plastilin

Plastilin, commonly known as plasticine in English, is a soft, oil-based modelling material used for sculpture and animation. It remains pliable and does not dry out when exposed to air, allowing repeated shaping and reuse. The material was invented in 1897 by William Harbutt, a British art teacher, who marketed it as a non-hardening modelling compound.

Typically composed of mineral oils, waxes, and pigments, plastilin is designed to stay soft at room temperature. Its surface is smooth, non-adhesive to most surfaces, and can be blended, carved, or pressed into fine detail. Most formulations are non-toxic, making them suitable for educational use with appropriate supervision, though some colors can stain fabrics and skin and require careful cleanup.

Uses include art education, sculpture, and stop-motion animation, where artists model characters and props with frequent reshaping. Plastilin allows rapid experimentation and iteration before committing to other materials. In filmmaking, it is valued for its ability to hold small details under gentle lighting.

Plastilin is distinct from air-dry clays, which harden when exposed to air, and from polymer clays, which cure in an oven. The term plastilin is used in several languages to describe oil-based modelling clay, with brands offering a range of softness, colors, and odors.

Storage: keep sealed to prevent contamination and drying of pigments; store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat.