What are some tips for paper mache' so its not so messy?

Answer 1

Part of that would depend on what kinds of materials you're using for your papier mache, and what you need to accomplish with your finished papier mache shapes.

One thing that helps for strips of newspaper --and other materials too-- is to put the thinned white glue (or wallpaper paste or starch, or whatever you're using as the adhesive) into a ziptop plastic bag. Add some of your material, then squeeze it around in the glue with your hand *from the outside of the plastic bag* to saturate it. You can also then use the top of the bag like a squeegee to pull the material through by holding the bag's top mostly closed or just tightly.

Some materials that can be used for papier mache are thicker than newspaper though and require fewer pieces and passes (like the blue "shop towels" on a roll from any automotive dept, which are great for making sturdier papier mache forms... fewer pieces of it have to be saturated and used, and each sheet also drapes very nicely without cutting into strips or smaller pieces).
When I've made "ghosts" with cheesecloth, I used the same method to make things go faster and neater. I also used the same method with fabric to make "dressed" ghosts.

Another time I made a cylindrical pinata for a birthday party, and then used wallpaper paste and *whole sheets* of newspaper... I applied the paste with a good sized paint brush, then laid on the next layer. Did that 4 times, then made it into a cylinder, and let it dry a day or so before gluing on the crepe paper bits... (NOTE: 4-5 layers of this combination is too strong for most kids to break when the time comes!... and also too strong for most of their moms too... oops).

Those are just a few ideas, but hope they help... oh, and as mentioned, keeping a few wet washcloths around is essential. (You could also wear cheap latex gloves or other gloves too.)


Diane B.

Answer 2

It's hard to keep from being messy when you are dealing with runny glue and wet paper.

I would suggest you use some newspapers under your work (don't be shy, spread them out all over the place). Also, if you have control over the mixture, make it as thick as you can.

I always squeeze off as much excess glue as I can. If you are doing the strip method, pull each strip through your fingers to let the glue fall back into the pan, and if you are using the shredded method, squeeze each handful to get the excess glue out. Keep a roll of paper towels handy to wipe up spills, or a couple of old towels, and wet washcloths.

I taped several pieces of newspaper together to form an apron when I made my dragon. It helped a lot.