New Paper Mache Clay Recipe

[TheBlackenedWolf]

@UltimatePaperMache Does this recipe rot or discinegrate? I've tried other recipe's that rot within a couple of days. Would it rot after it dries?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@TheBlackenedWolf Anything that contains paper can be invaded by mold. Let it dry all the way, until it's rock hard. Then protect it with paint and varnish. You would do this with a commercial paper mache product, too.

[Gxmwp]

Do you need to use joint compound and can this be put on metal?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@Gxmwp The joint compound is needed in this recipe, but you could find paper pulp recipes online that don't use it. I don't think it will work on metal, but it might - do a small experiment first to see what happens.

[gameman81]

can i use something else instead of linseed oil?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@gameman81 You can use glycerin - or just leave it out. The clay works just fine without oil.

[gameman81]

@UltimatePaperMache ok Thank you very much!

[hellerZauberer]

Would this work for making a cast of my face?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@hellerZauberer No. It takes over 24 hours to dry, and the linseed oil contains chemicals that should not stay in contact with your skin. Use alginate to make your cast, and then you could use the clay to make the final sculpture.

[jramey1978]

fabulous tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe :)

[mgeracie]

Can this be put on top of sturdy cardboard? I'm worried about the moistness warping the surface.

[UltimatePaperMache]

@mgeracie Yes, the moisture might warp the cardboard. But you can seal the cardboard with some acrylic varnish first, and then it should work just fine.

[poosaypirate]

make use of your old egg cartons kids

[Rozzalinda1]

thanks a lot for sharing ur awesome :D

[hhelloiloveyou]

why do I need the linseed oil?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@hhelloiloveyou It makes the clay a little easier to spread over the armature, and may make the clay dry harder. But you don't need it. If you don't have any, or you don't like the chemicals in boiled linseed oil, just leave it out. The clay will still work just fine.

[poosaypirate]

@UltimatePaperMache its also good against th mold i think



[TheTruthHurtsYup]

I ate the clay O_o

[DontFriendInviteMe]

How many of you were looking under and around your chair for your cat?

[icebreakersix1nine]

Lol 1 ROLLS of cheap paper towel

[boxer3086]

Is there something non perishable you can substitute for the flour and the oil?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@boxer3086 I don't know of anything. You would need to do some experiments.

[boxer3086]

@UltimatePaperMache OK, thanks for getting back to me.

[poosaypirate]

@boxer3086 elmers glue 

[joancuadra1]

Has anyone tried making small calacas for and alltar for the Day of the Dead ?

[Losninos702]

@joancuadra1 i make them all the time!!!

[joancuadra1]

do i have to use Elmers glue or can i use the Dollar store white glue?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@joancuadra1 I know that Elmer's Glue All works, but Elmer's school glue does not. I haven't tried the glue from the dollar store.

[talabastardo]

futurelaugh-apparently your going to die i try to let my younger brother to eat some of eat then the next day he start to vomit and have diarhea absolutely he died the other day ! codolences for you my men!

[dadaearwax01]

You might try walpaper paste if you can't find joint compound. You could also try adding sawdust. Joint compound is just a thick paste that has a lot of body to it. It's somewhat sticky too.

For another recipe look at stolloween site. He has recipes and tutorials. Look under "the basics" for recipes.

[paperguntut]

GOD DAMNIT I CANT FIND JOINT COMPUND CAN I NOT USE IT >:O

[UltimatePaperMache]

@paperguntut Joint compound isn't used in some countries, because they don't make walls out of plasterboard (drywall). If you can't find it, you'll need to use some other recipe, or buy a commercial "instant paper mache."

[paperguntut]

@UltimatePaperMache cant i just use the stuffs excpet for joint compund

[UltimatePaperMache]

@paperguntut You can try it and see what happens. You will be making up your own recipe, and experimenting on your own. It will not be like the paper mache clay that includes joint compound, but you might like it.

