Learn How to Make Paper Mache Paste
Paper Mache Paste Recipe
Ingredients and recipe for easy, all-purpose paper mache paste
To make any quantity of paper paste, use a 1:4 flour-water ratio. I usually use 1/4 C flour, becuase that is the amount of paste I can use in 1-2 hours.
1/4 C flour
1 C water.
1 Tbsp of white glue optional
1 Tbsp of liquid starch* optional
*Liquid starch is available in the laundry aisle, or it can be made by mixing
2 Tsp of corn starch (corn flour in the UK) with 2 Tbsp cold water.
Boil 1 1/2 Cups of water and whisk together.
Starch will keep for 2-3 days without refrigeration, or longer if refrigerated. Surface bubbles, a sour smell, or smell other than corn indicates spoilage. Starch will make the paste a little more slippery and easier to spread on your strips.
Paper mache paste can also be refrigerated and saved overnight, but the water tends to separate and it's quite unpleasant to stick your hands to cool mushy goo. I always prefer working with warm paste, but I don't like to waste anything either.
Kitchen Tools and Supplies
Items you will need.
To make any quantity of paper paste, use a 1:4 flour-water ratio.
1. Boil three parts of water.
2. Mix remaining water with flour.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Add to boiling water.
5. Cook until clear-ish.
Allow to cool slightly before using.
Paper Mache for Kids!
Papier-Mache for Kids
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 05/27/2012)
This AWESOME book designed for kids grades 3 to 6 (and their parents!) is packed with more than 150 step-by-step photos. Learn how to create everything from decorative statues to bangles, boxes, puppets and vases.
Papier Mache (Step-by-Step Children's Crafts)
Amazon Price: $3.00 (as of 05/27/2012)
Ideal for adults and kids in grade 3 to 7 or older, this super paper mache book features a variety of functional and decorative paper mache projects along with step by step photos and a little bit of historic background about paper mache in ancient Egypt.
An Instant Paper Mache Alternative
AMACO Claycrete Paper Mache, 5-Pound Bag, White
Amazon Price: $21.92 (as of 05/27/2012)
If saving newspapers and mixing up gooey glue isn't your style, Claycrete might be the way to do. This awesome art class product is available in a 5lb bag. Just measure what you need, mix with water, knead and create your own paper mache creation. Because Claycrete is bleached, it's a lot easier to cover with acrylic paint and other decorations.
What Can you Do With Paper Mache Paste?
Check Out These Lenses For Great Project Ideas!
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Comments and Questions
Share your comments, questions, and projects.
Feel free to share you comments and questions. We would also love to see your completed, or in progress paper mache projects! Happy Crafting!
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cjdever
Apr 11, 2012 @ 2:23 am | delete
- Just wondering if you know of a gluten-free paper mache recipe? I tried water and rice flour, but when it dried, the newspaper strips did not stick together anymore and the whole thing just fell apart. Thanks!
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SimplyTonjia
Mar 15, 2012 @ 1:17 pm | delete
- Thanks for such a great lens. Looking forward to trying out your recipe.
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Makaylah Porras
Mar 3, 2012 @ 3:36 pm | delete
- I'm working on a science project. It's a volcano. I've made the shape of it and now I want to cover it in paper machet. What do I use to make the paste and how do I do paper machet?
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QuiltFinger
Mar 3, 2012 @ 3:51 pm | delete
- Hi there Makaylah, you'll need some newspaper strips or strips from other paper products like a phonebook
.
Simply tear sheets of newspaper into strips by hand, instead of using scissors. The raw edges adhere very well to one another. If you have trouble tearing the strips, try going vertically instead of horizontally, or vice versa to find the grain of the paper.
To make the paste, you need a 1:4 ratio of all purpose flour and boiling water. A bit of white glue, such as Elmer's, can also be added after the paste is cooked. You'll need to dip the strips in the paste or use your hands to coat the paper strips with the paste and just layer the soggy strips onto your volcano. Gently smooth the strips down with your fingers, but don't worry about wrinkles or making it too perfect. After a few layers and before painting, you will need to let the project dry. Placing a fan near the project or even using a hair dryer can help the project dry faster if needed. Good luck with your volcano! I hope this helps.
P.S. You can see photos of one of my paper mache projects in process here to get a better idea.
http://www.squidoo.com/PaperMacheArmature
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wadsworth
Feb 14, 2012 @ 8:52 am | delete
- It looks fun, I just worry about the mess. With my kid cleaning up after might take longer than the set up and project. :)
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QuiltFinger
I am a self-taught quilter, I've been sewing since I was a wee little one, sneaking onto my mom's sewing machine to make little pouches out of Kleenx.... more »
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Modern Paper Mache
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Amazon Price: $12.09 (as of 05/27/2012)
Israeli paper mache artist Gilat Nadiv shares her contemporary techniques for making figurines and animals, to bowls and picture frames, from recycled materials.
Ready to Glue
Elmer's Art Paste, Paper Maché, 2 Ounces (99000)
Amazon Price: $0.05 (as of 05/27/2012)
The original paper mache paste, just add cool water! Non-toxic formula, great for using with the kids.
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