Q&A for How to Make Papier Mâché Paste

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.

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.

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.

Acrylic paint can change how the glue adheres. Try using food coloring or a natural dye instead.

School glue, water by the gallon, and bowls can be found at most discount stores, dollar stores, or supermarkets. This can make Method 3.

Yes.

Yes, wallpaper paste is a good substitute. Keep in mind, however, that wallpaper paste takes longer to dry compared to the standard flour, water, and salt paste.

Your local dollar store should have it, along with stationery stores and office supplies retailers.

Yes, clear glue works. You can use plain white glue, clear glue, or even glitter glue, as long as you keep the same proportions in order to keep the same consistency.

Table salt should work just fine, but try to avoid using big sea salt rocks.

You can use any type of flour.

Not if you use it in due time and take care of your finished product.

You have to put glue on your hands, then pick up the piece, lather it in glue, then get a paint brush. Make sure the brush is only wet by a little bit of water, then gently brush it on.

Yes. This will make it much stickier, but it also may make it harder to work with.

Water makes the glue thinner and easier to apply.

No, because you need it to be liquid glue.

Probably the last method where you soak the paper in the paper in the mixture.

If you must dry quicker, use a warm oven at 200 degrees F, and check it every 5 - 10 minutes.

Yes, you can use PVA glue, or any type of white glue, such as school glue or tacky glue.

You can, but it will probably be harder to form as opposed to putting it on something.

The paste is ready when it's smooth and cool. There shouldn't be any large lumps. You can test its stickiness with your hand or another object by sticking it in the mixture as well.

It could, over time. Also, flour-eating bugs can get into it. So, you should use the paste shortly after making it.

For method #3, measure out some quantity of water, and then add three times the amount in glue. For example: if you wanted 100ml of the glue mixture, you would need 25ml of water and 75ml of glue. If you want more than that, just keep adding water and glue at a 1:3 ratio.

Yes, you can, but it would be faster if you cut them into big pieces.

Yes, just make sure you don't pour water in it or it can get moldy. It will last about 6 to 7 days.

I tried this and it definitely works. Just make sure you stir it well to avoid any chunks.

No, it will dry foggy and unclear if you do that. Instead, use normal glue to decoupage.

If you are making a smaller batch, then use 1 cup of glue to 1/3 cup of water. When making a bigger batch, you can adjust the measurements to 3 cups glue to 1 cup of water.

White Elmer's glue should work for the third method. You can also use clear or glitter glue if you have that on hand.

Storing the paste in an airtight container or another Ziplock (resealable) bag should do just fine.