The first step in any papier mache project is gathering the right materials. There are lots of options out there, but not all of them are created equal. Some are durable and easy to work with, while others are cheap and flimsy. We decided to do some shopping for you, testing out a variety of products to find the best papier mache supplies for any project you’re trying to tackle.
Read on for our top picks.
Our Editor’s Best Papier Mache Supplies Reviews
- The original and industry leading instant papier mache; just add water, no paper strip cutting or adding messy paste; beginner friendly with exceptionally professional resulst, sustainably sourced made from 100% recycled paper
- Just one step; mixes easily, molds quickly and easy to handle and control; adheres to most any surface with superior adhesion to any substrate; dries very quickly to a remarkably hard finish and can be sanded, sawn, cut or drilled when cured.
- Perfect for mask making, school projects, dioramas, theatrical props, decorative objects and intricate sculpture; easy to paint and add texture, detail, patterns and color
- Easy to measure out and mix just the ammount you need, no waste. Easy clean up with just soap and water
- Safe and non-toxic; meets or exceeds all US and European testing standards, ACMI certified. Made in the USA.
- The original, fast drying Papier Mache, its unique formula speeds the air drying process from days to hours, helping create larger projects faster
- Made from 100% recycled paper, just add water, it mixes easily and is easy handle; very versatile and easy to carve and sculpt with modeling tools
- Adheres to most any surface and dries to a remarkably hard finish with minimal shrinkage, can be sanded, sawn, cut or drilled when fully cured
- Perfect for school projects, dioramas, decorative objects and intricate sculpture; easy to paint and add texture, detail, patterns and color
- Easy clean up with just soap and water, safe and nontoxic, Made in the USA and meets and exceeds all US and European testing standards, ACMI Certified.
- The original instant papier mache; just add water, no paper strip cutting or paste; made from 100% recycled paper
- One step; mixes easily, molds quickly and easy to handle; adheres to most any surface; dries remarkably hard and can be sanded, sawn, cut or drilled
- Perfect for school projects, dioramas, decorative objects and intricate sculpture; easy to paint and add texture, detail, patterns and color
- Easy clean up with just soap and water
- Safe and non-toxic; meets or exceeds all US and European testing standards
- The original, fast drying papier Mache, its unique formula speeds the air drying process from days to hours, helping create larger projects faster
- Made from 100% recycled paper, just add water, it mixes easily and is easy handle; very versatile and easy to carve and sculpt with modeling tools
- Adheres to most any surface and dries to a remarkably hard finish with minimal shrinkage, can be sanded, sawn, cut or drilled
- Perfect for school projects, dioramas, decorative objects and intricate sculpture; easy to paint and add texture, detail, patterns and color
- Easy clean up with just soap and water, safe and nontoxic, made in the USA and meets all US and European testing standards, ACMI Approved
- 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 - These plaster of paris rolls are the perfect canvas for your creativity, whether you're crafting a face wrap, a mask, or engaging in detailed plaster art and crafts.
- 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 - Our plaster bandages for art provide a creamy, cement-like texture that dries to a sleek, professional finish, enhancing the quality of your craft plaster projects.
- 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 - Speed up your creative process with plaster bandages that set fast, perfect for artists working on paper mache strips, belly plaster for pregnant moms, and artful castings.
- 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿-𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 - Simple and straightforward, these plaster gauze strips are a dream to work with—dip in water, apply, and smooth out for a fuss-free application in mask making or belly casts.
- 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 - Stock up with 12 rolls of our versatile plaster wrap gauze, each long enough for multiple projects, from belly bump casts to paper mache volcanoes, ensuring you always have your medium at hand.
- Get creative with instant papier mache! Whether it's decoupages, collages, or intricate sculptures, this original paper pulp is easy to mix and handle. Perfect for any art project you have in mind.
- HIGH-QUALITY 14-PACK PAPER MACHE MASKS - Each blank paper mask the perfect paper mache texture with added structural integrity. Wear as it is with the included elastic fasteners or create spectacular art with these masks! And don't worry about waste! These masks are made from non-toxic and eco-friendly materials that are both biodegradable and recyclable.
- 2 SIZES: 7 LARGE SIZE AND 7 SMALL SIZE FOR A UNIVERSAL FIT- The two sizes, regular shape, and neural expression are perfect for different sizes of faces. The small size is 6.8 inches by 8 inches while the large size is 7.5 inches by 9.5 inches. These masks can fit both adults and children. They're also the perfect size to hang as decors on your wall.
- FOR THEATER, MASQUERADE PARTIES, AND HALLOWEEN COSTUMES - From theatrical to historical, these masks are perfect for any themed event! Add intricate details, textures, and color schemes! You can make these masks as elegant or as scary as you want them to be. Your imagination is the limit!
- WONDERFUL ART CLASS ACTIVITY AND PROJECT - Develop children's creativity by letting them create original mask designs or using the masks to teach them painting and mixed-medium techniques. With this value pack of 14 masks, you'll have several extra pieces for those who make mistakes.
- LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN FREE - Allow these blank paper mache masks to be your canvas. Create, decorate, and develop your artistic skills! Let these masks express your boundless creativity!
- Create lightweight puppets, school projects, holiday décor, stage props, and more
- Mix water to form a fine, lumpy paste that can be modeled or applied over an armature
- Sets in 30 minutes then detailed modeling can be completed
- Suitable for many arts and crafts uses.
- Encourage kids creativity with a blank slate they can customize to their hearts content!
- Allows children to create masks with their own unique, custom design
- Surface can be easily painted, glued and more
- Skip the drippy mess of traditional paper mache with ready-to-use paper mache air-hardening clay!
- Lightweight and mess-free clay contains just the right amount of water to create figures with internal support or flat shapes.
- Half inch thickness dries in approximately 24 hours.
- Jovi has been dedicated to producing outstanding creative products since 1939. Made in Barcelona, Spain, Jovi products are Nontoxic, CPSIA-certified, and gluten-free!
Best Papier Mache Supplies Buying Guide
Before choosing the best papier mache supplies you should consider following options:
1. Paper and Cardboard: This is the most important ingredient in making papier mache. The quality and type of paper or cardboard you use will have an effect on the final result and strength of your sculpture.
Cardboard is a better option as it is stronger and easier to work with. Cardboard boxes are also easy to come by, so no need to go out and specifically look for them. Just collect them from your recycling bin, or go somewhere that sells them for a cheap price, such as a moving company.
2. Water: You will need water to swell up the paper and cardboard and give your sculpture a hard finish. Use room temperature water and not cold water, as cold water will cause the paper and cardboard to crack.
3. Salt: Add salt to help dry up the water faster. The salt will absorb the water and then dissolve and leave the sculpture.
4. Glue: You will need a glue to hold your sculpture together. You can use any glue you like, as long as it is waterproof.
5. Sand: Add sand to give your sculpture more strength. Play it safe and use wet or dry sand, depending on your preference. You can also use colored sand, if you want to give your sculpture a more aesthetic appeal.
6. Brush: Use a wide brush to apply the glue evenly.
7. Paper Towels: Use paper towels to wipe off the extra water and glue.
8. Newspaper: Lay down newspaper or plastic sheets to protect your working area from the glue.
9. Rubber Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the glue.
10. Measuring Tape: Use a measuring tape to measure your sculpture so you can make it to the exact size you want.
11. Ruler: Use a ruler to mark your sculpture.
12. Wire or String: Use a piece of wire or string to help you hold up the pieces of your sculpture for drying.
13. Cardboard Box: Use a cardboard box to keep your sculpture in while it dries.
14. Cardboard Tube: Use a cardboard tube to stick your sculpture in to dry. This will prevent it from leaning to one side while drying.
15. Plastic Wrap: Wrap your sculpture in plastic wrap to keep the paper from getting wet while it is drying.
16. Patience: Don’t forget to be patient while your sculpture dries. It may take a few days or even weeks, depending on how thick you want it to be.
17. Wire or String: Use a piece of wire or string again to help hold up your sculpture for painting.
18. Brush: Use a small brush to paint your sculpture.
19. Paint: Use acrylic paints to paint your sculpture.
20. Cardboard Tube: Use a cardboard tube to stick your sculpture in to dry. This will prevent it from leaning to one side while drying.
21. Plastic Wrap: Wrap your sculpture in plastic wrap to keep the paper from getting wet while it is drying.
22. Newspaper: Lay down newspaper or plastic sheets to protect your working area from the paint.
23. Cardboard Box: Use a cardboard box to keep your sculpture in while it dries.
24. Patience: Don’t forget to be patient while your sculpture dries. It may take a few days or even weeks, depending on how thick you want it to be.
25. Wire or String
What else you should know about papier mache supplies
1. What types of papier mache supplies are available?
There are a variety of papier mache supplies available, including paper, paste, and molding materials.
2. What are the benefits of papier mache?
Some benefits of papier mache include that it is:
-Inexpensive
-Can be made with recycled materials
-Can be made into a variety of shapes and sizes
-Is lightweight
-Can be painted or decorated in a variety of ways
3. What are the best papier mache supplies for beginners?
Papier mache requires few supplies and can be done with items you likely already have around your house. To make papier mache, you will need:
-Tape
-Scissors
-Newspaper
-Flour
-Water
-A bowl
-A paintbrush
4. What are the most popular papier mache supplies?
There is a wide range of papier mache supplies available, but some of the most popular include: newspapers, glue, paint, and balloons.
5. How do I store papier mache supplies?
Papier mache supplies can be stored in a variety of ways. Many people choose to store them in a box or container, while others prefer to hang them on a wall or in a closet.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best papier mache supplies. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best papier mache supplies will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.