Thread: Few paper mache questions

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I have plans for a few paper mache props this year. I haven't done paper mache since I was a kid so I need a few pointers. I tried my hand at it tonight and made a huge mess.

1. What do you make it on? I started on an outdoor table tonight. I used a mixture of 50/50 Elmers glue and water. I was using a balloon as my base. Every time I would turn it to do a different part of the balloon it would stick to the table and some of the newspaper would come off. I then placed a few plastic grocery bags under it and it stuck to that. What do you put under it when you make it?

2. I was thinking of making a pneumatic spider this year. I will make the head out of wood with either great stuff or paper mache to round it out. I want to make the abdomen out of paper mache. Once I have it made, how would I attach the abdomen to the head? It will be jumping a lot on halloween night, so I need a strong bond.

Thanks for any tips

First, I'd use some flour in the mix to make it less watery. Add salt as well to keep down the mold aspect. I don't know why, but the glue/water mix has never worked well for me personally.

Second, I'd find a bowl or ring that fits the object (balloon) to use as a base. I use glass bowls or pvc rings to hold the object while working on it. I still put a big piece of cardboard under that to protect the table.

When you dip the paper strips into the mixture, run the strip between your fingers to squeeze off the excess. You don't want it really drippy, just saturated enough to mold it around your form and to stay where you put it.

I use the 50/50 white glue mix, too. I usually put a sheet of plastic garbage bag on the table. The glue sticks slightly, but releases easily. I also use paper towels and napkins for the mache. If the mix is too watery add more glue - you'll end up with a stiffer prop when it dries. You know it's completely dry when it no longer feels cool to the touch. Try hanging the balloon by a string while working on it.

Originally Posted by Otaku

I also use paper towels and napkins for the mache.

Otaku,
Do you find that using paper towels or napkins gives you a smoother finish? I was thinking of copying a skull I have this way to mount it to the front of a tombstone this year.

Originally Posted by ChiliPete

I have plans for a few paper mache props this year. I haven't done paper mache since I was a kid so I need a few pointers. I tried my hand at it tonight and made a huge mess.

1. What do you make it on? I started on an outdoor table tonight. I used a mixture of 50/50 Elmers glue and water. I was using a balloon as my base. Every time I would turn it to do a different part of the balloon it would stick to the table and some of the newspaper would come off. I then placed a few plastic grocery bags under it and it stuck to that. What do you put under it when you make it?

2. I was thinking of making a pneumatic spider this year. I will make the head out of wood with either great stuff or paper mache to round it out. I want to make the abdomen out of paper mache. Once I have it made, how would I attach the abdomen to the head? It will be jumping a lot on halloween night, so I need a strong bond.

Thanks for any tips

My wife (the Paper Mache Queen) uses liquid starch instead of elmers glue or flour mixtures.

She uses newspaper, torn into strips.

She will alternate layers; one black and white, then one in colored print so that it's easy to tell when a layer is complete.

She uses balloons a lot too. She generally will set the paper-mached-balloon on a bowl or something when it is wet to let it dry. She uses newspaper or a drop-cloth to protect her working surface.

Originally Posted by partsman

Otaku,
Do you find that using paper towels or napkins gives you a smoother finish? I was thinking of copying a skull I have this way to mount it to the front of a tombstone this year.

Yes, especially the napkins. I use the "fancy" thick ones. They're kind of a pain to use, but they make sort of a pulp that can be almost sculpted, and after drying its very hard. If you really want a smooth surface, cover the mache with a thin coating of Paperclay. It's easy to work with and dries to a hard, very smooth finish. You can sand it if needed, as well. It's available at places like Michael's.

Instead of dipping the strips of newspaper, I like to use a cheap chip brush and paint the surface I am going to apply the strip to then I paint the strip when I put it on, I have found this helps to keep the mess down.

I have been using Celluclay lately. Just add water and sets up hard.

Hallowtheme is right, Celluclay Rocks, as well as Rigid Wrap, which is a plaster covered cheese cloth type material. You just cut it to size, dip in water and smooth on whatever surface you want. If your going to cover plastic with it though, rough the plastic up a little with a bit of sand paper. Just a light swipe will do. Both of these dry over night if its not too humid. I get mine at Michael's. Cheap, goes really far and does everything they claim to do and more.

I may give celluclay a try. I looked for it last time I went to Micheals but didn't see it. Do you do it in several layers like paper mache to get it strong or do you just do it once?