This is a reader-supported site. When you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for your support! 🙂
Play Video
We all love paper mache clay because it’s so much easier to use than paper strips and paste, and it dries hard and strong, even with just a thin layer.
But is paper mache clay waterproof?
In this video I explain why it isn’t waterproof, but I also offer a few tips that will let you use it outside anyway – at least for awhile.
Links to posts mentioned in the video:
If you have a way to keep paper mache clay dry permanently, please let us know in the comments below. And be sure to tell us how long you’ve had it outside.
Hi, I heard that clear varnish that is used for ships is good but I don’t know where you can purchase it.
Hi Miki. You can find “spar varnish” in most DIY stores. It will not permanently protect your work, so you’ll have to bring it back inside to dry it out as I mention in the video. I would recommend using a regular exterior urethane varnish for temporary outdoor displays – the marine varnish isn’t any more waterproof, and it tends to be a lot more expensive.
Hi Jonni,
I wonder if paper mache clay would be waterproof if Titebond III were used in it or would it just take forever to dry. Cheers.
Brian
Dan Reeder made a paper mache dragon covered with cloth dipped in wood glue, and he left it in a tree in rainy Seattle for several years. He claims that it was waterproof. I don’t know if the same thing would work for something covered with paper instead of his cloth mache, though. It might be worth a try, but only on some small thing that you don’t mind losing if it doesn’t work. Experiments are fun, though. 🙂
Hi Jonni- good to see you. Of course I know that mache is not waterproof – as is air-dry clay. They all have to be covered with something like paint to do this.