Traditional Papier Mâché

What You'll Need

For the paste

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups water

For the paper

Newspaper, kraft paper, or other thin paper
A bowl or container for the paste
A form to cover
A little petroleum jelly or plastic wrap, if needed, to help release the finished piece from the form

The 1:2 flour-to-water ratio is a commonly used simple papier mâché paste approach. Historical and contemporary educational sources describe flour-and-water paste as one of the standard methods used with layered paper strips.

How to Make the Paste

1. Mix

Add the flour to a bowl and gradually whisk in the water until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.

2. Adjust

The paste should be smooth and fluid enough to coat the paper without becoming excessively watery.

3. Use Fresh

Because this paste contains flour, it is best made fresh and used promptly rather than stored for long periods.

How to Apply the Paper

1. Prepare Your Form

Cover your form with a very thin layer of petroleum jelly or another suitable release barrier if you need to remove the finished piece from it.

2. Tear the Paper

Tear the paper into strips rather than cutting it with scissors. Torn edges can blend into one another more easily as the layers build.

3. Apply the Paste

Dip a strip into the paste and remove the excess so the paper is coated but not dripping.

4. Build in Layers

Place the strip onto your form and smooth it gently.

Continue adding strips, overlapping them as you build the form.

5. Let It Dry Completely

Allow the piece to dry thoroughly before adding more layers, removing it from a form, or painting it.

Drying time will vary depending on the thickness of the layers, the size and shape of the piece, humidity, temperature, and airflow.

What This Method Is Good For

Traditional paper mâché is especially useful for:

Covering forms and armatures
Masks
Simple sculptural forms
Decorative objects
Learning the fundamentals of layered papier mâché

Studio Mary Note

This method is simple, inexpensive, and a great way to understand how layered paper builds strength and form. But it is only one approach to papier mâché.

Once you understand the basic method, you can start experimenting with other ways of shaping paper.