What is Paper Mache ?

                      

                                                   

Paper Mache, is a composite material consisting of paperpieces or pulp, sometimes reinforced with textiles, bound with an adhesive, such as glue,starch, or wallpaper paste. In French, it means Chewed paper.

Two main methods are used to prepare papier-mâché. One makes use of paper strips glued together with adhesive. The other method, as the name suggests, uses paper pulp obtained by soaking or boiling paper to which adhesive is then added.

The traditional method of making papier-mâché adhesive is to use a mixture of water and flour or other starch, mixed to the consistency of heavy cream. Other adhesives can be used if thinned to a similar texture, such as polyvinyl acetate-based glues. Adding oil of cloves or other additives such as salt to the mixture reduces the chances of the product developing mold.

For the paper strips method, the paper is cut or torn into strips, and soaked in the paste until saturated. The saturated pieces are then placed onto the surface and allowed to dry slowly. The strips may be placed on an armature, or skeleton, often of wire mesh over a structural frame, or they can be placed on an object to create a cast. Oil or grease can be used as a release agent if needed.

Once dried, the resulting material can be cut, sanded and/or painted, and waterproofed by painting with a suitable water-repelling paint. Before painting any product of papier-mâché, the glue must be fully dried; otherwise mold will rot from the inside out.

For the pulp method, the paper is left in water at least overnight to soak, or boiled in abundant water until the paper dissolves in a pulp. The excess water is drained, an adhesive is added and the papier-mâché applied to a form or, especially for smaller or simpler objects, sculpted to shape.