What do I use to make paper mache?

Flower or Corn Starch?

What do I use to make paper mache?
Getting started





Papier mache is really easy to do, and there are very few requirements.





You will need...





- Paper (newsprint is ideal)


- Adhesive


- Paintbrush


- Plastic table covering


- Paints


- Patience!





It is advisable to prepare everything before starting. Firstly, tear the newspaper into strips about an inch wide by 4 inches long. This is only approximate. Tear the paper with the grain.





Make your adhesive. There are many different recipes but below you will find the most common.





Papier mache recipes for adhesive





Note: all adhesives can be used with both layering and pulp methods of papier mache.





1 - Flour and water glue:





To make a flour and water glue follow these instructions:





Boil 5 cups of water in a saucepan.





In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup of sieved flour with a cup of cold water. Mix to a smooth consistency (a bit like making custard). When completely free of lumps, add the mixture to the water in the saucepan. Gently boil, stirring constantly for two or three minutes until the mixture thickens.





Allow to cool before using.





This will make a runny glue. If you prefer a very thick glue (or if you are in a hurry for it to dry) use this recipe instead:





Thick flour and water glue:





Use 1 whole cup of flour to three cups of water. Make using the same method as above.





2 - Wallpaper paste glue:





Make up a bowl according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a little less water than recommended if preferred. Keep in an airtight container. It will keep for several days in a fridge or a cool place. Wallpaper paste has the advantage of containing a fungicide to prevent mould.





Note: It is not a good idea to let children use wallpaper paste in case they put their fingers in their mouths.





3 - White (pva[?]) glue





Slightly water down the glue in a bowl and use straight away.





When you have decided which glue to use, the next thing to do is to decide what to make. To start is it advisable to use something to mould on.





Moulds





Balloons


Cheap and indispensable. No release agent needed. The balloon will tear itself away from your dried papier mache easily when burst.





Bowls and plates


These will need to have a release agent applied first to stop the papier mache sticking to them.





Release agents





These all must be applied very thinly. They may leave a small residue, which you may not like.





- Vaseline[?]


- Cooking oil


- Washing up liquid





- Cling film[?] (this will not leave any residue but may leave a slightly crinkled texture on the papier mache)





- Wet paper (another method is to use strips of wet paper (just wetted with water and no glue) for the first layer only)
Reply:Cheap white glue like Elmers or FLOUR + Water.


There are two ways.... shredded paper (newsprint works)...


or paper strips. Mix glue, water and shredded paper until you have a dough-like texture. Apply it sparingly to a frame made of wire...chicken-wire is good. Let dry. Reapply mixture, drying between, 'til you have the shape you want OR Soak strips of paper in the mix of glue or flour and water until damp and apply to your pre-made wire form. Of course, you can make the form of plastic straws or toothpicks or two by fours if you want.... depends on the size of your project. Add a bit of chlorine bleach to the wet-mix to avoid mildew.


You can make masks on balloons, also bowls on round balloons; paper strips work best for these projects. The IMPORTANT part is letting them dry COMPLETELY before you proceed with paint, shellac etc! Have a wonderful time! Hugs, Gina C.
Reply:I think it's corn starch
Reply:Your local library might have a book that would help with this. Failing that, many craft stores sell paper mache mix pretty cheaply.