Buzz
Paper clay is an affordable and versatile sculpting material made from toilet paper, glue, and a few other ingredients. It can be used as an alternative to papier-mâché strips for a smoother, more natural finish. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare, and once dried, it forms a raised surface that can be painted.
Steps
Making Paper Clay
Gather your materials. To make paper clay, you'll need toilet paper and some readily available craft supplies. This recipe creates a smooth, pliable clay that can be applied to any pre-made model. Once dried, it forms a hard surface suitable for painting or varnishing. You'll need the following:
- 1 roll of single-ply toilet paper (unscented, uncolored, and without lotion)
- 1 cup of pre-mixed joint compound (choose the 'regular' type; avoid powdered versions)
- 3/4 cup of PVA glue (craft glue)
- 2 tablespoons of mineral oil
- 1/2 cup of white flour
- 2 large bowls
- An electric mixer
- Measuring cups
Remove the toilet paper from the cardboard core. Push the entire roll off the core to avoid a mess instead of pulling the paper. Place the toilet paper roll into a bowl.
Pour water into the bowl. Add water to the toilet paper roll until it is thoroughly soaked. Submerge the roll to ensure all the paper is wet.
Squeeze the toilet paper and transfer the pulp to a separate bowl. Tear the paper into smaller pieces (2 cm or smaller) to squeeze out as much water as possible. Place the pulp into a separate bowl for mixing with other ingredients. Repeat until all the toilet paper is processed.
Measure 1.5 cups of toilet paper pulp. One roll of toilet paper typically yields 1.5 cups of pulp. If your toilet paper rolls are smaller or larger, adjust the quantity to ensure you have exactly 1.5 cups in the bowl.
Add the remaining ingredients. Mix into the pulp 1 cup of pre-mixed joint compound, 3/4 cup of PVA craft glue, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of mineral oil, and 1/2 cup of white flour.
- Do not substitute these ingredients with others. Different types of glue, oil, or flour can alter the texture of the paper clay and may not yield the desired results.
Blend until the mixture is smooth. Use a mixer to blend the clay at high speed. The paper fibers will dissolve and combine with the joint compound, glue, oil, and flour until the mixture reaches a consistency similar to cake batter.
- For thicker clay, add an extra 1/2 cup of flour.
- For a looser texture, incorporate an additional 1/2 cup of glue.
Using Paper Clay
Prepare your model. Paper clay serves as a substitute for traditional papier-mâché strips, which are typically soaked in water and applied to wire or taped models. Paper clay is used similarly but delivers a sharper, more professional finish. Prepare your model for the application of paper clay.
Apply the clay with your fingers or a spatula. Paper clay spreads as easily as frosting, allowing you to apply it directly to the model for a smooth finish. Cover the model completely, just as you would with papier-mâché.
- For thicker clay that can be shaped by hand, follow the earlier instructions by adding more flour. Use your fingers, a spoon, or any tool to spread the paper clay onto the model.
- Allow the first layer to dry. The clay will begin to harden into a solid outer shell, enabling you to add additional layers.
Add more layers of clay. Apply extra clay to areas where you want the model to appear thicker. Continue layering, allowing each layer to dry before adding more if needed. You can apply as many layers as desired, though more layers will increase the model's weight.
Add details using your fingers or other tools. For instance, if sculpting a face, paper clay allows you to add intricate details around the eyes, nose, and mouth. Continue shaping with your fingers or tools until you're satisfied with the result.
Wait for the clay to dry completely before painting. After 1-2 days, the clay will dry and harden like stone. Avoid painting or varnishing if the clay isn't fully dry. Paper clay works well with any type of paint or varnish you choose to use.
Store paper clay in an airtight container to prevent drying. When kept in a sealed container, paper clay can remain usable for several weeks.
Tips
- Paper clay is ideal for layering onto pre-made models.
- Roll the clay on a baking tray, as water will drain directly into the sink when rolled on paper. This method is more convenient than squeezing the paper and ensures even consistency.
Warning
- Remember to store the clay in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
What You Need
- 1 roll of single-ply toilet paper (unscented, uncolored, and without lotion)
- 1 cup of pre-mixed joint compound (choose the "regular" type; avoid powdered forms)
- 3/4 cup of PVA glue (craft glue)
- 2 tablespoons of mineral oil
- 1/2 cup of white flour
- 2 large bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cup
