Preparing almost everything you need from scratch, including following a paper mache recipe, makes handcrafting more enjoyable and fulfilling. Standard paper mache involves adhesives, but you can also opt for paper mache clay dough to accomplish your projects. So, let’s learn how to make DIY “glue” and clay dough.
Which is the Best Paper Mache Recipe
The purpose of a paper mache recipe is to have glue to bind layers of paper together. The best paper mache recipe depends on your purpose, how long you require your project to last and what level of detail you need in your artwork. The two most common recipes are made from flour or white glue and water. Since paper mache is commonly used for kids crafts, most people make the flour mixture since it is easy to make, cheap and safe to use. Glue paper mache gives stronger results.
In this tutorial, I will show you 5 different methods of making a paper mache recipe.
- Paper mache recipe with flour (recommended for kids crafts).
- Paper mache recipe with flour and glue resin (stronger version for adult crafts.)
- Paper mache recipe with white glue (strong glue for adult crafts.)
- Paper mache clay recipe (great for modelling and fine details).
- Paper mache clay recipe with compound.
Paper Mache Recipe with Flour
By now, you might be familiar with the basic homemade paper mache paste recipe, especially if you’ve been practicing this craft for a while. The good news is, you can step it up by using the following paper mache recipes that help resolve some common issues brought about by the flour component.
Recipe #1 - Easiest Flour Paper Mache Recipe
You can use this homemade adhesive as soon as you’re done preparing it. However, it can last for a few days when refrigerated, so go ahead and make extra if you plan to do lots of projects within a short period. Below is the procedure recommended by most crafters.
Flour Paper Mache Recipe - Supplies
For this paper mache recipe for a homemade adhesive, make sure you have the following ready:
- A Mixing Bowl: Aptly named, you will use this to mix ingredients. Thus, make sure that the bowl you choose is large and deep enough to prevent spills. Spillage will not only cause a mess but can waste your ingredients.
- Whisk or Hand Blender: You’ll use this to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Choosing between the two will be based on your personal preference, but, of course, the hand blender will help you accomplish the task easier and more quickly.
- Gluten-Free Flour: This type of flour will ensure safety, especially if you’re working with kids or have kids and/or pets around. Nonetheless, you can replace this with all-purpose flour.
- Water: This ingredient will help mix the ingredients included in this paper mache recipe well.
- Salt: This ingredient makes this adhesive different from the standard homemade flour-based glue. It will help prevent molds and rots, prolonging your homemade adhesive’s shelf life.
- Container With an Airtight Lid: This item is where you’ll store the adhesive you made using this paper mache recipe safely when and when not in use.
Flour Paper Mache Recipe - Step by Step Instructions
Now that you have all the materials ready, you can start making your DIY adhesive. All you have to do is follow these paper mache recipe steps:
- In your mixing bowl, place one part of the flour with two parts of water. For example, mix a cup of flour with two cups of water.
- Using the whisk or hand blender, mix the two ingredients until you no longer see any lumps.
- Check the mixture’s consistency, which is, ideally, should be the same as pancake batter. If it’s not, you can add flour or water little by little, depending on whether it’s too thin or thick.
- Once you achieved the right consistency, add at least two tablespoons of salt, and then mix using your whisk or hand blender.
- Transfer the paste to your container, whether you’ll use it now or for later.
- If you won’t use it or are done using it, cover it with the lid tightly and put it inside your refrigerator.
- To use the paper mache glue, tear strips of paper, cover them in glue and then apply them to your base.
Bonus Tip for Flour Paper Mache Recipe
This adhesive will have an odd smell that won’t work for anyone, but there’s a good hack for this issue. That is, to add a few pinches of cinnamon to the mixture.
Likewise, you can change the mixture’s color to the paste by adding a few drops of food coloring. Just note that it can stain your clothes or any fabric, so it’s best to wear your art or work clothes.
Recipe #2 - Flour and Glue Paper Mache Recipe
Another alternative to standard types of glue for paper mache is the flour-resin adhesive. The product made out of this paper mache recipe can last up to about a week when refrigerated. However, you’ll notice changes in the consistency after a few days, so it’s best to make just enough.
Flour and Glue Paper Mache Recipe - Supplies
Like the first homemade adhesive, you should prepare a mixing bowl, a whisk or hand blender, a container with an airtight lid, water, and flour. In addition, you must have the following on hand:
- A Pot: This paper mache recipe requires boiling, so you need a mid-sized pot that can hold all the ingredients and more.
- Measuring Cups: These tools will help you measure the ingredients accurately.
- Resin Glue Powder: This ingredient helps the product have better texture and binding abilities. Glue powder is a powdered wood glue that is activated by adding water. It can be found at many craft stores and hardware stores.
Flour and Glue Paper Mache Recipe - Step by Step Instructions
The steps you need to take to succeed in preparing this paper mache recipe are as follows:
- Measure three cups of water, place it in your pot, and bring it to a boil.
