How to Use Wheat Paste on Paper
Adhesives come in hundreds of expensive store-bought formulas, but one of the most surprisingly effective glues consists of nothing more than flour and water. Wheat paste is a strong, long-lasting adhesive generally used to attach paper to flat surfaces.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons flour
- Saucepan
- Wire whisk
- Paper
- Soft-bristled toothbrush
Instructions
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Mix wheat paste. Boil two cups of water, then gradually whisk in four tablespoons of flour. Add the flour a little at a time while beating vigorously with a fork or wire whisk to avoid lumps. Add a pinch of salt (this delays spoiling). Remove from heat and let cool.
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2
Apply paste to the paper. Use a craft brush to spread a thin layer of wheat paste on the portion of the paper you want to glue. Spread as evenly as possible; if necessary, add more water to allow you to do this.
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3
Attach paper to other paper. For best results, glue paper to itself by applying paste to one side of the paper, but leaving the other side dry. Hold the paper pieces together for at least 30 seconds to give them a chance to adhere. If you are having trouble getting the paper to stick, use less wheat paste.
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4
Paste paper to walls and other surfaces. Apply paste liberally to the back of a sheet of paper, then press the paper to the wall. Use extra paste for rougher, more porous surfaces, like brick. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles in the paper's surface while ut is still wet.
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Brush away extra flakes of dried paste after the rest of your project as dried. Use your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
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Tips & Warnings
To make a stickier wheat paste, add a couple teaspoons of sugar to the mix. This is helpful for paste intended for paper craft projects.
Wheat paste should be considered permanent when used to adhere paper to walls and other flat surfaces. Paper attached in this way cannot be easily peeled off and must be soaked and scrubbed away.
