What Kind of Reality Check Do I Need Quiz
Q&A for How to Create Papier Mâché
Coming soon
Search
-
QuestionAfter I have the solid ball, can I add things like ears and a tail and make a cat? If so, how would I do that?Community AnswerYes! Wait for everything to dry first, then cut cardboard into some ear shapes, and tape it onto the "body." Cover it with more paper mache, and wait for it to dry. You can do the same with the tail, or use string instead.
-
QuestionHow long does it take for papier mache to dry?Community AnswerDrying time depends on the thickness of the paper and paste, but most projects are dry within a few hours.
-
QuestionDo we have to put salt in the flour paste?Community AnswerThe salt stops mold from growing, so it's a useful ingredient.
-
QuestionHow do you take the balloon out?Community AnswerPop the balloon after the paper mixture has dried onto the balloon. Remove any broken parts of the balloon that might be sticking to your project with a craft knife. If you can't grab the popped balloon with your fingers, use a knitting needle or similar item to capture it and pull it out. Or, just leave it in there if it's not a problem to do so.
-
QuestionWhat am I doing wrong if the papier mache doesn't harden?Community AnswerThe mixture might be too thick or too thin. If it's too thin or thick, adjust accordingly. Add more adhesive base if it's too thin, and more water if it's too thick.
-
QuestionHow long does each layer take to dry?Community AnswerThis depends on room temperature, thickness of the layers, and how liquid-y your glue was. Consider putting your project above a heater or in the sun; this will speed up the drying process considerably.
-
QuestionDo I have to use a balloon or can I use a box or something like that?Community AnswerIf you use a box, you would not be able to remove it properly or at all. If that fits with your design needs, then by all means use a box or other container. On the other hand, if you want the design to be lightweight and easy to hang, then it needs to be made with a balloon.
-
QuestionCan I use a bowl instead of a balloon to make a papier-mâché bowl?Community AnswerYes, but consider wrapping the bowl with plastic wrap, or coating it with non-stick cooking spray first. This will make it easier to remove once everything dries.
-
QuestionCan I use cloth strips?Community AnswerNo. Cloth strips are not smooth enough to paint over, and if you do, the paint will lump onto the cloth.
-
QuestionCan I make Papier Mache without balloons?Community AnswerYes - you just need some type of base. You could use cardboard for example, anything you can stick the Papier Mache to.
-
QuestionHow many layers will I need to do for a 36-inch balloon (hot air balloon) which will be painted? Can I leave the balloon intact when It is finished and dried or do I need to 'pop' it?Community AnswerMake about five to six layers; in between the third and fourth layer, use am exacto or craft knife and cut it to remove the balloon. Then do a few more layers to be safe and, when finished, add hairspray when you are finished painting.
-
QuestionHow do I use the paste?Community AnswerDip a strip of newspaper into the mixture. Then apply the newspaper to the model base. More paste can be added once the newspaper is on the model/mold, if needed.
-
QuestionDo I need a special type of paint?Community AnswerUse acrylic paint.
-
QuestionHow much time does it take to dry?Community AnswerThat depends on the consistency of your paste. But for most projects, it's a few hours.
-
QuestionHow many layers are needed if we don't want to remove the object on which we are applying the paper mache?Community AnswerThree layers should suffice.
-
QuestionIs it a must for it to be dry before painting it, and why must it be dry before using it?Community AnswerIf it is still wet, it will still be flimsy and hard to handle or paint. And if you are doing a sculpture, it may collapse.
-
QuestionIs a part equal to 1 cup?Community Answer2 part are equal to 1 cup. In other words, divide the number of parts by 2 to get the number of cups needed to correspond to the given instructions.
-
QuestionDon't I need to apply a white sheet paper for the last layer?Community AnswerYou don't have to, but you can if you want to. Instead of using white paper, consider painting over your project with a few layers of primer or gesso first. This will make your surface a nice, crisp white. It will also make it smoother.
-
QuestionCan papier mache be applied to wood?Community AnswerYes, you can apply papier mache to wood.
-
QuestionIs there an easier way than pasting every paper piece separately?Community AnswerYou can try to use an entire piece of paper instead of going strip by strip, but it wouldn't be as smooth. It just depends on how much you care about the way it looks.
-
QuestionCan I use something other than newspaper for my strips?Community AnswerYes; you can use any other thin paper, such as tissue paper. You can also use regular paper for the final layer.
-
QuestionWhy do I need to paint the ball on with cooking oil beforehand?Community AnswerCooking oil prevents things from sticking, like a non-stick property. Spraying the balloon would give the balloon a non-stick property, so the newspaper doesn't not stick to the balloon. This is an optional step, but it certainly makes things easier.
-
QuestionHow do I make pulp papier mache?ChigulCommunity AnswerYou'll have to soak the newspaper in water for some time. After that, you'll have to add a bowl of already prepared starch to the soaked newspaper without draining it and shape away!
-
QuestionHow do I cut it if I need to make a container that can open and close?Community AnswerMake a cut to separate the two pieces using something like an X-Acto knife. Then attach the two parts at the pivot point by gluing either cloth strips or a hinge to the movable parts. Once that is attached, you can paint the project as you see fit.
-
QuestionCommunity Answer
-
QuestionIf I used glue for the first layer, can I use flour and water for the subsequent layers?Community AnswerYes. Once it's dry, the adhesive shouldn't matter. It should just harden on top of that as well.
-
QuestionCan I make a cat using paper mache?Community AnswerYes, you can.
-
QuestionHow could I make a big papier mâché whale?Helen CCommunity AnswerGet as many newspapers as you can. Scrunch up pages into balls and start building a structure by binding the rolls together using masking tape (you can papier mâché over masking tape). It wouldn't be as light as a balloon, but would definitely retain a good shape.
-
QuestionCan I use a print out of a picture and apply it to wood using this method?Community AnswerFor something like that, you'd be better off just using Mod Podge, which is designed for that sort of thing.
-
QuestionCan I leave the papier mache unpainted?Community AnswerYes, if you prefer it unpainted.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit