My Book Including My Cement Outdoor Clay Recipe Is Published ! • Ultimate Paper Mache (2024)

FAQs

Can you mix cement with paper mache? ›

I also created two different recipes. One of them contains all the usual ingredients for paper mache clay, but the flour is replaced with Portland cement. The second recipe leaves out the drywall joint compound, because it's hard for some people to find.

Paper mache ( aka Papier Mâché ) usually refers to layering strips of paper dipped in glue or paper mache paste ( a flour mixture of 1 part flour mixed with 2 parts water) over a mold or structure. Paper clay (aka paper mache clay) is a mixture of paper pulp with a few simple ingredients like flour or school glue.

The keys to a waterproof outdoor paper mache sculpture are Waterproof glue, Thin-set mortar-mache and exterior house paint. Instead of paper mache paste, glue, or flour for the outer layer of paper mache I use Flexbond Thin -Set Mortar and a layer of exterior house paint.

The name Paper Mache is an english version of the French "Papier-mâché" which literally translates as "chewed paper". This original definition of paper mache actually refers to paper mache clay, which is a sculpting material made of mashed or "chewed" paper and a few other ingredients.

The mixing of soft clays with cement as a chemical stabilizer has become a well-known stabilization technique. The resulting strength of the clay–cement mix is controlled by different factors, but mainly the water to cement ratio, the cement content, and the curing conditions.

One of the most common, and easiest, ways to create paper mache is to use glue and water as the paste. A few different types of glue will work, but most people use wood glue or white Glue-All. Using glue is very similar to using flour, but it creates a stronger structure that is less likely to rot.

The easiest way to waterproof papier mache is to buy a specially designed waterproof spray for paper and apply 2 or 3 coats. Other effective methods for creating a waterproof outdoor papier mache sculpture involve using polyurethanes, nail varnish, melted wax and Mod Podge.

Polymer clay is made from plastic ingredients that don't harden until you cure the clay in a regular oven. The result is a naturally waterproof piece, making it ideal for outside use in all types of weather. Another reason to choose polymer clay for your outdoor projects is the rainbow of colors available.

The most important thing to note is that, depending on your glue or paste, most paper mache adhesives won't stick to plastic. You can use this to your advantage when replicating objects.

Cooked Flour and Water Paste: My Go-To for Most Projects

First, it feels nice on my hands. I also dries transparent and without the floury texture that you can get when you use the raw flour paste instead. I also think the cooked paste also helps 'melt' the edges of the torn paper strips.

What are the two types of paper mache? ›

There are two methods to prepare papier-mâché. The first method makes use of paper strips glued together with adhesive, and the other uses paper pulp obtained by soaking or boiling paper to which glue is then added.

Papier-mache can remain durable for hundreds of years if it is well constructed and kept in a safe environment. This material is extremely prone to mould growth and accidental damage, but these issues can be avoided with vigilant care and inspections.

Cement, like flour, is an ingredient. To make concrete a mixture of portland cement (10-15%) and water (15-20%) make a paste. This paste is then mixed with aggregates (65-75%) such as sand and gravel, or crushed stone. As the cement and water mix, they harden and bind the aggregates into an impenetrable rock-like mass.

Shredded waste plastic effectively can be used in concrete without compromising with strength. Maximum compressive strength is observed at addition of 4% of shredded plastic in concrete. Furthermore addition will lead to decrease in compressive strength after 28 days of proper curing.

In terms of the ratio for concrete, it depends on what strength you are trying to achieve, but as a general guide a standard concrete mix would be 1 part cement to 2 parts sand to 4 parts aggregates.