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Papier-mâché (also known as paper mâché) is a type of stiff, easy-to-make paper material used to coat various surfaces. This versatile paper is commonly utilized in art and crafts to create models, fruit bowls, puppets, dolls, and many other items. The surface of papier-mâché is highly paintable, allowing you to add patterns, vibrant colors, and exciting designs to your final product. This article will guide you through the basic process of making papier-mâché, which can be applied to create any model you wish to make.
Steps
Preparing to Make Papier Mâché
Clear the Workspace. The papier-mâché process can get pretty messy (What craft doesn't, right?). So, to protect your beloved table, you should lay down newspaper or other disposable materials to minimize the cleanup once you're done. While gathering newspapers, you'll also need:
- A large bowl or container
- Flour, wallpaper paste, or white glue
- Water
- A model to work with
- A paintbrush
- Newspapers (for application, not for cleaning)
Tear the paper into long strips. The ideal width is about 2.5 cm, but each craft project will require paper in different shapes and sizes. Also, each object will need three layers of paper, so make sure to tear plenty of paper. Avoid using scissors—torn paper bonds better than cut paper.
- There is no strict rule for the paper size. In fact, if you want to add more layers to strengthen your model, you’ll need paper in various sizes. So feel free to tear paper as you like.
Choose the type of glue you'll use for papier-mâché. A few small differences will still lead to similar results. Use what you have available.
- Glue mixture: Mix two parts white glue with one part water in a bowl. This amount can be adjusted depending on the size of your craft. If you’re using a stronger glue, one part white glue and one part water will suffice.
- Flour mixture: Combine one part flour with one part water. Very simple!
- For larger, more intricate projects, you may need to substitute water with white glue.
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Wallpaper paste: Mix two parts wallpaper paste with one part water in a bowl. This method is ideal for models you want to keep for years.
Mix your chosen solution. Use a paintbrush, spoon, or stirring stick to mix until smooth.
- If the mixture is too runny or too thick, adjust the ingredients. Add more glue if it’s too thin, or more water if it’s too thick.
Find the surface you want to apply the papier-mâché to. For example, a balloon, cardboard, or any other object. You can even combine two objects together to create a unique model.
- If using a balloon, apply a layer of cooking oil before adding paper, so when it dries, you can easily remove the balloon.
Create the papier-mâché model
Dip a piece of newspaper into the glue mixture. Your fingers will get really dirty! But the messier your hands are, the more beautiful your finished product will be.
Remove excess glue. Do this by sliding your two fingers from top to bottom of the paper. Hold the paper over the bowl to prevent glue from spilling out.
Stick the paper onto the surface or the sample object. Smooth the paper out using your fingers or a paintbrush. Try to straighten any creases or bumps in the paper. It is essential to make the surface as flat as possible to paint and decorate later.
- If you want to create a shape (such as a face), mold the paper into the desired form, stick it to the surface, then apply another layer to smooth it out. This technique can easily create volume, texture, and patterns.
Repeat the paper application process. Continue until the entire surface or sample object has three layers of paper. This step is crucial if you intend to remove the sample once the paper has dried – the paper needs to be firm and hold its shape.
- Apply the first layer of paper horizontally, then the second layer vertically, and continue alternating. This method ensures that you can track your progress and that the paper adheres more securely.
Place the recently glued model on a surface covered with paper to let it dry. It will take one to two days for the paper to dry completely, depending on the size of the model. Avoid touching the model during this time, and after one or two days, check to see if it is ready to paint.
Start painting. You have the freedom to paint or decorate as you like. Then, step back and admire your creation! (And don't forget to tell others that it's a project you made yourself.)
- Some suggest applying a white primer coat first. This is particularly helpful if you're using light colors on your model, as it prevents paint from peeling. However, if you are covering the balloon with paper, avoid fully covering the top part so you can easily remove the balloon later.
Advice
- Ensure you have all materials ready before you begin.
- Wait for the papier-mâché to dry completely before painting.
- The paper you use doesn't need to be long sheets. Any small scraps of paper in various shapes will work as long as they help you complete the task easily.
- For smoother results, tear the paper roughly instead of cutting it with scissors.
- Hair spray or gloss paint will make the papier-mâché water-resistant. Add this step only after you've finished painting or assembling the model.
- If you're making a mask, you can cut two circles in half and remove the balloon to create two masks.
- You can apply the papier-mâché to almost anything: picture frames, old CDs, etc.
- If using a water-flour mix, white flour will make a smoother surface than wheat flour.
- Try using different types of paper instead of just newspaper – kitchen napkins can work well too.
- Make sure to apply enough glue to fully cover the surface of the paper, or else it may peel off once dry.
- Wear latex gloves to avoid getting glue on your fingers.
- Have extra newspaper on hand. It can be inconvenient if you run out mid-project.
Warnings
- If making a piñata with a balloon, ensure you apply enough layers of paper (at least 3 layers or more) or use thicker paper (like regular white paper), and make sure the paper is completely dry before removing the balloon. Otherwise, the balloon may pull the paper inside, leaving a dent when it pops.
- The glue mixture is difficult to clean if it gets on surfaces. To prevent the glue from sticking to the table, lay down some newspaper before you start working.
Items You Will Need
- Glue/Flour/Wallpaper paste
- Water
- Bowl
- Spoon/Stirring stick
- Newspaper (for covering surfaces and the model object)
- Model object
- Paintbrush
- Cooking oil (optional)