[paperguntut]

@UltimatePaperMache :)

[AaronShaunBrennan]

I love the cat in the background.

[jannaaika]

in your given recipe, how much paper mache does it make? :) thanks

[UltimatePaperMache]

@jannaaika About three and a half cups. If you use a thin layer over an armature, which works best, it goes a long way.

[jannaaika]

@UltimatePaperMache Thank you :)

Another question :) how long does it take for the clay to dry? dry in a way you cannot mold it anymore.

[UltimatePaperMache]

@jannaaika That depends on how warm it is where you're working. You should have at least several hours of working time, if not longer.

[jannaaika]

@UltimatePaperMache wow thank you for the very informative details :) ill send you a pic of my work once i am done ^^ <3

[MamoTheta]

cat is hungry!! lol

[miniyanzi]

i hear a cat :D

[UltimatePaperMache]

@Marritvdzijden Yes, wallpaper paste works well, especially if you need to worry about mold. Some people don't like to use it if kids are helping because of the anti-fungal agents in the paste - but many people swear by it.

[dylan12394]

looks like cookie doh dont eat it duh??????!!!!!

[SidKid321]

i love the cat in the background

[cowboy1165]

Howdy, great recipe. What is the working time of your mixture? From the time you make it, how long is it pliable, and can you add, say, water to it as you work with it for extended periods of time? thanks.

[VinnyKnuckles]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[NoxCursor]

Is there a variational of this recipe that does not call for flour? I'm highly allergic, and I wanted to know if the alternative might be non perishable as well.

[UltimatePaperMache]

@NoxCursor I haven't developed a version that meets your needs, but if you experiment and find a way to do it, please let us know.

[princemercury1]

When the clay dries will it shrink and crack? And also can it sustain a little flex or will it crack?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@princemercury1 The clay does shrink a little, so if you put it over a solid object it will crack as it dries. It will bend a bit, and is hard to break. Experiment with it a bit to see if it will work for you.

[CroatianDude777]

how old are you??? 99?

[punchmyjunkie]

hey tried this out: don't buy the cheapest mixer you can find, make sure it has more speeds than fast and very fast lol. i don't know if i got the clay mixed up well enough before my mixer broke. but otherwise this was pretty fun and easy

[Emshobee]

Thanks for sharing your recipe!

[Max0Inq]

After seeing a playable paper mache violin made by Christos Tsonias (check his account - paokakis2) the idea of making paper instrument is stuck in my mind.

My question is: is this material hard enough to work with like with wood? Some components of musical instruments require high density (pegbox, tailpiece, fingerboard...) so it would be really great if I could make an instrument with this paste without being afraid it would end up haging on the wall as a decoration.

[UltimatePaperMache]

@Max0Inq The clay does dry very hard - but that really doesn't answer your question. You need to know the acoustic quality of the dried clay, and I just don't know if it would work for you. I'm also not sure how it would hold up under the pressure of the strings.

How about doing an experiment and make a small drum, just to see what happens. That might be enough to tell you if you should proceed or not.

[JanLilyJing]

Thanks for sharing this! I found your book on Amazon and it's in my cart to order on payday - Friday! I love your blog and just subscribed and now I came hunting videos! You are so generous with your information on self-publishing and making papier mache materials. I think my first project to try will be that adorable lop-eared bunny on your site - another generous tutorial. I really appreciate it!

[UltimatePaperMache]

@JanLilyJing You're certainly welcome. When you finish your bunny, I hope you'll post a photo on my blog or put up a video. I'd love to see it.

[6LettersOnly]

Is it Heavy?

[rutsableich]

Is there a kitty cat over there or is it just my imagination?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@rutsableich Yep, that's my cat. She manages to get into everything, even my videos. :)

[morrestuff]

Looks versatile material. Couple of Qs.

Can you use any other oil instead of linseed?

Is the material very heavy when dry?

