Thread: Waterproofing props

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I'm new here, so I apologize if this question has already been answered in prior threads, but what do you do to waterproof your props?

I live near Seattle, Washington, and October is usually pretty damp. In the past, I have used exterior paint and/or Thompson's Water Seal to try and protect props. The combination seems to work pretty well, but I'm very interested in starting some of the paper mache projects. How does one keep those safe from the elements?

All water-proofing suggestions are welcome. I've got lots of different props, and want to build many, many more -- so I'm open to all ideas.

I used clear spray paint on all my fabrics and it seems to hold up nice, its like a buck at Walmart.

there was in artical about waterproofing paper mache some woman in london made a bunch of objects and sealed them with diffrent stuff and spoke of the results if you google waterproofing paper mache I'm sure you can find it.

DWD, thanks for the info on the weatherproofing. I was able to locate the testing and am now considering doing my horse in PM.

DWD, thanks!

I did a search and found the article:

waterproofing-papier-mache

read the whole article, it was great, and it looks like the clear winner is yacht (or boat) varnish. The paper mache coated with the yacht varnish withstood an entire year of weather in the UK. that's pretty darn good!

I'll be looking for some yacht varnish when I start building my paper mache critters.

DWD, thanks again for the mention of the article.

Here is her research chart - very nice!

To clarify the list where it says name she had made a bunch of gnomes and named each one. and everyone your welcome

Funny never thought about boat varnish and after all those spring commissions on my fathers teak I should have. Aint that stuff expensive? Im playing devils advocate here what is the cost of regular Urethane vs the cost of boat varnish and is the extra month worth it. Excuse me while I investigate this.

slightlymad, please let me know what you come up with. I'm really trying to learn all I can. I need something that keeps the color, doesn't turn milky, and doesn't soften, attract mold, etc.

I am partial to the oil-based varnishes. I've had mixed results with the water-based sealers.