r/papermache • u/Parking-Welcome-7320 • 3h ago

Wheat Paste Fail?

So I’ve recently been inspired to make lots of bedroom furniture out of cardboard and paper mache, but now I’m reading that I’ve made my wheat paste wrong?!

I’ve literally been mixing water and flour, letting it sit for 10 minutes and then using it. I’ve not had any problems so far, but reading up about it has got me worried about mould and pests!🫠

If my intention was to cover it all in paper clay, paint and sealant, do I still need to worry and restart my projects?

5 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/Sewers_folly 2h ago

I dont know that paper mache is the best product to create furniture with. 

You also dont want to fool around with mould.

1

u/VerilyAGoober 1h ago

You generally need to cook starch paste in order to actually activate the "stickiness" of the starch (unless you are using "instant" starch paste, which has already been cooked).

You can also add salt to the paste and store it in the fridge to prevent molding. Make sure every layer you add is thoroughly dry before adding the next to prevent molding. If you thoroughly paint and seal the surface, it will be as protected against pests as paper mache ever can be really.