Paper Mache Recipe - Cheap, Quick, Easiest Glue (2024)

Learn what paper mache recipe is best to ensure you accomplish your crafty projects efficiently. The glue is the most important material for paper mache because it holds your project together. It will also determine how long your project will last or what adjustments you can make once the paper gets exposed to the glue. This tutorial will show you how to make 3 types of paper mache glue including flour, PVA glue, and glue resin powder.

Which is the Best Paper Mache Recipe

The purpose of a paper mache recipe is to have glue to bind layers of paper together. The best paper mache recipe depends on your purpose, how long you require your project to last, and what level of detail you need in your artwork. The two most common mache paste recipes are made from flour or white glue and water. Since paper mache is commonly used for kids crafts, most people make the flour mixture since it is easy to make, cheap and safe to use. Glue paper mache gives stronger results.

In this tutorial, I will show you 3 different methods of making a paper mache recipe.

1. Paper mache recipe with flour (recommended for kids crafts).
2. Paper mache recipe with flour and glue resin (stronger for adult crafts.)
3. Paper mache recipe with PVA glue (strong glue for adult crafts.)

1. Paper Mache Recipe with Flour

You will often see paper mache recipes with flour called paper mache paste. It is an easy paper mache recipe to make for kids.

You can use this homemade adhesive as soon as you prepare it. However, it can last for a few days when refrigerated, so go ahead and make extra if you plan to do lots of projects within a short period. Below is the procedure recommended by most crafters.

Supplies

For this paper mache recipe for a homemade adhesive, make sure you have the following ready:

• A Mixing Bowl
• Whisk or Hand Blender
• Flour
• Water
• Salt (salt prevents mold and rot)
• Jar or Container With an Airtight Lid (for storage)

Best Type of Flour for Paper Mache Glue

The most recommended DIY paper mache glue is made of white flour. Not only is it safer because it’s food-grade, but also economical, especially for kids and those just starting to learn paper mache. If you have kids with any allergies, use gluten-free flour.

Plain Flour vs Self Raising Flour for Paper Mache

Plain flour is usually used to make paper mache glue. You can use self-raising flour, although it's not the most common choice. Self-raising flour contains baking powder in addition to flour, but this shouldn't significantly affect the paper mache mixture for most craft purposes.

Flour Paper Mache Recipe, Step by Step Instructions

Now that you have all the materials ready, you can start making your DIY adhesive. All you have to do is follow these paper mache recipe steps:

1. In your mixing bowl, place one part of the flour with two parts of water. For example, mix a cup of flour with two cups of water.
2. Mix the two ingredients using the whisk or hand blender until you no longer see any lumps.
3. Check the mixture’s consistency, which is, ideally, should be the same as pancake batter. If it’s not, you can add flour or water little by little, depending on whether it’s too thin or thick. Remove any air bubbles.
4. Once you achieved the right consistency, add at least two tablespoons of salt, and then mix using your whisk or hand blender.
5. Transfer the paste to your airtight container, whether you’ll use it now or later.
6. If you won’t use it or are done using it, cover it with the lid tightly and put it inside your refrigerator.
7. To use the paper mache glue, tear strips of paper, cover them in glue and then apply them to your base.

Tips for Flour Paper Mache Recipe

This adhesive will have an odd smell that won’t work for anyone, but there’s a good hack for this issue. That is, to add a few pinches of cinnamon to the mixture.

Likewise, you can change the mixture’s color to the paste by adding a few drops of food coloring. Just note that it can stain your clothes or any fabric, so it’s best to wear your art or work clothes.

2. Flour and Glue Paper Mache Recipe

Another alternative to standard types of glue for paper mache is the flour-resin adhesive. The product made out of this paper mache recipe can last up to about a week when refrigerated. However, you’ll notice changes in the consistency after a few days, so it’s best to make just enough.

