Thread: Paper Mache?

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Flour and cold water (seems to help reduce lumps) then throw in some white glue. I don't use starch because I can't find any! I add some bleach to help prevent mold. I don't measure anything, just use the TLAR method (That Looks About Right).

Originally Posted by trentsketch

Believe me when I say I had absolutely no issues with the floor finisher. It really is a small percentage of the final mixture and not nearly as potent when mixed in with the flour and glue and liquid starch. Some of the mixture got on my clothes and came right out in the wash; same with any that got on exposed skin: came right off with soap and water. If anything, the floor finisher managed to speed up drying in very humid conditions: I mached in the morning and had a dry piece ready for painting in the early afternoon. I haven't experienced that before with just a mix of the other ingredients in any proportion. A pure flour/water mix in my area takes days to dry in August.

Besides, I would never consider paper mache-ing without a pair of gloves on, floor finisher or not. It's far too messy a process to treat it otherwise. Worst case scenario if there were an issue with the floor finisher: vegetable oil. Cuts right through it. Then you just need regular soap to get rid of the oil. I never work with the finisher without a small bowl filled with oil by my side.

yeah know i might have to try it... .thanks again

Originally Posted by dkelley

Flour and cold water (seems to help reduce lumps) then throw in some white glue. I don't use starch because I can't find any! I add some bleach to help prevent mold. I don't measure anything, just use the TLAR method (That Looks About Right).

bleach to prevent mold thats might be a good idea. and i found only a little glue if u have alot it takes for ever to dry! and i started to get worryed that it was taking so long so i coted it in dry flour got a wet paint brush and brushed it in that did the trick

-BYH

first paper mache!

We always used wall paper paste when we did paper mache. You can buy it at most harware stores or a paint store.

would outdoor latex paint ruin my paper mache? does anyone know?

-BYH

Originally Posted by BackYardHaunter

would outdoor latex paint ruin my paper mache? does anyone know?

-BYH

I've found it to be a great sealer as well - just make certain the mache is nice and dry before applying.

yeah its dry. so it would work as a sealer?

Yes, as a sealer, and a base coat as well.
Even a detail coat.
Personally, I like to use acrylics for the detail paint - however, for mummified skeletal remains, I've found exterior latex paint to be effective on it's own.

Just make certain to cover all the mache - it only takes one little spot for moisture to get in, and it's unbelievable how much damage can be done by only a little moisture inside.

thanks it worked out really well! ill make a few coats tho

I have re-discovered paper mache recently . I am using it to "skin" Part of my corpse. I am using just glue and water. I then plan to use a good sealer.

My mix is more wood glue than water (about a 60/40 mix) I get my glue from work as I work at a furniture Mfg. Co. as a furniture craftsman, so I have lots of glue.

I have used glue and water with a good bit of sawdust mixed in to fill and coat the hands. It sets up hard as iron.

Looking at some of the other posts in this thread, I now hope I will not have trouble with mold ! I never considered
that.

On the other hand....it is a copse, so perhaps a little mold wouldn't hurt much !