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Whether you're creating a sculpture, pinata, or decoupaging a piece of art, using sturdy papier mâché paste is necessary for creating a strong bond. Try one of these several paste recipes and get your papier mâché crafts started!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Making Your Paste on the Stove

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Papier Mâché Paste
    Measure ½ cup of water, and add it to a pot. Turn the heat on high and bring it to a boil
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Papier Mâché Paste
    Add ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of cold water, and ¾ teaspoon of salt together to a bowl. Mix these well to create a thin paste.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Papier Mâché Paste
    Pour the flour mixture into the boiling water and stir, keeping the mixture at a boil for five minutes. Then, turn off the stove and continue stirring until a thick paste forms.
  4. After a thick paste has formed, leave it to cool on the stove until it is cool to the touch. If you are in a hurry, you can consider letting it set on a cold burner for 15 minutes, and then placing it in the freezer for another 15-20 minutes.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Papier Mâché Paste
    As soon as your paste has cooled to room temperature, it is ready to use! Apply it to your papier mâché project using a paintbrush for the smoothest coat. Don't worry about heating it up again unless it is too thick to use. Store any excess in a glass jar and refrigerate.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Making Paste Using the Shaking Method

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Papier Mâché Paste
    Add ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of cool water, and ¾ teaspoon of salt to a plastic bag. If you would like, you can optionally add food coloring to change the hue of your glue.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Papier Mâché Paste
    Close the top of the bag and check that it is secure. Then, shake the bag vigorously to mix all the ingredients. Use your fingers to squish any lumps of flour that won't mix in.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Papier Mâché Paste
    When you are certain that your paste is well stirred, you can cut a small hole at one of the bottom corners of the bag.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Papier Mâché Paste
    Hold the bag like you would an icing bag and gently squeeze the paste from the corner. Use a paintbrush to spread out the glue over the item you are decoupaging.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How long does it take papier mache to dry?
    Community Answer
    It take about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the piece you are making, and how humid it is in your area. Thicker pieces will take longer to dry than thinner pieces. Also, it will take longer for your piece to dry if it is very damp or humid in your area.
  • Question
    Can I make massive amounts at once?
    Community Answer
    Sure, you can make as much as you want. Just make sure to multiply all of the ingredients by the same number to keep the consistency right.
  • Question
    Can I dip the paper into the glue and stick it to the project instead of spreading it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Make sure your paper is appropriately sized, in squares circles or strips for your container. Also, you will need to hold the paper over the bowl to allow excess glue to drip back in or it'll make a mess.
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      Tips

      1. Be sure to clean the bowls you use to create your paste thoroughly after use to avoid cleaning dried glue later.
      2. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your paste to remove the unpleasant smell of flour and water.
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      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make papier mâché paste, bring ½ cup (120 ml) of water to a boil in a large pot. While the water is heating up, mix ½ cup (112.5 g) of flour, ½ cup (120 ml) of cold water, and ¾ teaspoon (1.3 g) of salt together in a bowl to create a thin paste. Next, pour the flour mixture into the boiling water, stir, and continue boiling it for five minutes. Then, turn off the stove and continue stirring the mixture until a thick paste forms. As soon as the paste has cooled to room temperature, it's ready to use! If you want to learn how to make your paste with white school glue, keep reading the article!

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        Jul 12, 2017

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