Paper Mache?

Question

Well i certainly must be having a moment because i dont no how to make paper mache. I mean i have got the fact u need the paper but with is the mache i guess made out of i no glue but what eles? Anyone got i guess u could say recipie for Paper Mache! lol

do i use glue?

Answer 1

Traditional Papier Mache is just paper soaked in a mix of 50/50 water/flour paste

Answer 2

There are various ways to make "papier mache" (be sure and spell it that way if you do searches online).

The wet medium used for it can vary from liquid starch, to flour and water, to wallpaper paste, to thinned "white glue" (the permanent type like Elmers GlueAll), and probably more.
Some of those will dry stronger than others (like the glue), but at least they all dry clear.

As for the paper, the traditional thing has been to use strips of newspaper (which is very absorbent and plentiful), but other papers or paper mash, as well as even fabric/etc., can be used.
My favorite material to use for regular papier mache is actually the blue "shop towels" that come on a roll ...they're larger, thicker, and more drapable than lots of individual paper strips so the job goes faster because fewer layers are needed, it often looks better, and will be stronger too (those can be bought in automotive areas and other places too).

HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 3

The most basic recipe I have seen is 2 parts water to one part flour mixed smooth. You can add a bit of salt to it to prevent molding.

Other recipes can include heating water to boiling and adding a flour, corn starch, salt and water mixture to it, stirring until it reaches paste consistency. The ratio of wet to dry remains basically the same. This is fancier, but will give you the same texture when dried.

Some people add white glue to the final paste product, but this is also unnecessary and adds to the cost of your project.

Answer 4

We always did a 50/50 water glue paste in school...

Answer 5

wATER AND FLOUR