Hello armor enthusiasts. I've noticed that nobody has really made a thread for making armor from paper mache, or at least I've never seen it after using the Search feature on the site. Anyways, I'd like to make this thread as a collective guide made by the community to help people make armor using paper mache, for those who either can't or would like to go this method rather than resin/fiberglass. Yes yes, we know paper mache isn't as good as the real way to do it, so we don't need to hear people saying "use resin it's better!!!!"...now it's been said, no need for anyone to point it out.
I'd like to gather information from people who have used paper mache before to find the best methods and materials possible to make some decent armor. If you have any experience in using mache or have any tips, please post your findings so we can make ourselves a good guide. I will try to update this thread as often as I can, adding in new information from those who contribute.
Paper Mache Guide
Recommended Materials to use for:
~ paper material- newspaper, bond paper (stronger)
~ adhesive- Elmer's white glue
~ detailing???
~ other
Methods/Tips:
- Mix up the glue with some water so it's not too thick (around 40% water, 60% glue)
- Lay down the paper strips in different directions for a stronger surface
- Tear the strips rather then cutting them, also makes for a stronger surface
- Make sure the strips overlap to strengthen your piece
- Use several layers on the inside and outside of your armor
- Don't hesitate if you think the paper mache is too soft, just add more layers if you think you need them (at least 5 layers with the hard paper(bond paper)
- Use a jigg to secure the piece in place because it tends to twist a bit cause of water. After putting 2-3 layers, let it dry and you can take out the jigg and put more layers on it, it won't deform but it's advisable to do it on the jigg to be safe.
- DO NOT use too much adhesive compound(glue), because it will deform pretty bad if you put too much, especially on the first layer. Just use enough for the paper to stick, not too little that after it dries it won't stick anymore.
- Tear the bond paper into small pieces, like 1"x1" small, if you're using it for the very detailed parts of the armor. If you have straight, flat surfaces, bigger pieces will be fine. If you make it too big, the bond paper won't assume the shape of the armor piece.
- After the piece is done, find a good place to store it like inside a plastic bag. Apparently centerside was victim to "creepy crawlies" that ate through his project lol.
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ok, so I'm hoping people can expand on this and help produce a nice guide for paper mache.
I have some additional questions for you guys:
1) Which adhesive mix is better to use, glue, glue+water, flour+water?
2) Can the paper mache be sanded down to remove some rough edges, and if so which sandpaper is recommended?
3) Should you add a layer at a time and wait for them to dry before adding another, OR keep adding layers until you have enough?
This is all I could think of for now, but please help me in making this guide. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I will check this thread daily. Thanks!
-Enrisan
I'd like to gather information from people who have used paper mache before to find the best methods and materials possible to make some decent armor. If you have any experience in using mache or have any tips, please post your findings so we can make ourselves a good guide. I will try to update this thread as often as I can, adding in new information from those who contribute.
Paper Mache Guide
Recommended Materials to use for:
~ paper material- newspaper, bond paper (stronger)
~ adhesive- Elmer's white glue
~ detailing???
~ other
Methods/Tips:
- Mix up the glue with some water so it's not too thick (around 40% water, 60% glue)
- Lay down the paper strips in different directions for a stronger surface
- Tear the strips rather then cutting them, also makes for a stronger surface
- Make sure the strips overlap to strengthen your piece
- Use several layers on the inside and outside of your armor
- Don't hesitate if you think the paper mache is too soft, just add more layers if you think you need them (at least 5 layers with the hard paper(bond paper)
- Use a jigg to secure the piece in place because it tends to twist a bit cause of water. After putting 2-3 layers, let it dry and you can take out the jigg and put more layers on it, it won't deform but it's advisable to do it on the jigg to be safe.
- DO NOT use too much adhesive compound(glue), because it will deform pretty bad if you put too much, especially on the first layer. Just use enough for the paper to stick, not too little that after it dries it won't stick anymore.
- Tear the bond paper into small pieces, like 1"x1" small, if you're using it for the very detailed parts of the armor. If you have straight, flat surfaces, bigger pieces will be fine. If you make it too big, the bond paper won't assume the shape of the armor piece.
- After the piece is done, find a good place to store it like inside a plastic bag. Apparently centerside was victim to "creepy crawlies" that ate through his project lol.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ok, so I'm hoping people can expand on this and help produce a nice guide for paper mache.
I have some additional questions for you guys:
1) Which adhesive mix is better to use, glue, glue+water, flour+water?
2) Can the paper mache be sanded down to remove some rough edges, and if so which sandpaper is recommended?
3) Should you add a layer at a time and wait for them to dry before adding another, OR keep adding layers until you have enough?
This is all I could think of for now, but please help me in making this guide. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. I will check this thread daily. Thanks!
-Enrisan
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