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, 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 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
- 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
- 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.
- 4" height
- 1.25" deep
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Free from preservatives and solvents, safe for children
- 125 g powder makes up to 6.5 litres of adhesive paste
- Easy to mix, mix: 4 tablespoons per litre of water
- Washable with warm water
- Box contents: Pritt craft paste papier-mâché, 125 g in folding box
- Lightweight
- Durable
- 2" deep
- This hollow letter is great for crafting; simply paint, layer with papers or decoupage to transform in into wall art, home decor or customized gifts.
- DECOPATCH is a French brand belonging to the Clairefontaine Rhodia group. We offer quality products for customization, decoration and creative hobbies.
- MULTI-TECHNICS: In brown paper mache, this Décopatch support is ideal to be decorated according to your desires.
- PAINTING: you can cover it with white Gesso paint (not supplied) before painting it in the colours of your choice.
- DECOPATCH PAPER: Customize it with Decopatch paper and our PaperPatch glue (not included). Nothing could be easier: tear or cut a few pieces of Decopatch paper of about 2x2 cm - Apply the glue to the support. Place a piece of paper on the glued surface and put a second layer of glue on it.
- Overlap the pieces of paper to cover the support by mixing colours and patterns.
- DECOPATCH is a French brand belonging to the Clairefontaine Rhodia group. We offer quality products for customization, decoration and creative hobbies.
- MULTI-TECHNICS: In brown paper mache, this Décopatch support is ideal to be decorated according to your desires.
- PAINTING: you can cover it with white Gesso paint (not supplied) before painting it in the colours of your choice.
- DECOPATCH PAPER: Customize it with Decopatch paper and our PaperPatch glue (not included). Nothing could be easier: tear or cut a few pieces of Decopatch paper of about 2x2 cm - Apply the glue to the support. Place a piece of paper on the glued surface and put a second layer of glue on it.
- Overlap the pieces of paper to cover the support by mixing colours and patterns.
- LET YOUR CREATIVITY SHINE – This set of 3 Paper Mache Mailbox Shaped Boxes with Lids are a blank canvas for creativity. Let your personality shine through colors, designs and embellishments
- 1 Box: 9" L x 4-3/4" W x 5-1/2" H
- 1 Box: 5" L x 3-1/4" W x 3-3/4" H
- 1 Box: 4" L x 2-1/2" W x 3-1/8" H
- VERSATILE - Premade paper mache boxes are not only great for crafting and creative projects, but they also make excellent packaging for gift giving. These sturdy and lightweight boxes are made from recycled materials and come with matching lids, making them a convenient choice for packaging all sorts of items
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.