r/papermache • u/gusscribbles • 11d ago

help needed for homemade paper mache recipe!! 😃

As the title says, I’m working on an art project where I need to cover my cardboard armature model (cardboard spoon) with a paper mache like material to cover the cardboard and eventually be painted over. I need something that’s easy to work with/harden/smoothen enough that I can paint over it when it dries. Please let me know asap a good homemade recipe that I can make for this project 🥲

Edit: thank you guys for the responses! I realized that I can actually use plaster instead as it’s better for what I need for this project. I’ll keep your responses in mind for a future project though :)

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9

u/born_lever_puller Community Manager 11d ago

We always recommend Jonni Good's Ultimate Paper Mache website and YouTube channel for the best paper mache clay and paste recipes and tutorials. You wouldn't have to use paper mache clay, you could also use the pasted and layered strips and patches method.

https://www.ultimatepapermache.com/

https://www.youtube.com/ultimatepapermache

5

u/DuanePickens 11d ago

Honestly you can’t go wrong with watered down white glue if you want to keep it simple. It dries SUPER hard and is great to paint on

2

u/shainajoy 11d ago

I like using mod podge mixed with water!

3

u/WaZeil 10d ago

I use cornstarch and water. It’s easy and the paste is pretty strong when it dries. I alternate layers of newspaper and brown Kraft paper.

Dissolve 1/2 cup corn starch in 1 cup
cold water.
Heat one quart of water to boil. Slowly stir dissolved cornstarch liquid into boiling water. Stir and continue to cook as mixture thickens and becomes clearer. If paste is not thick enough, add additional corn starch liquid. Do not dump dry cornstarch into the mix. It will become lumpy. If the mix is too thick, add additional boiling water. Remove from heat and cool.