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To see the video I mentioned in the video, for making paper mache smooth if it doesn’t come out the way you want it, click here.
Although that video shows a sculpture made with paper mache clay, the method works just as well for making paper strips and paste smooth without sanding.
But it’s always better to make the paper mache go on as smoothly as possible right from the start. It cuts down a lot on how much time it takes to finish your sculpture.
To make your paper mache go on as nicely as possible, follow these 5 easy tips:
1 Use newspaper, because it’s a very soft paper that molds itself to the underlying form when it’s wet. White copy paper is slightly stiffer, but you can still get it to work if you’re patient. Anything harder than that will make your job a lot more difficult.
2 Tear the paper instead of cutting it. If you cut your paper you’ll have visible lines all through your work. Those hard edges can be sanded, if you used enough layers so the sandpaper doesn’t cut all the way through to the underlying armature – but if you tear instead of cut, the paper edges will melt into each other.
3 If a piece doesn’t lay flat, tear it in the right spots so it doesn’t wrinkle. If you tear the paper in just the right places as you’re laying the strips onto the armature, you can overlap the small pieces. That way, your paper will follow the contours, and the final sculpture won’t have bumps of extra paper in all the wrong places.
4 Use small pieces over complex shapes. I always use the largest piece of paper that I can for any particular spot, but some areas really need small pieces of paper. The cow’s eye in the video is a good example of that. That’s also the areas that are most likely to have details that could be lost if you don’t go slowly and carefully. A tool can help you push your pieces of paper deep into the details.
5 And use a knife or your fingers to push the paper onto the form and remove all air bubbles and push the extra paste out from under the paper.
What if your paper mache still isn’t as smooth as you want it to be?
Sometimes paper strips and paste don’t come out quite as nice as you want it to, no matter how careful you are. If that happens, don’t worry – it’s easy to fix. Watch this video here to see how to make your paper mache smooth without sanding. And yes, the method works for both paper strips and paper mache clay.
By the way, if you haven’t downloaded “The 5 Best Recipes for Paper Mache,” which includes the raw flour and water paste that I used in this video, you can find the PDF here.
And the patterns for the masks and wall art behind me in the video can be found here:
Do you have any questions? Be sure to ask in the comment section below.
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Hi Jonni! I am really enjoying your videos and I am learning a lot.
I have been reading comments about weevils eggs in the flour hatching and boring out, and ruining papier-mâché. I was wondering if talcum powder can be used instead of flour or if microwaving the flour before using it would help? Thank you
Hi Lynda. Are you trying to find a way to make paper mache clay without flour? We have a video for that. Another option that wasn’t mentioned in that video is to replace the flour with powdered marble (calcium carbonate). Talc might do the same thing, but I haven’t tried it. Are you trying to make paper mache paste with talcum powder instead of flour? I really don’t’ think that would work. It’s possible that you could microwave or even freeze the flour to kill the eggs, but I don’t know if that actually works or not.
i love your videos and your tips, thank you so much for sharing! all the best 🙂
You’re welcome! 🙂
Hey Jonni. I have recently started making paper mache light shades using regular printer paper and balloons but i really am not keen on the texture once it dries. Plus it’s very heavy and takes up to two weeks to dry. I have just tried using your clay recipe using toilet paper and i love the stuff! It comes out so smooth. Unfortunately, once the shade is dry it tends to tear round the edges and is just a bit too flimsy. Can you recommend anything that might make the shade a little stronger? Thank you.
Eleanor, are you using the air dry clay recipe of the original paper mache clay? The original recipe is the strongest recipe I have, and normally dries as hard as a rock. How thick is the layer?
Sorry. I emailed instead. Thank you for your response. It is the original recipe and it is around 1 cm thickness.
Eleanor.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen it do that. At that thickness it should dry very hard, even on the edges. You might want to try asking your question on the Daily Sculptors page – one of my readers might have an answer for you.
Hi Jonni! SO grateful for all that you share! I’ve been sitting on a number of ideas that I’m excited I can explore more confidently using your tips and techniques. To clarify, when you wrote above “And yes, the method works for both paper strips and paper mache clay.” are you saying that when I’m not in the mood for using paper clay, joint compound can be spatula’d directly on a piece that is only covered with paper strips, then smoothed etc. as layed out in your instructions? Thanks again….
Yes, you can use a paper-thin layer of drywall joint compound over dried paper strips and paste. You’ll want a firm armature under it, though, because the joint compound can crack if flexed. I use acrylic gesso over it, which seems to make it stronger.
I’ve also found that you can apply a thin layer of the joint compound with your hands, let it set up just for a minute or two, and then use a damp finger to smooth it off. It’s really easy. The joint compound can dry out your hands, though, so you might want to use gloves. Or use the spatula, which works really well, too. Have fun!
Oh goodie! Yes indeed, I grabbed gesso same time I picked up the joint compound. I’ll share pix up the road. Thanks again!