- While waiting, start preparing your flour-glue mixture. Measure half a cup of powdered resin glue and put it in your mixing bowl. Add a cup of flour.
- Using your whisk or hand blender, mix the two ingredients until you no longer see any lumps.
- When the water starts to boil, slowly stir in your flour-resin mixture and mix.
- Allow it to boil until you see a smooth and clear mixture. This usually takes two to three minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and place it in a stable, safe place.
- Once it slightly cools, transfer the paste to your container, whether you’ll use it now or for later.
- If you won’t use it or are done using it, cover it with the lid tightly and put it inside your refrigerator.
Paper Mache Recipie with Glue
Recipe #3 - Paper Mache with Glue
Paper mache made with glue is stronger than the recipe made with flour. It is best suited to adults making paper mache projects rather than kids. As well as being stronger, glue paper mache recipes last longer and are less prone to rotting.
Glue Paper Mache Recipe - Supplies
- White Glue: There are many types of glue that can be used, but the best is wood glue, PVA glue or white glue. Ensure that the glue dries clear.
- Water
- Mixing Bowls
Glue Paper Mache Recipe - Step by Step Instructions
- Add some white glue to your mixing bowl and mix with equal parts water.
- Mix thoroughly so there are no lumps.
Paper Mache Recipe with Clay
The clay is perfect for when you want to make more complicated projects. Like the homemade adhesive, there’s already a common procedure for making standard and upgraded paper mache clay mixtures. Step up your game by following these paper mache recipes for a clay dough:
Recipe #4 - Clay Paper Mache Recipe (Dough)
This paper mache clay recipe is kid-friendly. Plus, the resulting project will hold stronger than you use the usual paper mache clay.
Clay Paper Mache Recipe - Supplies
For this homemade clay paper mache recipe, prepare the following:
- Damp Paper Mache Pulp: This is your clay’s base.
- Flour: This ingredient will help you achieve the right texture.
- Flour-Based Glue (Paper Mache Recipe #1 Above): This will serve as the main adhesive or binding agent.
- Salt or Vinegar: Either of the two will help preserve your clay mixture
- Mineral or Vegetable Oil: You need this to ensure you achieve a smoother but less sticky dough.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: These tools will help you measure the ingredients accurately.
- A Flat Surface or Chopping Board: This serves as your workbench.
- Dough Scraper: This tool will make the kneading step easier and quicker.
Clay Paper Mache Recipe - Step by Step Instructions
The paper mache recipe steps you need to take to make this homemade clay are as follows:
- Measure three cups of damp paper pulp and place them on top of your workbench.
- Paper mache pulp is made by soaking shredded paper overnight in hot water.
- In the morning, squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Using a blender, turn the soggy paper into fine pulp.
- Measure one cup of your flour-based glue, a tablespoon of vinegar or salt, and a tablespoon of oil, and place them on the paper pulp.
- With your hands, combine them all together using a gentle kneading motion to produce a dough.
- Take your dough scraper to remove whatever sticks on your workbench’s surface. Also, use it to break up any lumps produced.
- If your dough is a little wet, sprinkle some flour while kneading until you reach the desired consistency or texture.
Recipe #5 - Clay and Joint Compound Paper Mache Recipe
This paper mache recipe results in a smoother mixture that's easier to mix than the first one. The resulting clay dough will help you work with your project’s fine details with ease and more precision.
Clay and Compound Paper Mache Recipe - Supplies
Prepare the same items as above, except salt or vinegar. You would also need a pre-mixed joint compound which can be found at hardware stores. This ingredient is the one responsible for the improved dough smoothness.
Clay and Compound Paper Mache Recipe - Step by Step Instructions
- Measure three cups of damp paper pulp and place them on top of your workbench.
- Paper mache pulp is made by soaking shredded paper overnight in hot water.
- In the morning, squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Using a blender, turn the soggy paper into fine pulp.
- Measure a cup of flour-based glue, a half cup of pre-mixed joint compound, and two tablespoons of oil, and place them on the paper pulp.
- Follow steps three to five of the above paper mache recipe.
Storing Your Paper Mache Clay Dough
You can refrigerate or freeze both of the clay dough prepared using the paper mache recipe above. What you need to do is to place the clay dough in an airtight plastic bag. You may also wrap it with a cling wrap before doing so.
Your dough can last for two to three weeks at ref temperature or longer at a freezing temperature.
Paper Mache Recipe - In Conclusion
Preparing the adhesive and clay dough for your paper mache projects isn’t a complicated process. That is no matter what of the above-mentioned homemade paper mache recipes you follow. The best thing about them is that most of the materials are readily available at home. For the rest, you can simply buy them online or at your local store at an affordable price.
Although you can store them for a certain period, it’s best to use freshly prepared homemade adhesive and clay dough. Doing so ensures they’re still at their best quality. With that said, you must also not forget to label the containers before placing them in the fridge. The label should include what they are and when their exact expiry dates are, as mentioned in the specific paper mache recipe. Happy crafting!
Dever Sanderson
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