Papier-mâché is a convenient and inexpensive material, suitable to be used for sculptures, consisting of glue, toilet paper, and a few other elements available at any hardware store. It is often used in place of newspaper and glue to achieve a smoother and more realistic effect. The papier-mâché can be prepared in about 5 minutes, and when it dries it will form a rigid and detailed surface that you can then paint.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the papier mache
Step 1. Collect everything you need
To make papier mache, you will need toilet paper and other ingredients that you can find at any hardware store. The recipe we will use will allow you to obtain a smooth and malleable papier-mâché that you can apply on any type of mold. As it dries, it will form a rigid surface that you can color with enamels or varnishes. Here's everything you need:
- One roll of single-ply toilet paper (plain, not colored or scented)
- 250 ml ready-to-use joint filler (mixed and not powdered)
- About 185 ml of vinyl glue (of the liquid and white type used in schools)
- Two tablespoons of mineral oil
- About 65 g of white flour
- Two large bowls
- An electric mixer
- Measuring cups
Step 2. Separate the toilet paper from the cardboard roll
It will be easier to detach the roll than to unroll the paper completely. After that, put the toilet paper in one of the bowls.
Step 3. Fill the bowl with water
Pour it onto the toilet paper until it is completely soaked. Dip the paper in the water to make sure it gets all wet.
Step 4. Wring out the toilet paper and transfer it to the other bowl
Cut it to shreds (2.5 cm maximum) so that you can wring it better. Arrange the squeezed shreds in the other bowl so you can combine them with the rest of the ingredients. Continue until you have wrung out all the toilet paper.
Step 5. Using the measuring cups, measure approximately 375ml of mush volume
Usually about 375ml of mush is obtained from a single roll of toilet paper. You will get more or less depending on whether the toilet paper has smaller or larger rolls than normal. If the mush is small, add more; if you have too much, discard the excess so that a volume of 375 ml remains.
Step 6. Add the other ingredients
In the bowl containing the paper pulp, pour the putty, 185ml of vinyl glue, two tablespoons of mineral oil, and 65g of white flour.
Do not substitute any of the ingredients. Different types of glue, oil, flour, etc. would change the texture of the papier-mâché, and the result may not be as good as the original
Step 7. Mix the ingredients together until the papier-mâché is smooth
Use the electric mixer at maximum speed to mix everything. The fibers of the paper will break, and will blend with the putty, glue, oil, and flour until they take on a smooth consistency similar to that of a dough.
- If you want the papier mache to thicken, add another 30 g of flour.
- If you want the paper mache to be less dense, add another 125ml of glue.
Part 2 of 2: Using the papier mache
Step 1. Prepare the template for sculpting
Papier-mâché is used in place of wet strips of paper which are then applied to shapes made with thread or tape. Papier-mâché is used in the same way, but allows for a more precise and professional finish. Prepare the template for the papier-mâché application.
Step 2. Smear the papier-mâché on the template using a knife
The papier mache will be spreadable, like cake icing, and you should be able to spread it directly on the template in order to get a better finish. Fill the template completely with papier mache.
- If you prefer to have a thicker papier-mâché and then sculpt it with your hands, follow the advice above and add extra flour to make it the desired density. At that point, use your hands, a spoon, or other tools to cover the template with the papier mache.
- Let the first layer dry. It will begin to harden, forming a hard coating on which you can add more papier mache.
Step 3. Add more layers
Apply extra layers of papier mache where you want the sculpture to be thicker. Add a layer, let it dry, and repeat the process until it is no longer needed. You can add as many layers as you like. The more you add, the heavier your sculpture will be.
Step 4. Create details using your fingers or other tools. For example, if you want to make a face, papier mache will allow you to add minute details around the eyes, nose and mouth
Keep creating your sculpture with your fingers or any other tool you want to use until you are satisfied with the result.
Step 5. Let the papier mache dry completely before painting it
After a day or two it will become rock hard. Do not apply enamels or paints until it is completely dry. Papier mache can be treated with any type of paint or glaze you wish to use.
Step 6. Store the leftover papier mache in an airtight container
This will prevent it from drying out between uses. If kept in an airtight container, the papier mache will keep for several weeks.
Advice
- Papier-mâché is more suitable to be used for sculptures made from a pre-existing shape.
- Use a rolling pin on the rack of a dish drainer, it will allow the water to drain directly into the sink as you press on the papier mache. It is better than squeezing it without, and the result will also be smoother.