Supplies

Like the first homemade adhesive, you should prepare a mixing bowl, a whisk or hand blender, a container with an airtight lid, water, and flour. In addition, you must have the following on hand:

• Saucepan: This paper mache recipe requires boiling, so you need a mid-sized pot to hold all the ingredients.
• Measuring Cups
• Resin Glue Powder: This ingredient helps the product have better texture and binding abilities. Glue powder is a powdered wood glue that is activated by adding water. It can be found at many craft stores and hardware stores.
• Flour
• Water

Flour and Glue Paper Mache Recipe, Step by Step

The steps you need to take to succeed in preparing this paper mache recipe are as follows:

1. Measure three cups of water, place it in your pot, and bring it to a boil on the stovetop.
2. While waiting, start preparing your flour-glue mixture. Measure half a cup of powdered resin glue and put it in your mixing bowl. Add a cup of flour.
3. Mix the two ingredients using your whisk or hand blender until you see no lumps.
4. When the water starts to boil, slowly stir in your flour-resin mixture and mix.
5. Allow it to boil until you see a smooth and clear mixture. This usually takes two to three minutes.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and place it in a stable, safe place.
7. Once it slightly cools, transfer the paste to your container, whether you’ll use it now or later.
8. If you won’t use it or are done, cover it with the lid tightly and put it inside your refrigerator.

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3. Paper Mache Recipe with Glue (PVA)

Paper mache made with glue is stronger than the recipe made with flour. It is best suited to adults making paper mache projects rather than kids. As well as being stronger, glue paper mache recipes last longer and are less prone to rotting.

Supplies

• White Glue: Many types of glue can be used, but the best is wood glue or white PVA glue. Ensure that the glue dries clear.
• Water
• Mixing Bowls

Glue Paper Mache Recipe, Step by Step

1. Add white glue to your mixing bowl and mix with equal water. (Ratio 1:1)
2. Mix thoroughly so there are no lumps.

PVA Paper Mache Glue Options

As mentioned, there is a wide selection of PVA glue that you’ll find in the market today. Let’s talk about two of your best options to make it easier for you to decide.

Types of Glue:

1. White, Hobby, or School Glue
2. Type 1 Carpenter’s or Regular Wood Glue

White, Hobby, or School Glue - The Best PVA Paper Mache Glue

The best glue for paper mache is white glue like Elmer's glue, which is the variety you usually use in school and the office. It’s affordable, readily available, and flexible, so even beginners won’t have difficulty accomplishing small and large projects.

However, you can’t sand the dried white glue, so don’t create bits or clumps while making your design. Nonetheless, the dried glue is durable, preventing cracks in case you accidentally knock off your paper mache. Additionally, this glue is water-soluble and requires dilution before use.

Type 1 Carpenter’s or Regular Wood Glue - The Alternative Option

Known to be the strongest type of PVA glue, the type 1 carpenter’s glue is another excellent option. You can also easily paint and sand your projects using this glue, giving your paper mache an attractive finish. Its sandable property also ensures you can fix chips and cracks with ease.

Paper Mache Glue Recipe FAQs

Is Paper Mache Better With Glue or Flour?

A mache paste recipe with glue is superior to flour simply because it’s explicitly formulated to bond items, so it’s stronger. It’s also easier to achieve the right consistency needed for paper mache. It also dries more quickly than flour-based adhesive.

Although you can resolve the rotting and molding issues by adding salt, the flour-based adhesive can turn yellow after a while. Nonetheless, you might not need to paint your paper mache project when using flour-based glue. You can simply divide it into portions and add color to each one.

Can You Make Paper Mache Without Glue?

What if you don’t have PVA glue or don’t want to use any commercially available adhesive for paper mache? Don’t worry. Use the flour paper mache recipe. The materials you’ll need are readily available in your kitchen or a nearby store. Mix 1 part flour to 2 parts water and add 2 tablespoons of salt.

Paper Mache Recipe - In Conclusion

Preparing the best glue for your paper mache projects isn’t complicated. The best thing about them is that most materials are available at home. For the rest, you can buy them online or at your local store at an affordable price.

Although you can store them for a certain period, using freshly prepared paper mache glue is best. Doing so ensures they’re still at their best quality. You must also not forget to label the containers before placing them in the fridge. The label should include what they are and when their exact expiry dates, as mentioned in the specific paper mache recipe. Happy crafting!

More Paper Mache Basics

• How to Make Paper Mache
• Paper Mache with PVA Glue
• Paper Mache Glue