How many layers of the Paper Mache? I’m using flour and water. At 77 haven’t done this since maybe the 60s with balloons. I’ve done one layer of paper mache, and am waiting for the joint compound to arrive. Should I put another layer on before the compound? I use the word joint compound loosely. It is what every you suggested in the directions for the giraffe. I love it even without painting, but I am going to paint it and send in a pricture. I’m really a newbe but glad I’m not a want-a-be.
Hi Vicki. There’s no set rule about how many layers of paper mache you need. You’ll want it to be solid when it dries, so there isn’t a lot of ‘give’ in it when you press the sculpture. It shouldn’t take more than one or two layers with the giraffe, because the cardboard gives it so much support.
I can’t wait to see how it comes out. In fact, we all want to see it. Be sure to post your giraffe on the Daily Sculptors page to show it off. 🙂
Hi, I’ve been doing paper mache since I was a child and used flour n water as my paste. Not any more. I use water n white glue. The reason I stopped using flour base paste is that flour has itty bitty benign bug eggs. After a few years I started noticing tiny holes in my work. It was the bugs finally emerging from flour. My pieces were ruined. Thousands of teeny tiny holes appeared. These bugs ate through paper, paint n varnish. The pieces I made as a child were ruined. My Mom was sad to see my childhood art destroyed. Depending on how many bugs come out, if there are thousands, the piece crumbles, les holes, and art work is. ruined. So I don’t recommend flour. Yes it’s cheaper, but in time these little bugs come out n all your work is ruined. Sometimes they come out in as little as weeks or months. But after a few years they will definitely emerge. It’s happens to everyone, not using flour very often n it sits for a few months. And we see bugs n weevils. And we toss it. The eggs of these critters are in all flour. So consider the use of white glue n water paste instead of flour paste.
Hi Alecia. I’m sorry so much of your work was ruined. I wonder if those bugs only live in certain places. I’ve never had that happen to me.
Hi Jonni,
I stumbled upon your YouTube channel while hoping to make a set of bowls that I saw in a magazine. Is the paper mache clay water proof/resistant after drying or is there something else I should use. The bowls won’t go in the dish washer or be immersed in water, but I will need to clean them with a wet cloth at times.
Thank you,
Hi Faith. Any good varnish will harden enough so you can wipe off dust with a lightly damp cloth. The artists’ acrylic varnishes don’t seem to yellow as much as the sealers used by woodworkers, but they might not give as much protection from water.
Hey there! I am trying to figure out a cheap way to make some Malificent wings that I want to be over half my body length (I’m 5’3″). So far I think I’ll make the shape of the wing with some kind of wire I can mold. Then I was brainstorming how to fill it in because I found this method of using paper plates for feathers.
Here’s where my question comes in: do you think it would work to tightly wrap plastic wrap over the frame and then paper mache it so I can have a base to glue feathers on?
The reason I’m going with wire instead of cardboard for the frame is because her song shape is very specific.
Thanks for any advice you may have!
Hi Kelsey. Your paper mache might not stick to plastic wrap. However, you could use the plastic to get your shapes, and then cover it with masking tape. After that, a few layers of paper mache would stick and make it fairly stiff, and you could add your feathers. By the way, we would love to see how they come out. The Daily Sculptors page is a great place for both questions and to show off your work, because many people stop there first to see what other artists have made.
Use chicken wire for your armature and cover it. It’s inexpensive, bends and rolls easily. You might consider gloves, chicken wire is pokey.
Jonni,
Maybe I haven’t found it on your website, or maybe it’s in your books. But when should you use paper mache clay vs. paper mache paste and strips?
Hi Sammie. It’s up to you, of course – but there are times when I prefer the paper and paste, and other times I prefer the paper mache clay. And many of my readers always use the air dry clay as a top thin layer, no matter which recipe they use for the first layer. I use the paper mache clay in a thin layer on most items, but when I get to very thin edges, like around an ear that’s made with cereal box cardboard, I put the paper strips around those edges. I also like the paper strips around really thin areas, like very thin legs, or anything that’s just wire that needs to be covered. Paper mache clay doesn’t behave well in those circumstances. It works well everywhere else, though. But many people do still use paper strips and paste exclusively with beautiful results, so it really depends on which materials you’re most comfortable with. Don’t know if that helps… 🙂
Oh I should have proofread my comment from earlier today. I meant to say I am using a plastic mannequin torso as a form to apply the paper mache. and then it will be released from this form when finished.
Hi Jonni! I am so excited that I stumbled across your site! What a great way to be introduced to this medium. Your videos are not at all ‘painful’ to view as you certainly have a flow to your videos and your voice is very soothing. (Some can be soooooooo ultra boring or have this voice that I just cannot listen to) It is like watching an old friend teach me the tricks of their trade.
Since I have just started my project I was needing some advice as to how many layers I should apply to keep my structure strong. I have sed a plastic mannequin (1/2 torso only) so when done, will hang on a wall for display
I was going to apply some paint and possibly some other materials – copper weaving to parts of it) I also want to remove (cut away a big hole in the center )a piece from the middle inside of the torso to incorporate the copper weaving.
