paper mache

[forgotten_aria]

I've found three main paper mache recipes, flour, wall paper paste and white glue. I've never done paper mache in my life and I don't know what the advantages or disavantages of each recipe might be, beyond cost and convience. Does anyone have paper mache experiences they can share with me? I want a smooth texture when I'm done and I don't want it to store the finished product a long time with our decay, which I fear the flour might do.

Comments

[relsqui.livejournal.com]

I seem to recall using flour, water, and white glue, but I wasn't the person doing the mixing so I can't tell you how reliable that is.

[fyfer.livejournal.com]

Is this actual papier mache, where you completely shred the paper (blender or something), or the paper-strip method? I have very little experience with the former, and I suppose the things I've made with paper strips have been temporary (like large gargoyles) but I've always just used flour and water.

[forgotten-aria.livejournal.com]

Paper strip version.

[thomb.livejournal.com]

I've only done the paper-strip version; we always used flour and water only. Seemed to work fine.

[bob-wonderllama.livejournal.com]

I use Acrylic Matte Medium. It works really really well.

[forgotten-aria.livejournal.com]

It's so expensive though. I'm thinking of using it for the last layer to smooth things out.

[bob-wonderllama.livejournal.com]

expensive?!?! you can get a jar for 2 dollars!

(you water it down a lot too)

[kelkyag]

I've usually used flour and water, sometimes with white glue. It's pretty durable stuff if it doesn't get wet, and you can coat the finished piece with a sealant if you want to protect it a bit more. I had a paper-mache bunny from kindergarden still in good shape in a closet at Dad's house when I finally moved all my stuff out a few years ago.