Thread: Best kind of sealer for paper mache'?

Tweet

Hey everyone, can you give me some ideas on what is the best sealer for paper mache'. Thanks

Funny, I've been wondering what other haunters use myself. I'm pretty new to the Paper mache thing and I've used exterior latex paint and tried deck sealer. The sealer tends to make your work shine like crazy but it works great! The latex paint as a base seems to work well also and leaves a paintable surface whereas you have to put your finish paint on BEFORE the deck seal. The props held up last season really well.

I didnt even think of using latex paint first, then use my acrylics to do the final paint job then I think I will do that then put some kind of sealer over it.

I wonder if you used a mat spray paint over the sealer if it would cut down on the shine?

According to Stolloweens web site he said this:

SEALANTS. Finished and painted papier mache sculptures need to be sealed with some form of commercial product. Sealing your prop protects the paint job as well as the papier mache from moisture. Products made to protect wood such as urethanes, varnish and shellac work well to seal papier mache.

Always read the manufactures directions and use caution when working sealants especially with regard to fumes or vapors.

I dont know why I didnt think of going there before LOL

Here is his web site if you dont know it.

http://www.stolloween.com/

Here is another good link... scroll down to the bottom and click on the little green link that says “Waterproofing Papier Mache”

http://www.stolloween.com/?page_id=209

Thanks for the tip. I never thought of the matt finish.

This is what I did for my ground breaker...First I do a layer of Watertite By Zinsser (Similair to Drylock) next I used exterior spray paint then dry brushed white on it...Finally I do a finish coat of spray Spar Urethane...it seems like a lot of steps but I have a REALLY good feeling nothing will ever happen to it (Weather wise)...

what is liquid starch??????

Originally Posted by nnydoe1031

what is liquid starch??????

Used to starch clothes as you iron them...most people don't do this anymore but its still available...

It is by the laundry detergents and stuff like that...I use stolloweens recipe and it is GREAT.

I generally use Thompson's waterseal, followed by drylock, then finally a white or black latex paint depending how vibrant I want the colors to be. Then I paint it with acrylics and finally seal it with clear coat.

As long as you don't miss any spots you should be fine. I wouldn't advocate leaving paper mache out in a downpour, but it should handle it for a while at least.