How to Make Paper Mache Paste

Making paper mache projects are so much fun. You can be as creative as your imagination will allow you to be. Making the paper mache paste is the first step in creating your masterpiece. Once on your project, the paste takes a while to dry. You have to do your project in steps, so make sure you start your project several days before you need it. There are many different versions of the paste but what ever version you choose you are guaranteed to get messy. So go grab your apron and get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Flour
• Water
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• White glue
• Liquid starch
• Wall paper paste
• Oil of wintergreen

1. Add one part flour to five parts water in a pot. Mix together well. Boil for about three minutes. Mix again. Add a couple teaspoons of salt. The salt keeps it from getting moldy. Let cool. If the paper mache paste smell is very strong, you can add a little cinnamon and it will take the smell away.
2. Try out this paste by adding three parts thick white glue to one part warm water. White craft glue thickness differs among brands so you need to add the water one part at a time until you get the right consistency. The thinner the glue the less water you will need. Using this method, rather than the flour, keeps the bugs from eating your project.
3. Buy a big jug of liquid starch. You can use it full strength and it dries smooth and clear, like the boiled flour recipe. You can find it in most grocery stores in big jugs and always have it ready. This is another method that doesn't attract the bugs.
4. Mix this one up fast. Probably the most convenient and inexpensive way to make paper mache paste is one part water to one part flour, only you don't cook this one. It works very well, but the surface will not be as smooth when it drys. You can still add a couple teaspoons of salt to deter the mold, just make sure you mix it up well.
5. Lastly, you can buy wall paper paste and mix one part wall paper paste to three parts water. Mix this really well. You can buy wall paper paste at hardware and home improvement stores. Again, this method does not attract bugs and lasts for a very long time.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live in a humid area, you will need less water in the mixture. Always add water one part at a time until you have the paste at the thickness you desire.
• A few drops of oil of wintergreen can be put in the paste to make it last longer. It also helps with the smell.
• If you use the boiled water and flour mixture, always let it cool before you start working with it or you could get burned.