate typically takes 24 hours to fully cure.
- Finishing: Once cured, Procreate can be sanded, drilled, and painted.
Advantages of Procreate
- Smoothness: Unlike other putties, like Milliput, Procreate has a fine, non-grainy texture that makes it ideal for detailed work.
- Flexibility: Procreate remains flexible after curing, making it less prone to breakage.
- Neutral Color: The light gray color of Procreate helps sculptors see details and mistakes more easily.
Procreate vs. Other Putties
- Green Stuff: While both are popular for miniature sculpting, Procreate is less sticky than Green Stuff and has less “shape memory,” meaning it holds its sculpted shape better. However, Green Stuff is more widely available and more flexible than Procreate.
- Milliput: Procreate is smoother and less grainy than Milliput, which has a texture similar to ceramics. Milliput also tends to be stickier and leaves more residue than Procreate.
What is the key advantage that ProCreate putty has over similar products?
The key advantage of ProCreate putty over similar products is its minimal “shape memory,” which allows for more precise sculpting and less resistance when making subtle changes. This means that ProCreate is more likely to retain the shape it is sculpted into, unlike Green Stuff, which tends to spring back to its original form.
This makes ProCreate particularly well-suited for creating fine details, such as hair, where flexibility and the ability to hold a shape are important.
Here is a breakdown of ProCreate’s advantages over its competitors:
- Compared to Green Stuff: ProCreate has less “shape memory” and is less sticky. However, Green Stuff is more readily available and more flexible.
- Compared to Milliput: Procreate offers a smoother, less grainy texture. Milliput is known to be stickier and leaves more residue on tools and hands.
- Compared to Aves Apoxie Sculpt: Although both products are praised for their sculpting capabilities, one user experienced an allergic reaction to Apoxie Sculpt, making ProCreate a viable alternative for those with similar sensitivities.
While the sources often highlight ProCreate’s superior “shape memory” as a key advantage, they also mention several other notable qualities. These include:
- Smooth, non-grainy consistency: This characteristic makes ProCreate ideal for intricate details and fine work, surpassing the grainy texture of Milliput.
- Long working time: Users have approximately 60 to 90 minutes of workability before Procreate starts to harden, and this can be further extended by freezing the putty.
- Neutral color: The light gray color facilitates better detail visibility during the sculpting process.
- Flexibility: Even after curing, Procreate maintains a degree of flexibility, making it more durable and less susceptible to cracking than some alternatives.
What are some of the commonly used epoxy putties for sculpting miniatures, besides Procreate?
Besides Procreate, there are a number of other two-part epoxy putties commonly used for sculpting miniatures. The sources you provided frequently mention these options:
- Green Stuff (Kneadatite): This is perhaps the most widely known and used epoxy putty in miniature sculpting. Green Stuff is lauded for its flexibility, making it well-suited for crafting fine details and intricate shapes. It’s important to note that it dries to a semi-hard finish. While some users find Green Stuff less desirable than Procreate, others prefer its flexibility and resistance to breakage.
- Milliput: Known for its strength and durability, Milliput is another widely used epoxy putty for miniatures. It cures to a hard, smooth finish, making it suitable for sanding, drilling, and painting. However, it has a slightly harder consistency than Green Stuff and can be prone to snapping if bent. Milliput’s texture is often described as grainy, resembling ceramics, making it less ideal for fine details compared to Procreate or Green Stuff.
- Aves Apoxie Sculpt: This two-part epoxy putty is recognized for its smooth texture, ease of handling, and strength. It is often the preferred choice for modeling and filling gaps and cracks. Some users highlight its suitability for creating smooth layers that can be sanded, carved, and even etched. One user mentioned an allergic reaction to Apoxie Sculpt, emphasizing the importance of individual sensitivities and safety precautions.
- Magic Sculp: A bicomponent putty that shares similarities with Aves Apoxie Sculpt, Magic Sculp is praised for its versatility, fast curing time, and smooth consistency. It is often used for modeling, filling, and repairing miniatures.
While Procreate offers a unique combination of properties favored by many sculptors, these other epoxy putties provide different strengths and weaknesses depending on the specific needs of a project. It’s worth experimenting with different putties to discover which best suits your preferences and the demands of your miniature creations.
Where to Buy
Procreate has seen some availability issues in recent years. You can check online retailers like Amazon and Etsy for Procreate. Miniature hobby stores, both online and brick-and-mortar, may also carry Procreate.
Overall, Procreate is a high-quality epoxy putty favored by many miniature sculptors for its fine detail, smooth finish, and flexibility.