Thanks

[UltimatePaperMache]

@morrestuff No - linseed oil has special properties. If you don't want to use it, just leave it out. Don't use any other kind of oil. If you want, you can replace it with the same amount of glycerin.

The finished material is very light, but strong. It would be similar in weight to the same thickness of traditional paper mache made from paper strips and paste.

[Deborahhackett]

is there a way i can make paper mache paste out of flower, water, and newspaper and NOT glue?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@Deborahhackett Yes, I think you can. I think they have recipes for paper mache pulp at papiermache (dot) co (dot) uk. You can also use paper strips, with a paste made from white flour and water. That works quite well.

[workbootcollective]

@Deborahhackett You can make strong, clear paper mache paste out of 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar and add water till it is the consistency of milk. Boil this mixture until it gets opaque ( about 12 minutes) but don't let it burn! (it can burn very easily). Then let it cool and it will last about 2 weeks in the fridge. If it sets up to be thicker in the refrigerator just add warm water till smooth. Good luck!

[cypherwulf]

Man...that clay looks...delicious...

Sounds like a great recipe, too bad it sounds like it would destroy any kitchen tool I used to make it.

[edstar83]

@cypherwulf Buy a cheap mixer just for hobby use only. Problem solved. Your credit card has not been charged for this advise.

[Eragarev]

Does it dry really hard? I'd really like to think so. What is the linseed oil for, exactly?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@Eragarev Yes, it is extremely hard and strong. The linseed oil makes the clay feel nicer when you're working with it, and it may contribute to the hardness when it dries. But the clay will still work well without it.

[VeigaGrims]

Joint compond? Is that what ppl use to put between tiles?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@VeigaGrims No, that would be called grout. Joint compound is normally used to cover the space between two pieces of plasterboard, also called wallboard. There are some really good videos on YouTube showing people using joint compound, the way it's normally use. That can help if you need to explain what you want to the clerk at the hardware store. Joint compound is called different things in different countries.

[viper8red]

Use a blender or a quisonart. You'll get such a finer consistency.

I also like sawdust or ash to replace the flour

and wallpaper paste to replace the linseed oil. (The wallpaper paste has an antifungal)

You can also mix in some salt if your worried about mold/fungust growth.

[lostfan1978]

Thanks for the quick reply,i will make a short clip of my finished project soon & your invited to have a look.Today i will be making & applying the paste to my sculptures.

Thanks again for the great recipe from Canada.

[UltimatePaperMache]

@lostfan1978 I look forward to seeing it.

[lostfan1978]

Q: Do i use cooked or raw linseed oil....

Your cat wanted to help narrate this clip,lol.

[UltimatePaperMache]

@lostfan1978 Yes, that can manages to get herself into everything...

I use boiled linseed oil, because it's cheaper. But the raw oil will work, too.

[yaoihugsnew]

meow I hear a kitty

[LegendaryZafrakid]

thank you

[weebee009]

how about the joint compound what does it do and the lin seed oil?,and is there other alternative to the joint compound, Sry if im asking too many question its just im so interested in this recipe :-) ...

[UltimatePaperMache]

@weebee009 You might want to take a look at my blog, where we talk about all these question in great detail. There's a link at the top of the blog for the paper mache clay recipe, and there are many, many comments (and answer)s below that post. You can find it at UltimatePaperMache (dot) com.

I'm quite happy with the current recipe, so you'll need to do your own experiments to find ways to make it with different ingredients. Let us know if you come up with a better recipe!

[weebee009]

uhmm...i would like to ask if i can replace the tissue w/ newspaper n make a pulp out of it... n what does white flour do to the mixture??

[UltimatePaperMache]

@weebee009 You can use newspaper if you soak it for a while so it softens. You will get a lumpy mixture, that will work like the traditional paper mache pulp recipes.

The flour is a filler. You can play with the amount to get a softer or stiffer material.

