How to Make Paper Hard

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Over two thousand years ago, man discovered that paper could be hardened and used to make such items as helmets, furniture and even coffins. Today the process, known as papier-mâché, has become a craft staple, making such items as piñatas and piggy banks. Papier-mâché, which means "chewed paper", involves wetting paper in a glue solution and then allowing it to dry. Once dried, the paper hardens. Hardening a single sheet of thin tissue paper is a bit tricky, as the paper may fall apart from the weight of the glue when drying.

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Use glue to make paper hard.

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Things You'll Need

Step 1

Fill a container with a glue-like solution. This might be undiluted liquid starch, a mixture of two parts white glue to one part water, a mixture of three parts water to one part flour or another type of glue.

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Step 2

Dip the paper briefly in the glue solution.

Step 3

Remove paper from the solution and wipe off any excess liquid.

Step 4

Hang paper from a clothesline and allow it to dry.

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