Paper Mache Formula

Tear cartridge paper (min. 120gm) into hand-sized pieces. Immerse briefly in warm water, squeeze and crush the paper. Open out the paper and smother generously with PVA glue on one side.

Tear this into smaller sections and apply over the cling film. After the first layer has been applied paint it using acrylic as a guide for the second layer. Two layers are usually sufficient.

Paper Mulch Formula
Paper mulch may be added to finished paper mache models to provide texture and detail.

Mulch may also be used between layers of paper mache to increase the strength of sculptures using spheres and hemi-spheres.

Soak the shredded or 2cm strips of photocopier paper in a bucket of water. Put one small handful at a time into a blender. Cover the paper with water and blend for a few seconds. Pour into a sieve and squeeze out most of the water. Add 1/3 volume of PVA glue to make the mulch.

Where large areas of paper mache are to be covered with mulch, first paint a coat of varnish over the paper mache and allow it to dry. Then apply a thin (2-3mm) layer of mulch with a flat spatula or a rule and spread like butter.

Allow the mulch to dry for a few days then apply two more layers of paper mache.