Paper Mache Paste Recipes

This page shares some the paper mache paste recipes with benefits as well as drawbacks.

When working with paper mache project using layering method,you can try any of below paste recipes and get your paper mache crafts started!

1.Water and White Flour Cooking method

Add 1/2 cup water in a pan and bring it to boil. In another bowl,add 1/4 cup white flour,pinch of salt and enough water to make watery mixture. Add to boiling water and keep stirring  for around 5 mins on medium heat. Make sure its not too hard or watery, it should be of consistency like a think white glue.Turn off burner and let the paste cool down.

Note: This paste after cool is kind of gel texture and may need a brush while applying on paper strips.When dried the look is clear but somehow is not very strong.Also doesn't work well on sticking on the edges specially. 

2.Water and White Flour No Cooking

Take 1/2 cup white flour and add water slowing and keep stirring with a spoon to mix it. Make sure no lumps are present and keep adding water little by little till you get a cake batter like consistency.

Note: This paste is very good for reason that from the first layer itself you can feel your project strong.And as you add second layer it seems to be enough in terms of strength. Also, its not too much runny  neither gely so easy to work with.

Warning: 

If using this method most recommended is to let the layer applied in 1 sitting to dry completely before adding next layer later to avoid building of mold on your project. 

3.Water and PVA Glue

To create this paste, get 2  teaspoons of PVA Glue(Fevicol is the brand in India) and dilute it with plain water in a proportion of 3:1 keeping in mind the glues adhesive properties are not lost.

Note: This paste works very good with small projects when expense is kept in mind and also papers get pasted quicker but needs more layers for strength.Also fingers are more messier among all 3 paste recipes.  

The comparison below chart which of course is based on my views may help beginners to choose from.