Thread: Question: Water resistance of burlap soaked in 1/2-1/2 mixture glue/water...

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Anybody have experience with this? I'm wondering if the burlap will continue to hold it's shape after formed / dry after soaking in the water-glue mixture if out in the rain, and also if it will soak up water / get heavier.

I'm trying to save having to experiment as I hate making something (not to mention buying materials) only to find out it won't work for my purpose.

Did you use a Elmers glue or other washable water based glue type product?

That's a good question. I was thinking an Elmer's glue. But you are right, that probably would not work / be a poor choice. I wonder what glue would mix with water to soak the burlap, still give me shaping time to get it how I want it, yet dry waterproof. I'm going to paint the burlap, so I'm not so concerned about drying clear. Although they do make a black burlap...that would save me painting if the glue mixture didn't ruin the color.

Not sure exactly what you are trying to do but you may want to check out some of the tutorials where they have used monster mud (regular drywall mud mixed with exterior latex paint). Then after it dries I would recommend painting it again with exterior latex paint.

Thanks Mourik, but I need to try to stick lightweight as possible. If I can't do burlap holding it's shape in rain, I'll have to go back to thinking paper mache as I know I can waterproof it.

For the record, I'm looking at witch's hats to use on a cauldron creep.

I know that Titebond makes a fully waterproof wood glue, under the Titebond III Premium line. I'm pretty certain that would fit the bill for your application.

Make sure it's III (Green labeled bottle/jug). Because Titebond II Premium, which I use pretty often, is marketed as "weather proof" after it's fully potted. However, I've experienced weakened joints after exposure to moisture over long periods of time on a marine grade project. So, I don't recommend it for direct exposure. Although, I can't point the finger at the adhesive with 100% certainty. It was warping, and that may have very well been the culprit that pulled the joint apart.

Carpenters glue will dilute with water. Ie leave it in the rain and it will be ruined. (elmers wood glue)
If you want it to survive the elements you will need to use water proof carpenters glue.
I use le pages outdoor wood glue. Looks the same as any other wood glue but it dries with a green tinge.

Not sure if it's available in your area but there is this stuff called Dip 'n Drape... It comes in 1 yd sq. packages and it will set up like you want. after it sets up you do need to water proof it with gesso or a latex paint but it should do the trick. After re-reading your post... Dip 'n Drape will be more than perfect. you can use cardboard to make the form wrap the D'nD around it and let it harden... BTW the dip stands for drop in water. Gesso and latex paint will finish it off so it doesn't get ruined in the rain.

Follow the link and you will get an Idea of what I'm talking about and a way to order if you need to.http://www.etsy.com/listing/83423173...e-ii-zims-doll

I've also had the suggestion that I could still use regular Elmer's type glue, but after dry spray it with rustoleum paint in flat black and that should keep it waterproof in the rain. Thoughts on that one?

BTW, here is a link to the tutorial for a burlap witch hat if you want to see what I'm going for (only looking for outside use). http://ironoakfarm.blogspot.com/2010...witch-hat.html

Still better off to use the waterproof glue.

With the black paint, you'd have to ensure every last bit of the hat is completely sealed (inside and out). Even the smallest unsealed area will wick water under your paint and into the glue. The link you provided, thier just using the black to give the hat the look of age.