How to Seal Paper Mache for Outdoor Use
Introduction:
Paper mache is a vessel or container made by covering an object with paper strips dipped in a paste. The process of making the object is called paper mache because the finished product has a surface similar to that of an old-fashioned parchment lampshade.
Paper mache can be used to make different kinds of designs, depending on what kind of paper you use. You can use newspaper or kraft paper, or other kinds of recycled paper products. To seal paper mache for outdoor use, you will need to start by coating the paper mache with a layer of mod podge. Once the mod podge is dry, you can then paint your design with a waterproof sealant.
The word “paste” can mean the same thing as “pulp,” which is made from wood fibers. But usually, “paste” is made from flour or starch mixed with water. Sometimes, people add pulses (a type of food) to paste to create different textures.
Summary: If you are looking to seal paper mache for outdoor use, there are a few things you will need to know. The first is to make sure the paper mache is completely dry before sealing it. This can be done by either air drying or using an oven. The second is to use a sealant that will protect the paper mache from rain and UV rays. Some popular sealants include silicone, oil, and wax.
Guide on How to Seal Paper Mache for Outdoor Use:
1. Thoroughly mix the following ingredients to make a thin paste:
- One part water
- One part white glue (such as Elmer’s)
- Two parts flour
2. Cut two pieces of cheesecloth, approximately twice as large as your paper mache piece. Place one piece on top of the other so that they are double layered, then cut slits about 1/4 inch apart vertically and horizontally across both pieces of cloth. This will allow moisture to escape from your paper mache piece while protecting it from the elements simultaneously.
3. Paint or brush on a coat of paste onto your surface, making sure to cover every spot evenly. Allow this first coat to dry completely before adding a second. If you add the second coat before the first is dry, the paste will not adhere and a third coat may be necessary.
4. Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat in the same way as the first. Let this dry completely before painting with any acrylic paint or sealing with shellac. Paint your project whatever color you want, but remember that whatever color you choose will determine what kind of finishes can be applied to it afterward. Also, note that certain colors may not lend themselves well to some finishes, so be sure to test them on scrap pieces of paper mache if you’re unsure how they will look when applied.
5. Seal your painted paper mache piece with an appropriate varnish for outdoor use (such as polyurethane) and let it dry overnight in a warm place before using it outdoors or decorating it with any additional items (such as shells and sand).
6. Your paper mache piece is almost done! Once it dries, you can paint it or add decorations like sand and seashells. You might need to put another layer of varnish over the paint or decorations to make them last.
7. Apply a final coat of shellac to make sure everything is sealed. Shellac will “flash” (dry) in about 15-20 minutes, so work quickly once you’ve applied it.
8. After the final coat of shellac has dried, your decorated piece is ready to be placed either indoors or outdoors. However, if you’re placing it outdoors, make sure to cover it thoroughly to prevent moisture from getting into any cracks or crevices that the shellac may not completely cover.
Precautions While Sealing Paper Mache for Outdoor Use:
Seal paper mache art carefully with a high-quality exterior enamel for best results. Do it in a well-ventilated area – outdoors if possible, because the fumes from low-quality spray paint can be quite noxious.
Some people use a respirator while spraying their masterpieces, and that’s probably a good idea if you’re going to do a lot of spraying. If you need to seal your piece indoors, spray it on all sides at once rather than one side at a time. This way, the wet surfaces won’t stick together before the paint is dry, which could ruin your hard work.
Two or three light coats are better than one heavy coat of paint when sealing paper mache with spray paint. However, the more layers of paint you use, the longer it takes to dry.
Also, if you spray too heavily or thickly, drips and dribbles may form on your paper mache surface, which will interfere with future coats of paint – so always be careful when spraying near the edges.
The trick is to do very even, light layers until the piece has completely sealed up. Then give it a day or two to dry before applying another coat for protection against moisture damage. You can actually use just about any exterior enamel that contains no solvents but choose wisely.
If you want to seal paper mache art that’s really large – say over 5 feet tall – then plan on working in sections rather than doing one side at a time. If you spray too heavily, drips are more likely to form.
And if your paper mache project is extensive, chances are also good that the paint will take longer to dry. You might even want to use a hairdryer on the cool setting occasionally to speed up the drying process.
Alternative of Paper Mache: Paper clay
Making paper clay is the same as making paper mache paste. You mix white 4 or 6 ply bond paper with water, using 1 part water to 2 parts paper. Once it is soaked, let dry out (flat on baking sheet) at least overnight before attempting to play with it.
If you want super smooth, use X-Press It Blending Tool for smoothing and blending textures into the project’s surface. One of the great advantages of paper clay is that it can be oven-baked, so you can do sculptural projects that are stable enough to hold their own weight.
Paper clay dries rock hard, making it strong enough for most projects, even being outdoors. Paper clay does not have to be waterproofed for outdoor use.
Just keep out of direct rain. Paper clay may have a slightly different texture than paper mache paste but also has the same characteristics in creating tactile artworks or figures with many layers.
Crackle paste used with paperclay will produce an old cracked authentic look on your finished sculpture, perfect for historical projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is glue or flour better for paper mache?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the type of paper mache that you are making. However, generally, flour is a better choice because it dries faster and is less likely to cause any damage to the paper.
Can you use Modge podge for paper mache?
Yes, you can use Modge Podge for paper mache. However, it is important to note that this product is not recommended for use on porous surfaces such as wood.
Why is my paper mache not hard?
One of the main reasons why your paper mache may not be hard is because you may have used the wrong type of paper. If you are using low-quality paper, it will not hold up under the stress of being sculpted.
Another reason is that you may not have wet the paper thoroughly enough. Wetting the paper helps it to become more pliable and harder to work with. Finally, make sure that you are using the right kind of sculpting tools for the job.
What can I use to make paper waterproof?
There are a few things that can be used to make paper waterproof. One option is to use a sealant. Sealants are available in spray or liquid form and can be applied to the paper before it is folded or glued together.
Another option is to use a water-repelling coating. This type of coating is applied after the paper has been folded or glued together and helps protect it from water damage.
Can you use polyurethane on paper mache?
Yes, you can use polyurethane on paper mache. However, it is important to test the sealant first in a small area to make sure that it will not cause any damage to the paper mache.
Conclusion:
So, these were the tips and instructions you can follow to make a paper mache piece for outdoor use. Follow them carefully, and if you follow them carefully, they will be durable and last for a long time.
I hope this article has been beneficial for learning how to seal paper mache for outdoor use. Thank you and have a nice day!
Elizabeth Davis
Elizabeth is a creative writer and digital editor based in the United States. She has a passion for the arts and crafts, which she developed from a young age. Elizabeth has always loved experimenting with new mediums and sharing her work with others. When she started blogging, she knew that DIYquickly would be the perfect platform to share her tutorials and tips. She's been writing for the blog from the beginning, and her readers love her helpful advice and easy-to-follow instructions. When she's not writing or editing, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