Therefore, how many layers should i use (with pva glue/water paste) and what would you cut it with. I was thinking of perhaps a dremel or an electric knife?
Your thoughts and inputs would be wonderful.
Thanks in advance,
Cathy
Hi Cathy. I don’t use glue and strips of paper very often, so I’m not sure how thickly the paper mache should be applied. However, I recently experimented with Titebond II glue and newspaper strips, and I was pretty impressed with how strong just a few layers can be. I was able to cut two layers with regular scissors, but you would need a Dremel tool or really sharp shears to cut four layers or more. For something that large, though, and if it’s going to support some mixed media additions, you might want to consider using plaster cloth as a base, just two or three layers, and add a few layers of your strips and paste on top of it to make it smooth. The fibers in the plaster cloth make it quite strong, and it hardens in just a few minutes. It should hold up well to the copper and other items you intend to use. Be sure to use a release of some kind so whatever you use isn’t permanently struck to the torso.
Have fun with it!
Hello, Jonni – I plan a large “paper mache” sculpture, and wonder if there is a better/stronger alternative to flour paste. I’m wondering about a dilute PVA glue, and if that might work. Do you have any tips or links on this subject?
Thanks, Carlo
Hi Carlo. The strongest recipe on this site is the paper mache clay recipe. A thin layer dries very hard. For a paste that you use with paper strips, I’ve tried the diluted PVA glue and it doesn’t seem to be any stronger than flour and water paste. Wood glue might be stronger, but I haven’t tested it.
Hi Jonni! It’s been a while since I’ve discovered you and I’m glad I did! I am just beginning making masks and I have a lot to learn. I just wanted to say that I love your work, your warmth and your clearness in explaining your techniques.
I was watching one of your videos and I realized that I was going to close YouTube once the video was done and start doing what you thought me! But that is wrong! I have seen that the video had 1.1 k views and just 99 likes! That is rude. It’s like reciveing a gift and not say thank you! So I will not do that again! I hit like and for the first time made a comment on a website I follow.
Thank you for teaching!
P.S. You remind me of my art teacher witch I loved and admired! ??
Hi Laura. Thank you! Both for your comment, and for ‘liking’ my video. That was very kind of you. 🙂
Jonni I love the cow mask. I also love the way you teach. That’s the way I learn. I bought your book “Make animal sculptures with paper mache clay and had fun with the chicken, am working on the fish now. I want to get that cow mask pattern when it comes out is just so cute. Thank you for your videos, books blogs and website. I really enjoy them.
Hi Taz. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the videos – and you’ve made a great start on the book, too. We would love to see your first project, but it looks like your image didn’t load with your comment. It was probably too big. You can make it smaller with this free image resizer if you don’t have an image editing program. I do hope you’ll try again. 🙂
Thank you Jonni. I resized it 50% so I hope it works now.
Oops – no, it didn’t. Is the image under 250 kb?
Thank you Jonni for your tips on smooth paper mache. I always, always get lumps and bumps which is annoying, so going to try your hot water and flour and be a bit more patient and press down to get rid of the air bubbles etc. Thanks again.
You’re welcome! I hope it comes out better for your next time. 🙂
Jonni, your website is amazing. You are a natural teacher, and your collection of videos and recipes is a real resource. Thank you!
Thanks, Nikki!
Hi Jonni,
I’m looking for something I can use to make yard decoration for the holidays. I’m wanting to make hands and face for Santa and maybe an Elf or two. Can you recommend a way I could do this? I live in Ohio
Thank you!
Lisa
Hi Lisa. If you only leave the items outside when it isn’t raining or snowing you can use paper mache that has been sealed with an exterior varnish. For long-term, you might try Flex Seal. Some people have had really good luck with it, but it didn’t work for others. If you wanat to keep your Santa and Elf for next season, I’d recommend using Apoxie Sculpt or some other brand of epoxy clay instead of paper mache. It’s waterproof. My squirrel has been outside in SW Minnesota for four years, summer and winter. It still looks exactly the same that it did when it was first made.
Dear Jonni, I have not been able to work on my projects because life keeps getting in the way, but I wanted to tell you that I really enjoy your posts and sincerely appreciate your generosity in sharing your knowledge. I have learned so much from you! I have one of your books and hope to be able to make a replica of my little Chihuahua dog soon. Thanks again!
Hi Maria – I’m glad you enjoy the posts, and I hope you can make that Chihuahua soon. I can’t wait to see it!
Jonni, YOU ROCK!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you share all the most wonderful Paper Mache tips with us peeps out in the world. Sending you much gratitude for spreading all your expertise!
Gosh – thanks, Colette!
Hi Jonni, I love paper mache and enjoy reading your tips, thank you 🙂 warmest regards, Miki
Thanks, Miki!
I love the cow mask – even still with all the newspaper showing I can see she’s a beauty.
Thanks, Angela. I’ve really had fun with this one. I can’t wait to see how it looks after it’s painted. 🙂