Papier-mâché paste from paper and PVA glue
A step-by-step recipe for papier-mâché paste: soften pieces of toilet paper gradually in construction PVA glue, then add liquid soap, sunflower oil, starch, and flour one by one, and knead the mass on the table like dough for 10-15 minutes.
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Things you will learn
- The base is construction PVA glue and soft toilet paper with a cardboard tube, such as ZEWA.
- The source does not recommend ordinary toilet paper because it does not dissolve well and leaves lumps.
- Source proportions: 40 g paper, 250 g PVA glue, 1 tbsp liquid soap, 2 tbsp sunflower oil, 50 g starch, and 100 g flour.
- Add the paper gradually, kneading each piece into the glue by hand.
- The finished paste keeps for 3-4 days in a bag; for longer storage, the source suggests adding a little lemon juice to the glue.
What you will get
The result is a pliable mass with a dough-like consistency. The source emphasizes that the mixture comes out smooth, without lumps or bits of paper, so finished pieces are usually smooth and do not need extra sanding or filling.
Materials and tools
Materials
- Soft toilet paper with a cardboard tube, 40 g, the source example is half a ZEWA-type roll; ordinary paper is not suitable
- Construction PVA glue, 250 g, the base of the mixture
- Liquid soap or dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon
- Sunflower oil, 2 tablespoons, the discussion also mentions baby oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil for reducing cracks
- Starch, 50 g
- Flour, 100 g, some of the flour is used for dusting the table during the final kneading
Tools
- Basin or bowl, for mixing PVA glue with the paper
- Work table, for the final kneading with flour
- Knives and polymer-clay tools, optional: the source says the paste can be worked with these tools
- Molds, optional: resin and baking molds can be used
- Bag and plastic wrap, for storing the finished paste
Preparation
Choose soft paper
The source’s required condition is soft toilet paper with a cardboard tube, such as ZEWA. Ordinary paper does not dissolve well in liquid and leaves lumps.
Measure the ingredients
Prepare 40 g toilet paper, 250 g PVA glue, 1 tbsp liquid soap or dishwashing liquid, 2 tbsp sunflower oil, 50 g starch, and 100 g flour.
Paper and PVA glue
At the first stage, the paper needs to fully break down in the glue; otherwise the paste will be lumpy.
Pour the PVA glue into a container
Pour the construction PVA glue into a basin or another convenient container.
Tear the paper into small pieces
Tear the soft toilet paper into small pieces. Do not add the whole amount at once.
Work the paper into the glue piece by piece
Gradually add the paper to the PVA glue one piece at a time, kneading each piece into the glue with your hands.
Goal of this stage
The source explains that the lump-free texture depends on how thoroughly the paper dissolves into the glue.
Knead it like a loose dough
When the mixture starts to resemble a loose dough, knead the pieces this way: divide the mixture into two parts, place paper on one part, cover it with the second part, and knead like regular dough.
Additives and final kneading
After the paper, add the remaining ingredients one at a time, kneading after each addition.
Add soap, oil, and starch
When all the paper has been added, mix in the liquid soap, then the sunflower oil, then the starch. Add each ingredient separately and knead the mixture each time.
Add the flour
Add the flour at the end and mix the mass.
Knead on the table for 10-15 minutes
Dust the table with flour and knead the mass like dough for another 10-15 minutes.
Use and storage
The finished paste works for sculpting and molds, but storage time depends on the packaging.
Shape by hand, with tools, or in molds
You can sculpt pieces by hand, work them with knives and polymer-clay tools, or use resin and baking molds.
Store for 3-4 days in a bag
The finished paste can be used for 3-4 days if you keep it in a bag.
For longer storage, add lemon juice
If you do not plan to use the paste that quickly, the source suggests adding a little lemon juice to the glue, then storing the mass wrapped in plastic wrap inside a bag.
Finish and variations
Finish
Check the texture
The finished paste should be pliable and dough-like, without large lumps of paper.
Pack the paste right away
If you are not using the mixture immediately, put it in a bag. For longer storage, follow the source advice and wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a bag.
Variations
Baby oil against cracks
In the discussion, commenters say baby oil added at the final kneading stage helped reduce cracking while the pieces dried.
Light oiling while drying
Another discussion-derived tip is to lightly wipe the drying surface with a cloth dampened with oil.
I think it does not make much difference which oil you use. When I made a similar mixture, I added the oil during the "dough" kneading stage. Also, so the dough would not crack, I lightly oiled the surface of the drying pieces with the same oil — just wiped them with a cloth dampened with oil, sometimes even olive or sunflower oil. There were almost no cracks while they dried.