Water and flour are often the two main ingredients for paper mache paste. If desired, white glue can be used with this mixture, or it can be used as a suitable substitute. Paper can also be mixed in with a paper mache paste to create a pulp. Color and mold retardants can also be added.
Flour can be mixed with water to create a very simple homemade paper mache paste. These ingredients for paper mache are often just mixed together until they reach a paste-like consistency. Thick paste will usually be a little stronger than thin paste.
These two ingredients for paper mache can also be cooked or boiled to create a paste. This usually creates a weak paste that dries clear. To make this type of paper mache paste flour is first mixed with water. This mixture is then stirred into boiling water and allowed to cool before using.
Most white glues can also be used as ingredients for paper mache paste. Pastes that use glue usually dry much clearer than pastes made with just flour and water. The glue must be diluted before using it, though. Generally, one part water is mixed with two parts glue for this paste. It can also be added in with a flour and water paste.
Some people also use diluted glue for a type of finishing coat on their paper mache projects. This can be used when one does not want the edges of the paper to show on the finished project. Parents who use glues as ingredients for paper mache, however, should supervise their children closely. Some glue may be toxic if ingested.
Different types of paper can also be used as paper mache ingredients. This is often added when one wishes to make a paper mache pulp, which can also be used to create a smooth surface on a finished project. Newspaper is typically the most common type of paper mache paper, but colored construction paper can also be used.
To make paper mache pulp, bits of paper are soaked in water for several hours. The mixture is then put into a blender. Flour, glue, and water are then added. Colored paper mache pulp can also be made by adding some sort of pigment, such as food coloring, pigment powder, or acrylic paint.
Paper mache often has a tendency to mold. To prevent this, additional ingredients for paper mache may also be added. Salt, cinnamon, and clove oil all reportedly help prevent mold from growing on paper mache.
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julies
Post 3 |
If you are wanting to know how to make paper mache, there are many basic recipes that you can easily find online.
One thing to remember if you are mixing this up yourself is how humid your climate is. If you live where there is high humidity, you might want to use less water when you are making your paste.
I also like to add a little cinnamon to my mixture. It just smells a lot nicer when you are working with the glue. |
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andee
Post 2 |
@LisaLou - That is a great idea using the liquid starch. Another thing I have found that is very economical is using Elmer's art paste as my glue for paper mache.
I think I have tried just about every paper mache recipe there is, and I have found this paste to be the cheapest thing that will give good results too.
I can buy this in a box for around $4 and it will make up to a gallon of glue. Depending on how many kids you have working on a project, this can last for a long time.
Another tip I learned when working with paper mache, is to use a clear layer such as copy paper for your last layer. This makes it a lot easier to paint over than a layer of newspaper.
If you do use newspaper for all of your layers, it is easier if you use a white primer paint before you begin painting your different colors on your dried paper mache. |
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LisaLou
Post 1 |
I have made several batches of my own paper mache mixture. I have used the glue and water method, and also the cooked method with flour and water.
All of them work well, and I have found it to be more a matter of personal preference than anything.
Another thing I found that works well is a liquid starch. I bought a big jug of this at the grocery store, and this is great because it is already mixed up, and will last a long time.
It has a consistency close to the cooked method, and dries smooth and clear. Once I started using this, I find it is easier to have it on hand all the time and I don't have to worry about cooking or mixing anymore. |
