Thread: Paper Mache Dinosaur

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Hello!

I am in the process of making a rather large dinosaur costume. It has a PVC frame and so far has chicken wire for the skin. I need to cover the chicken wire with something. I was going to go the paper mache route(I am not too picky about molding anything with the mache (chicken wire is already molded) and I just want a thin coat to paint) and search and actually found more information that I bargained for. I am looking to keep the weight down. Waterproofing is not necessary, but it is a plus (just in case). Any other suggestions out there, or is a this layer of regular old paper mache the best/lightest way to go?

Here is a pic of the product so far.

I don't think just one layer will be enough to be durable at all. You may also have issues getting it to stick. I am building a rather large dragon from cardboard and papier and I plan to put at least 2, likely 3 layers on the entire thing. I can already tell a few spots around critical joints will need more like 5 layers.

I guess I am just really worried about the weight issue. Well, looks like I know what I will be trying this weekend!

Have you considered Monster Mud instead?

Originally Posted by Screaming Demons

Have you considered Monster Mud instead?

This is the first I have heard of this "monster mud."
To the google!

Originally Posted by thebaronn

This is the first I have heard of this "monster mud."
To the google!

It's great stuff (not to be confused with Great Stuff, which is also great stuff). Here are several projects made with it: http://www.hauntproject.com/projdeta...=Monster%20Mud

Also, use the Search feature at the top of this site's page for many more projects done with MM. It sounds like just what you need: large, quick, inexpensive coverage. I think paper mache would take too long for your project. Monster Mud also has the advantage of holding up much better outside and over the years.

Hope this helps. If not, there are lots of great people on here who can answer any specific questions you have.

Covering it with lite cloth and then mud is a pretty good idea.

How heavy is it compared to paper mache?

Originally Posted by Screaming Demons

It's great stuff (not to be confused with Great Stuff, which is also great stuff). Here are several projects made with it: http://www.hauntproject.com/projdeta...=Monster%20Mud

Also, use the Search feature at the top of this site's page for many more projects done with MM. It sounds like just what you need: large, quick, inexpensive coverage. I think paper mache would take too long for your project. Monster Mud also has the advantage of holding up much better outside and over the years.

Hope this helps. If not, there are lots of great people on here who can answer any specific questions you have.

So it looks as though Monster Mud is the way to go.

For example: It looks like burlap might be the best way (any thoughts? on other materials? maybe a thin cheap fabric?) and coat it just like others have done for the grim reaper. But what about attaching it to the frame? The grim reaper looks as though it was draped over the prop. That is really not an option here. Should I place a few well positioned zip ties while it is wet?

Another important thing is that I really down need this to stand the test of time, after Halloween I really have no where to store this bad boy and it will probably get dismantled (the pvc isnt glued, just a few zip ties).

And whatever I use, I have to drill some holes into the material when dry (about 1/4" holes) (all important stuff that I completely forgot about until this very moment)

Ugh, decisions decisions.......

Baronn, I don't want to try to influence you one way or the other. I have used both papier and mud in the manner you are attempting. Papier is fragile and not very strong structually unless heavily built up. The mud is much heavier in weight but one coat will do what many coats of papier will do.. I looked at your frame and see that the size looks to be quite large. A mud layer may be much heavier than one could bear to support for a night of reveling. The choice is yours. I do want to relate a problem I had when I was a youngin and made my first mask using chicken wire and paper mache. I built a quite large dragon mask. Used papier because of weight. I formed the structure to my head then completed the papier process. I painted it several days later. I was so proud. The night of the party I put it on. Everything seemed great. As the night wore on the thing shifted as one would expect. I had not lined the inside of the mask. Several loose ends of the wire and ties were poking at the wrong angles. When it shifted one almost went through my eye. Just a warning about paying attention to the inside if you want a comfortable night of partying.