I read a comparison study of the effectiveness of sealers for paper mache' props planned for outdoor use. The study was done in the UK so damp weather was a factor. Living in the Pacific Northwest, that is a plus for me. Here are the results:


PVA - 11 days
Paverpol - 3 months
Enamel paint - 4 months
Outdoor acrylic paint - 7 months
Gloss paint - 9 months
Exterior varnish - 11 months
Yacht varnish - 1 year+

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thanks madame turlock for the info, always good to have! I used a combination of paints, several clear finishes, gloss first, but didn't like the look, but put a few coats on anyway for protection, and then used a matte finish. They weren't out for weeks or anything, but held up well. I wanted to used yacht varnish, but couldn't afford it at the time. But nice to know I was on the right track!

We've used Sculpt or Coat with great success.

I went from papier mache to solid substrates a couple years ago simply because it stores better.

What are you guys making for outdoor use? Heads?

Thanks.

I'm making a head and I'm thinking about make some smaller mache' pumkins for luminaries.

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