Paper mache tests, part I

So I have had this site linked for a while. I’m old school and I also like to know how and why methods are used. I was always perplexed why we just tore strips of paper for our paper mash projects. There was nothing machy or pulpy about it. At all.

Turns out like with everything what we were taught in school was “lies to children” as in we were not taught the full method. What I know I was taught was basically the support stuff not how to detail.

http://home.eol.ca/~props/recipes.html#rec1

These are all for modelling types of mash. I have adapted recipe 2 for my Maleficent horns. So to this end:

Mash mixes:

1 roll kitchen paper towels- recycled paper &

3L of boiling water

3 heaped dessert spoons flour &

2/3 cup cold water &

2 cups boiling water

250ml outdoor pva

extra roll of paper towels, extra PVA glue

 

Paper pulp:

Boil 1L hot water in a very large pot. CAUTION- SAFETY BREAK! Make sure to use a pot that is at least twice the volume of the water. Paper is solid and when water boils the bubbles will build up underneath until they are big enough to move solid wet paper several inches deep! This will usually mean a significant force and so potentially will boil over or splash and burn you. I used a large stock pot.

Start tearing paper in to strips. CAUTION- this will take some time! I boiled water in a separate jug to add to the boiling water as I added paper.

First start pulling paper from the roll and fold along the perforated lines. I do about five sheets. Then tear with the grain- in this case it is with the length of the roll- along all five layers of sheet. Strips can be up to an inch wide. Then tear across. CAUTION- this is difficult and you will tear diagnonally as the paper wants to tear with the grain all the time.

Add paper to the water aiming for a balance between wetness, safety and maximum paper:water ratio. One roll will take a lot of water.

Once finished simmer for 2 hours. Am currently 30mins in to this.. sigh!

 

Paste:

Boil the larger amount of water in a medium pot. Mix flour and cold water to a slurry. Once water is boiling quickly pour and beat the slurry in to the pot.

Stir and immediately set to simmer. Strain while hot but not boiling and set aside to cool. Currently waiting for the mix to cool.

Next post will be about making the support frame! While waiting for the mixes to cool before mixing them together!

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