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Let's look at three paper mache mixtures

I love paper mache. It is a unique tool and art form with unlimited potential and flexibility.

And there are lots of different ways to do it.

In this article I look at, and use, three different mixes for doing paper mache.

 

If you are not familiar with paper mache it is a simple process. This picture shows it all. 1) you mix a paste together 2) you dip strips of paper or cloth in it and 3) you apply those strips to a mold or shape. Once it dries it hardens and you can remove it from the mold. Or in this case you can pop the balloon.

 

 

I tried three different mixtures for paper macheing. Here is a picture of the results.

 

(From left to right)

1. White glue and water ( you mix the water and white glue 50/50)

2. Elmer's art paste (This is a product specifically designed as paper mache)

3. Flour and water ( This is an inexpensive way to make paper mache. You mix 50/50 flour with water. And you toss in a tablespoon of salt. )

 

Results and my thoughts on the three pastes

 

White glue and water 50/50

It dries to be pretty smooth with very little wrinkling or lumpiness. And it is moderately strong but the weakest of the three.

It does work well so fi you want to go this route you will be okay. It takes a bit more strips of paper to achieve the same strength as the other two types.

Because we are using glue this will have a certain amount of natural moisture resistance. The project you make will have good longevity. Clean up with this mixture is a little bit messy. You have to get it all before the glue sets! Otherwise it takes a bit more elbow grease.

 

 

Flour and Water 50/50

A standard way to make this is to mix two cups of water, two cups of flour, and one tablespoon of salt.

The salt is important

This is flour so it is prone to getting moldy over time - particularly when exposed to humidity. The salt will deter or even prohibit mold growth. So don't forget to add some salt!

 

This is the strongest of the three. It creates a nice hard shell. But it is a bit clumpy. This is probably because I mixed it by hand. If you blend it you probably will get a smoother mixture and smoother end project.

Don't be overly concerned with mold. Using salt does a lot. And if you paint the project (inside and out) then seal it with something like mod-podge you will have a good end project that will last a long time.

This mixture does make more of a mess than the other two pastes but it is pretty easy to clean up because it is just flour and water.

 

Elmer's Art Paste

It is moderately strong and very smooth. With this paste it feels like you can get more detail.

It is definitely the easiest to work with. It makes a nice consistent paste that spreads easily and can be worked in with your fingers.

With this paste I used my finger to add paste to the balloon where it seemed it needed it.

It doesn't seem to be as strong as flour and water but this could be because I used paper towels rather than the strips of newspaper I used for the other two mixes.

Reasonably easy clean up. Not as messy as flour/water and not as adhering as glue/water.

 

One thing I like a lot about the art paste is that you can store away any unused amount -Put it in a bottle, and use it at a later date. I stored my excess in this water bottle. It's been a week and it is still perfect.

Available on Amazon here: Elmer's Art Paste

 

 

 

 

 

In Summary -

All three are quite adequate for paper mache projects. The flour and water will give you the strongest project and the art paste will enable you the most detailed work. The art paste is the easiest to work with and the easiest to clean up.

 


Looking for a paper mache project? Here are a few

 

Elmer's Art Paste - This is a paper mache mix. It is excellent. I have used it. And, the paste is storable. You can mix it up, use it then store the unused portion for later use.

 

 

 

 

Paper Mache crown

Make a Paper Mache Crown

This is a wonderful paper mache project where you make an iconic crown inspired by childrens favorites like The Little Prince and Where the Wild Things Are. How to Make a Golden Crown

 

Iron Man helmet

Make the Iron Man Helmet

This is a nice paper mache project that comes out great. Not a lot of supplies are needed and I have the template you can download and print out. Make the Iron Man Helmet