Q&A for How to Make Paper Clay

Any kind of flour will work.

Yes you can. However. the timing for each step would take a little longer due to the consistency of the paper.

Yes. It can be sanded, drilled and carved.

Paper clay is a form of air dry clay that is non-toxic and has a wood-like texture that can be drilled, sanded, or carved. Other air dry clays may have different finishes, colors, or textures. They may not be non-toxic. It is best to read the product description or ingredients list carefully. As far as quality, it depends on the purpose and project. Paper clay is great for projects that could also use soft wood or paper ache and for projects that cannot be baked or fired in a kiln.

Since the purpose of the flour is to absorb water and create gluten to provide elasticity, then hypothetically any dry, glutenous powder could be substituted (including corn starch or tapioca starch).

Paper clay is very light compared to other forms of clay. The overall weight of the finished sculpture depends on the size, amount of product needed, and the form/armature used underneath the clay. Plaster gauze, masking tape and flexible aluminum-wire forms provide a very lightweight base to build on with clay.

Yes, Polyfilla by LePage is a brand of joint compound. It's also known as drywall compound. It can be bought in small or large quantities at any hardware store.

Paper clay has very little give once dried. It has a rigidity similar to the soft balsa wood used for making models.

After the clay is made, take any portion you like, and you can add a blob of any color with acrylic paint. Make sure to mix and knead, so the paint colors the clay accordingly.

No, as you need it for the consistency.

Yes, you can use any type of mixer as long as the material is well blended. It would be best to buy a cheap hand mixer to use. This will ensure no possible cross-contamination with your cooking area.

It's called "wall putty" in India. Perhaps searching for something similar in Sri Lanka would be useful. Joint compound is basically like an adhesive filler builders use to strengthen their work.

Yes. Always use your safety equipment with working with arts and crafts.

Yes you can, but don't put the glue on too thick.

Baby oil that is made from mineral oil works as well.

Yes, given time soaking in water, the glue will soften and largely revert to the soft, moldable state.

You can go to a dollar store and get a small tub of it in the hardware section. I've gotten 2 uses out of each tub.

Unless you use a varnish or lacquer finish to waterproof your project, it won't stand up to the elements. You can even Mod Podge it to make it water resistant.

Pre-mixed joint compound has an inhibitor that keeps the compound from drying too fast, leaving more time to work with it. Powdered kinds often dry too fast and/or clump. Most drywall compound has a mold inhibitor as well, which will keep a sculpt from growing mold if there is high humidity.

Flour will help reduce stickiness. Do not add too much as it can compromise its ability to stay together when it dries.

It is not recommended, as it will leave you with a very weak object.

No, you need it for consistency and texture, otherwise it will be a mess.

Yes. Adding more than one coat of matte, satin, gloss or high-gloss acrylic sealer will enhance colors and textures, as well as add a protective layer against fading or liquid accidents. A few thin coats (allowing each coat to dry between layers) also leaves an easier to dust/clean finish.

You can paint it with almost anything, but oil paints will take a long time to dry, particularly if you apply it in a thick layer.

Add flour to your paper clay. This can lessen the stickiness caused by glue or water. But remember to add it by intervals, a little at a time, because adding too much flour can cause it to dry up, especially when it is exposed to air.

You don't need to leave the toilet paper to soak for a very long time, just a few seconds until it is completely wet.

You can use either cornstarch or flour. Do not use both in one mixture.

This won't stick well to glass or slick plastic. It might stick to plastic that is scored or rough, but it's best when used over plaster cloth, foil, cardboard or paper mache.

You can use a spoon or spatula or even your hands to mix it, it will just take a little longer.

Mineral oil is a distillation product of petroleum that's often used as a lubricant, moisturizer, or laxative. It can be found at your local pharmacy (and sometimes your grocery store).