How to Make a Round Smooth Paper Mache Ball

Toilet paper is effective for making paper mache pulp.

When you make a paper mache project, you may notice that you get a lot of uneven edges, especially when molding the paper mache around circular shapes and objects. If you have to create a paper mache ball but need help making it round and smooth, you can fill in the gaps of the paper mache with a mixture known as paper mache pulp. The pulp is a thick paste that creates an even texture.

Things You'll Need

• Styrofoam ball
• Newspaper strips
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cold water
• Saucepan
• 2 cups boiling water
• 3 tbsp sugar
• Toilet paper
• Water
• Wallpaper paste
• Strainer
• Fine-grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Make a paper mache mixture using water, flour and sugar. Combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 2 cups cold water in a mixing bowl. Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan, place it over the stove and heat until it boils. Transfer the flour mixture into the saucepan and allow it to boil a little longer. Remove the pan from heat and add 3 tablespoons of sugar. Allow this mixture to cool and become thicker.

2. Transfer the paper mache solution into a bowl when the mixture has cooled. Dip strips of newspaper into the bowl and coat a Styrofoam ball with the strips, creating a round paper mache ball. Allow the paper mache to dry for 12 hours.

3. Make the paper mache pulp while you wait for the paper mache ball to dry. Rip toilet paper into 1-inch squares. Throw them into a bowl and pour warm water on top. Add wallpaper paste, being sure to follow the directions on the wallpaper paste instructions. Mix well. Strain out the excess water so that the pulp is thick and gooey. You can cover and store the mixture in the fridge until the next day when you are ready to work with the paper mache ball.

4. Grab some of the pulp from the bowl with your fingers. Apply the pulp onto the sections of the round paper mache ball where the paper mache is not even. Smooth it out by rubbing the pulp over the section and flattening it out with your hand. Tap it down to make sure the pulp is in place and smooth out any inconsistencies. Allow to dry for 4 hours.

5. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to sand down any remaining uneven spots on the paper mache ball. Apply the sandpaper gently to the paper mache and paper mache pulp, and rub it on rough spots to shave them down a little. Wipe away the dust before you paint your final project.

References

• Family Fun: Best Papier-Mâché Recipe