Thread: paper mache paper towel question

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Hey everyone, I have been looking for some good paper towels to use for some paper macheing im going to be doing but every one I find has patterns on them. Its the little quilted looking patterns that seem to be on every kind I find. Is this going to be ok to use or do I have to find some that are completely plain?
Also, is it ok to overlap the paper towels when you put them on? This is my first time doing this if you cant tell and any info would be fantastic.
Thanks everyone, audible

Cheapest generic ones you can fine. Try a Dollar type store.
Toilet paper works also.

The patterns can also make for some interesting textures. I also use the "fancy" thick paper napkins for details and strength. When those dry, they're very rigid. They get very claylike when wet - you can almost sculpt in the details you want.

I use Viva paper towels and they work great...no pattern. I use large pieces (sometimes one sheet) for my first layer if I'm covering a skull and then small pieces to sculpt the details. They also work great when ripped for torn skin. I am at work now and don't have pictures but will post some later showing a decaying bride face that was made with them.

I use the Kirkland brand from Costco. One side is heavily patterned and the other is more of a pattern of dots. I like them because they are more of a rectangle shape than square, so I get more for the money, and they are thicker than the generics.

When using them I use them in full sheets but use ripped up sheets as the final layer, so I don't get straight edges on the final product.

Mine were 50 cents a roll and the "quilting" pattern pretty much disappeared.

I always overlap the towels, when dried it gives your prop more substance and can withstand the forces of time, and about the quilted look, the ones I use have the same pattern, what I found is that if you apply just a bit more glue paste to it, it will soak in and you can smooth out the ridges with the steel part of your paint brush....check out my mask picture, I am using Paper Towels with the ridge pattern.....hope this helps.