[papermason]

Thank you! Thank you!  Thank you!

[UpcomingJedi]

So....Can you make a mask with this stuff? Can you spray paint it since it contains oil?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@UpcomingJedi Yes, you can make a mask. See the Joker Mask tutorial on my UltimatePaperMache (dot) com blog. The clay can be painted - there is only a very small amount of oil. You can use glycerin in place of the oil, if you want.

[enigmaticemptiness]

Is the joint compound completely necessary?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@enigmaticemptiness It's necessary in this recipe. You're free to make up your own recipe if you want. If you leave out the joint compound you'll have a fairly traditional paper pulp, which will work. I just don't happen to like it, myself.

[ownedkapoo]

Im gunna comment in this video so I can find it in the morning. Im sleepy.

[FantasticArts95]

Really cool, I'd love to try this.

[leslybgood]

Thanks for getting back to me. This looks really neat -- can't wait to try it!

[leslybgood]

Any substitution for linseed oil? They only sell it by the gallon near me and it's $24!

[UltimatePaperMache]

@leslybgood Yes. One of my blog readers suggested using glycerin instead. You can find it in small jars in the constipation aisle of your local drugstore, or in craft shops. It works just as well, and perhaps even better than linseed oil.

[FutureLaugh]

i ate some by accident, am i going to die?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@FutureLaugh I doubt it.

[mistymartini]

how long does the clay last for? can i make a load up in advance?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@mistymartini It will last for several weeks if you keep it covered and in the refrigerator. If you add a teaspoon of chlorine bleach or a bit of salt, it may last longer before it begins to mold.

[PiratessArranell]

I'm wondering how heavy this type of Paper mache clay would be...I'm building a headpiece that using most others clays would be too heavy to wear for long periods of time, so I am seeking alternative methods. I'm thinking this would be fantastic for it, if it's not going to end up too heavy. :)

[UltimatePaperMache]

@PiratessArranell I recently made a mask for Halloween, which you can see on my website, and the walls are less than 11/8 inch, yet extremely strong. I'd suggest that you try a small piece, let it dry and then get a feel for how heavy a larger piece would be. Since a very thin wall is possible, I think it should work just fine.

[Mullanytia]

Hello everybody! :))) I was just wondering what is joint compound ???

[UltimatePaperMache]

@Mullanytia You buy it at the hardware or construction supply store. Or WalMart. It's the stuff you use to fill over the tape between two pieces of plaster board when you make a new wall. They call it different things in different countries - we have a list on my site at UltimatePaperMache . com

[Mullanytia]

@UltimatePaperMache Aha, okay! Thank You so for answering. I'll check this out right away. Thanks

[modig52]

Oh thank you so much! This media seems far more flexible than salt dough which I've been using... I can't wait to get started!

[gloomilyeuphoric]

After watching your dragon tutorial, I actually have another question. In that tutorial you said not to have the clay spread too thickly. Will thicker areas crack or dry differently than thinner spread areas? Is this something you can ball up and free form without armature or inner support?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@gloomilyeuphoric I have never seen the clay crack, even if it's applied thickly. Thick areas will obviously take longer to dry, but they don't appear to cause any problems. However, if you create an armature with the right shape and dimensions, you wouldn't want to distort the shape with a thick layer.

I've never tried using the clay without an armature. You would need to do some experiments and find out if it works.

[gloomilyeuphoric]

@UltimatePaperMache

Fantastic! This medium sounds quite amazing for the cost effectiveness of it. Thank you for answering all my questions and especially for posting this recipe.

[gloomilyeuphoric]

Thank you SO much for this! Gave up on homemade clays after using those horrible kids' art project recipes. The texture was a nightmare, but this looks amazingly easy to use. Having the ability to make tons of this whenever I want makes me want to be be creative more often, too.

