Thread: Best paper mache recipe.

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I am brand new to this medium and would love some ideas on the best recipe for the paste. I found one that sounds pretty simple and good which is 1 cup elmers glue, 1 cup corn starch and 1 cup water. Any other recipes would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks everyone, audible

hi audible, I use only water and elmers. Usually in a 1 part glue to 2 part water but I've heard that some people go up to 1 part glue to 5 parts water. 1:2 has been working great for me I'm not sure what the starch is for but I'd love to know too.

I use flour, salt (to prevent molding) and water. Never had any problems.

I just used half water and half Elmers, on my spell book I created - and used papertowel instead of newspaper. Not sure if I did it right but it came out nice - it's amazing how hard it is!! I didn't realize it'd come out so hard! I love it!

I just made a skull by taking a cardboard beverage holder, tearing it up and placing it in a blender with water to get "pulp". No glue was added. Then I put the pulp in a strainer to drain off excess water. I used my fingers to wring out more water and then used my fingers to place the pulp on my the skull that had been previously covered with aluminum foil. The trick is not getting the pulp too dry or too wet.....you want it a *little* loose to work with, but NOT runny or it won't stay on. As I applied the pulse I'd use my fingers/palms to press out a lot more of the water.

Using this method, I could shape the eyes and add features on the fly. It was easy, messy and fun.

Afterwards I put it on some paper towels and in the convection oven on 150F.

I used celluclay the other day, its basically powered newspaper, it really did feel like clay after I mixed it, I guess paper mache is more cost effective though, celluclay cost about 5 bucks a pound. I never used paper mache, now I know the recipe, thanks ya alls for your inputs.

Wallpaper paste. The powdered kind, just mix with water. It forms almost a gellatinous goo, so it's not too watery. My giant skull has lasted over 15 years made with this stuff.

I'm in the process of papier macheing now, and I'm using the 1:1:1 ratio of Elmer's glue, water and corn starch. I don't know what the corn starch is for either but one of the members recently posted a great prop and had used this recipe.

Do you guys waterproof your papermache,and if so, with what?

I've used the flour/water/salt (salt to retard mold) mix, the half glue/water mix, with shredded newspaper or phone book paper and tried to make the clay pulp with dryer lint (good for recycling). Never used the store-bought celluclay but tempted since it's supposed to be so great to work with.

To waterproof, I've used layers of latex/acrylic paint alone. As long as you've got good coverage, the paint dries to a polymer and will keep out most moisture. I imagine you could use a sealant like polyurethane to do a better protective coat and also protect your paint job as well.