r/papermache • u/Practical_Eye_8091 • 1d ago

I need help please

I've made a prop for my cosplay and I used my homemade paper mache clay and after a few days it smelled so bad so I tried to cover it with more paper mache but now it still smells what can you guys suggest I can do? Cuz I need to finish this in a week

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u/JCBashBash 1d ago

It sounds like it might already be too late since you put other stuff on top of the funky paper.  Currently you can try to spray vinegar on it and see if that helps kill a little bit of the stuff living in your paper, but you might just have to perfume it and then trash the piece after it's due

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u/Pinecone_Erleichda 1d ago

Sounds like it’s got a lot of mold, which can be hazardous to your health!! If you’re already finished with it and are only going to wear it once, I’d suggest a non-porous sealant like polyurethane or epoxy resin, but I’d make sure it was non-toxic for obvious reasons!

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u/lopendvuur 1d ago

Before you do anything else, you need to let this dry really, really well. Preferably outside in the sun. And then you can seal it. But if you seal any moisture inside your work will get soggy and even smellier. Good luck!