I have a question; if were to put the wet TP in a blender before mixing to make the texture smoother, would that make the mixture weak/crack when it dries?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@gloomilyeuphoric Using the blender will make a smoother texture, and should cause no problems. However, you'll need to put the paper in the blender with quite a lot of water, and filtering out the paper without most of it going down the drain might be a challenge. Give it a try and see what happens.

[gloomilyeuphoric]

@UltimatePaperMache

Excellent advice. Thank you for saving me some frustration with the water in the blender :)

[rytifgates]

I've got a question. Mine came out EXTREMELY lumpy. I took this technique and combined it with another in which I just put the TP in a pot and let it get really hot on the stove. Can you squeeze out too much water? It was really fibrous, lumpy and sticky. I know I can add more flour but should I mix it some more?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@rytifgates Your TP roll may have too much paper in it. If you do the recipe again, soak the paper and press out the water. Then measure it in a measuring cup. The recipe works for a cheap roll with about one and 1/2 cup of paper pulp. If your roll is bigger than that, increase the other ingredients, or just use part of the roll. That should make your clay turn out just right.

[merijaanify]

can i use putty or spackle paste or putty for the joint compound

[UltimatePaperMache]

@merijaanify I don't know. I've never tried them, so you'd need to do some experiments and find out. If you try it, let us know how it worked out.

[valere76]

is that your cat at 1:12 ?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@valere76 Probably. She sneaks into all my videos.

[icerain2345]

does it have to be white flour or would all purpose be acceptable to use with the recipe?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@icerain2345 Yes - I think all-purpose flour and white flour are the same thing.

[apathyDEFINED]

can i do this without the joint compound and the linseed oil?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@apathyDEFINED You need the joint compound, but not the linseed oil. Joint compound is cheap, and it makes the clay easy to work with. You might want to look for a traditional paper pulp recipe if you aren't comfortable with the ingredients in this one.

[SUZZYKATE234]

Thanks, this is awesome.

[Mike56389]

can the toilet paper be replaced with newspaper? Ive got alot of newspaper id like to recycle..

oh and thanks for all your tips :]

[rachelwynn]

can i substitute the compound mixture with something from around the house. this may sound stupid, would egg work? -probably not, right?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@rachelwynn Eggs don't have any of the same properties of joint compound (and they're probably more expensive) but that doesn't mean that you couldn't make it work. I developed the recipe by mixing up many, many batches, using as many different combinations of materials that I thought might work. If you change the recipe, you'll be extending the experimental process, and that's good - and if you find a new recipe that works, please let us know. (But I have my doubts about the eggs... )

[JACQSIErae]

wonderful...i want to try now

[jillybean190]

oh and sorry, but i forgot to ask 1 more thing!!! to fill in the cracks of my paper mache could i use bondo? my step dad recomened it but hes not entirely sure if it'll work. im not sure if you know but thanks in advance anyways! :D

[UltimatePaperMache]

@jillybean190 I've never used that product, but you could try it and see. Does your step dad have a bit he'd share for an experiment?

[jillybean190]

what is joint compound? i was wondering because on my paper mache there is cracks that i need to fill in, so i was trying to find something i can apply over it, like 1 layer. does this clay dry really hard? does it chip off? or could i just use this joint compound? i made a really big paper mache scythe for my cosplay so im going to be carring it and i dont want it falling apart....or should i just use gesso? we used it in my art class once but it chips off alot. oh, and thanks in advance! :D

[UltimatePaperMache]

@jillybean190 Joint compound comes premixed at the hardware store, and it looks a bit like plaster - but it air-dries over time, instead of setting up quickly. I've used it to fill in dips and cracks in paper mache, but I usually covered it with one last paper mache layer because it does tend to crack if it isn't on a solid base, like a wall. It might be better to make a hard, strong gesso with 1 tablespoon of joint compound, one teaspoon of Elmer's Glue All and a dab of white acrylic paint.

