How to Make Antique Papier-Mache

Papier-mache, or paper mache, is basically, paste and fiber. The material has been used to make everything from dolls and toys to furniture over the years. Nowadays, you can buy papier-mache mixes and tapes at craft stores or you can make it the old-fashioned way at home. Afterwards, you can make the piece look old with a simple antiquing process.

Things You'll Need

• Flour
• Water
• Pan
• Stove
• Cotton paper
• Chicken wire
• Antiquing spray
• Lint-free cloth

Instructions

Making the Paste

1. Bring 5 cups of water to a gentle boil.

2. Mix 1 cup of cold water with 1/4 cup of sifted flour. Mix thoroughly to remove any lumps and create a smooth mixture.

3. Pour the flour mixture into the boiling water. Boil for two to three minutes until the mixture thickens to a glue-like consistency.

4. Remove the pan from the heat immediately.

Creating with Papier-Mache

1. Cut the cotton paper into narrow strips, about 2 inches wide.

2. Form chicken wire into a three-dimensional shape. Wear heavy gloves and bend the pieces with your hands.

3. Soak the strips of paper in the glue until they are completely saturated.

4. Remove the paper from the glue and lay the strips over the wire form so they overlap each other. Continue in this manner until the paper strips are at least 1/4 inch thick.

5. Allow the form to dry and decorate it as desired.

Antiquing the Papier-mache

1. Spray the entire project with the antiquing solution.

2. Wait at least 30 minutes, but no more than a hour.

3. Use a lint-free cloth to rub away the excess solution. Rub in a small circular pattern over the entire surface.

4. Allow the piece to sit for 72 hours to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Wider strips will cover more area but narrower strips will lay flatter.

• Allow the paste to cool completely before using it.

• Rubbing the antiquing solution too vigorously will remove too much solution, leaving the project shiny and new looking; not rubbing hard enough will allow the solution to obscure any decorations or colors.