There are three different ways to create glue at home. Milk is stronger than flour products and is a lot of fun to make because you can feel the chemical reactions during the process. You can also make a simple water repellent glue with glycerin and gelatin, which is perfect for any creative project. Finally, in this tutorial you will also find instructions for the classic glue for papier-mâché, which is easy to mix, non-toxic and suitable for doing work with children.
Ingrediants
Milk glue
- Sodium bicarbonate
- 120 ml of skimmed milk
- Graduated cup
- Rubber bands
- 30 ml of white vinegar
- Graduated spoon
- Kitchen paper
Water repellent glue
- 30 ml of white vinegar
- 30 ml of glycerin
- 2 packs of unflavoured gelatin powder (about 15 g)
- 90 ml of water
Glue for papier-mâché
- 200 g of flour
- 65 g of sugar
- 360 ml of water
- 5 ml of white vinegar
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Milk Glue
Step 1. Mix 120ml of skim milk with 30ml of white vinegar
Combine them carefully in a small bowl and let them rest for two minutes. The milk proteins will coagulate into small white lumps. The solid part will be the curd, while the liquid part is the whey.
Step 2. Using a sieve, separate the curd from the whey
Place a sheet of kitchen paper over the opening of a large cup, pushing it in the center to create concavity. Then take a rubber band and put it around the cup and the sheet of paper to block the latter and thus create a sieve.
Choose a large cup that can hold all of the curd and whey mixture. Alternatively you can pour part of the mixture, wait for the liquid part to drain and then pour the rest
Step 3. Separate the curd from the whey
Gently pour both of them over the paper towel sieve. The whey will fall into the cup while the curd will remain on the sheet of paper. Wait for all of the liquid to drain for five minutes.
Step 4. Squeeze the remaining curd between two dry sheets of absorbent paper
To do this you need to remove it from the sieve with a spoon and transfer it to clean paper. Now you can cover it with another piece of kitchen paper and press it to expel all the liquid. In order for the glue to have good adhesive power, you need to get rid of all the serum.
Step 5. Mix the curd with 30ml of water and 5g of baking soda
Take another container and mix the three ingredients. You should hear a popping of bubbles indicating that the chemical reaction is taking place; the bicarbonate reacts with the curd creating carbon dioxide. Stir carefully to combine the ingredients.
If the mixture is too thick, add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until you get the same consistency as the glue
Step 6. Store the glue in a glass jar
Get an old airtight jar, a recycled jar of jam or pickles and pour the glue into it. Seal it with the lid and store it in the refrigerator. The glue must be used within a couple of weeks, after which it will begin to rot.
Method 2 of 3: Water repellent glue
Step 1. Bring 90ml of water to a boil in a small saucepan
When the water is boiling, remove it from the heat because it shouldn't evaporate too much.
Step 2. Add two packs of gelatin
Mix carefully so that the powder dissolves completely. You can buy tasteless gelatin at any grocery store. There are many producers but, in general, the Paneangeli one is fine for this purpose. For this preparation you will only need two packets (about 15 g), so avoid buying "family packs".
A pack with 3 individual packets of 13 g each costs, on average, less than 2 euros
Step 3. Mix 30 ml of glycerin with the same white vinegar and wait for the mixture to cool
Incorporate everything into the saucepan, taking care to mix the mixture well and then let it cool for a few minutes before using or storing it.
You can buy pure glycerin at the pharmacy at an affordable price
Step 4. Transfer the mixture to an airtight glass jar and seal it
You can use glue while it's still warm or pour it into an old jam (or pickle) jar. Remember to write the contents of the jar with a permanent marker before placing it in the refrigerator. Within a few days the glue will become gelatinous and you will need to heat it to be able to use it.
Use a glass jar, so in the future, you can heat it with the glue inside
Step 5. Heat the glue and use a brush to apply it
This adhesive is effective while it is hot. For this reason, when you have to use it, it is best to place the jar in a saucepan full of water and put it on the stove over medium heat. Use a brush to spread the glue; it is very effective for adhering fabrics to cardboard, paper to paper or leather to leather.
Method 3 of 3: Adhesive for papier mache
Step 1. Mix 200g of flour with 65g of sugar
Pour both ingredients into a saucepan and work them with a fork or whisk to combine them evenly. If you need more glue, just double the amount. However, remember that unlike commercial adhesives, this is a preservative-free product and will fade after 2-4 weeks.
- You can also sift the flour before using it.
- Modify the recipe according to your needs. The basic proportions include three parts of flour and one of sugar. Next you will need to add more or less water to make the glue liquid or thick. For every 200g of flour, use 5ml of vinegar.
Step 2. In a cup mix 180ml of water with 5ml of white vinegar
You can use a measuring cup for this and mix the ingredients with a spoon or whisk. You will probably need to add more water to the flour and sugar mixture after pouring this mixture with vinegar.
Step 3. Pour the water with vinegar into the saucepan in which you previously mixed the flour with the sugar
Work all the ingredients with a whisk to get a smooth, lump-free mixture. The mixture should have the consistency of a thick dough. When it reaches the desired appearance, add the rest of the water without stopping mixing. It will take 60-180ml of additional water to achieve the consistency you want.
Step 4. Cook the glue over medium heat
Turn on the stove and cook the dough without stopping stirring until it thickens. At this point, you can add more water; not long before the end of the preparation.
Step 5. Let it cool down
When the glue is cold, you can use it for any creative project you want, including making paper mache. At the end, keep the remaining glue in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. The glue lasts about 2-4 weeks.