[jillybean190]

@UltimatePaperMache thank you so much! youre so helpful! oh, and just 1 more question, can i buy the gesso because my mom is getting very..um...naggy because all the seprate things she has been having to buy, so i think just buying 1 item will be better instead of buying 3. do you have an idea of what type i should buy? because i went to micheals.com (not sure if spelled right) and there was a few to chose from and i dont know which one. if you dont know thats ok, thanks for all your help!!!! :D

[UltimatePaperMache]

@jillybean190 Any gesso should work OK - you'd want the kind that is used for acrylic paintings. You might need to apply several coats to get it as smooth as you like, and you can sand the dried gesso if you want. The store clerk might be able to help you choose the right brand.

[jillybean190]

@UltimatePaperMache thanks so much for all the help!!

[50ftmeanie]

would the paste warp or shrink from drying?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@50ftmeanie If you dry a flat piece too quickly, like in the direct sun, it will warp. It does shrink slightly.

[srhn8860]

Try using dryer lint it is already broken up and is just as or even smoother than tisue.

[hellgirl2189]

besides linseed oil what other type of oil can i put in?

is this compatible with sculpting and crafting roses and such?

and i was wondering... is this the air-dry type?

thanks!

[UltimatePaperMache]

@hellgirl2189 You can leave out the linseed oil if you want to. I have not tried any other type of oil with this recipe - if you do an experiment, please let us know how it turns out. I have never made roses with it, either. It is definitely an air-dry product. No baking is needed.

[hellgirl2189]

@UltimatePaperMache thanks =) may i know where i can find joint compound?

i'm not really familiar on what joint compound is

thank you :D

[UltimatePaperMache]

@hellgirl2189 Sure - you buy it at the hardware or lumber store. A gallon of pre-mixed joint compound/filler costs about $6 at my local store, and it's enough to make many quarts of paper mache clay. We have lots more information about the clay and examples of the way many people are using it on my website.

[hellgirl2189]

@UltimatePaperMache you're a great help :D i'm still suffering from trial and errors in sculpting but i'm sure i'll get used to it sooner or later

it's much better to learn early than to learn when it's already late =D

but can i buy some joint compound that wont reach the stage of a "gallon"?

thanks :D

[UltimatePaperMache]

@hellgirl2189 That's going to depend on your local hardware store. I can buy a quart of joint compound at my local Walmart, but the hardware store sells one and five gallon containers. Give your store a call, and ask, And have fun with your sculptures.

[UltimatePaperMache]

Absolutely, you can leave out the linseed oil. It will change the texture of the clay slightly, but the clay will work just fine without it.

[JonniG00d]

The joint compound mentioned is the "mud" used to fill the crack between two pieces of plaster board on new walls. It's found in a hardware store or a store that caters to the construction industry. Here in the states, a gallon (which makes many quarts of paper mache clay) costs about $6.

[gofuckingrawr]

What is "join compound".

I'm from a different counrty and don't know what that means.

[StephanieIAm]

amazing! this is great, thank you!

[CINNAMONbunny06]

is the final product durable? would it hold up if you made a mask out of it?

[UltimatePaperMache]

I think it would hold up but I have not tried it. I think it might need to be reinforced. If you try it, let us know how it works.

[wilkoman3]

@UltimatePaperMache Great vid and explanation. I put newspaper and old letters in the blender with warm water, squeeze out the excess water using a rag and then mix in by hand about 1 part PVA to 4 parts pulp. Once dry it sands down really smooth and it's pretty solid. I don't think my recipe is as good as yours; I've got a lot to learn. Is it safe to paint on it with acrylics?

[UltimatePaperMache]

@wilkoman3 Yes. I use acrylics.

[UltimatePaperMache]

I've never seen mold growing in my clay, and I sometimes keep in in the bowl, covered with plastic, for a week or more. You do need to seal your finished sculpture to keep dampness from getting in, just like you would any paper mache.

[dbztiki]

Does this recipe ever rot?