How do you make Paper Mache Paste/Glue/Whatever you call it?

[Zandy595]

DS has to make a paper mache volcano tomorrow and I just realized I don't know how to make paper mache "goo". I've done a few internet searches, but every recipe is different and I don't know which one to use. Some are cooked, some have sugar, some have salt, etc...

 

[MrsPete]

Very easy, but messy:

Cut up BUNCHES of newspaper strips -- keep them fairly narrow.
Mix flour and water together so that it's moderately thick. How much of each? Some. It's just flour and water -- you can't go wrong. It should be thick enough to cling to the newspaper, but not lumpy.

Make your thing to cover. Since you're making a volcano, you probably will start with a cardboard/newspaper wad base.

Run your newspaper strips through the goo, then cover the base -- LOTS of layers.

Your biggest problem is going to be getting the thing to DRY since it's due tomorrow. Put it under a fan; that'll help a great deal.

Once it's dry, you can paint it.

 

[bananiem]

When I made pinatas with my preschoolers we always used strips of newspaper we wet down with liquid starch.

 

[VirtuallyMe]

If it is due tomorrow- it will be near impossible to get it to dry enough to paint it- I'd suggest that your final layer be brown/black/green/beige tissue paper-

And there really isn't any set recipe- for it-

Another option though if you don't want to mix is to use liquid starch -sold on the laundry detergent aisle

Or a modge podge technique of watered down school glue...

I think these last two will dry a little quicker- but still not by much

get out the hair dryer and plan on a late late night

 

[teacups]

I agree with both of these ways. I've been an art teacher... so I can tell you Ive done both with equal success. In your case, being you need it tomorrow, I'd ask if the thing has to actually work, and last? If no to both... I'd go the liquid blue starch route, and add some paint directly to the starch and mix it up well. I've even added dirt (or corn meal) to add texture to the volcano. You are short on dry time... Don't do many layers, or it will never dry in time.

Good Luck!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

You could probably cheat and use modge podge as well....which is kind of similar in consistency.

To make it less messy whether you make it or buy it---use a paint brush for application.

Apply THINLY and that will help the drying process. Oversaturation will for sure make it impossible to dry by morning.

 

[Zandy595]

It doesn't need to be finished until next Saturday, the 24th, but he has to start it at his cub scout meeting tomorrow night. All the kids have to bring their own materials to make them.

 

[VirtuallyMe]

It doesn't need to be finished until next Saturday, the 24th, but he has to start it at his cub scout meeting tomorrow night. All the kids have to bring their own materials to make them.

Well in this case I'd shred the paper- come up with something for a base for the paper mache- and use the liquid starch method-

Much easier especially if he will be making it in more than one place