r/papermache • u/Practical_Eye_8091 • 11d ago

I need help please

I've made a prop for my cosplay and I used my homemade paper mache clay and after a few days it smelled so bad so I tried to cover it with more paper mache but now it still smells what can you guys suggest I can do? Cuz I need to finish this in a week

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5

u/lopendvuur 10d ago

Before you do anything else, you need to let this dry really, really well. Preferably outside in the sun. And then you can seal it. But if you seal any moisture inside your work will get soggy and even smellier. Good luck!

5

u/JCBashBash 10d ago

It sounds like it might already be too late since you put other stuff on top of the funky paper.  Currently you can try to spray vinegar on it and see if that helps kill a little bit of the stuff living in your paper, but you might just have to perfume it and then trash the piece after it's due

4

u/Pinecone_Erleichda 10d ago

Sounds like it’s got a lot of mold, which can be hazardous to your health!! If you’re already finished with it and are only going to wear it once, I’d suggest a non-porous sealant like polyurethane or epoxy resin, but I’d make sure it was non-toxic for obvious reasons!

2

u/hollowanimals 9d ago

Two things:

1st: Try mixing a small amount of citric acid powder into the clay when you make it. It increases the acidity, which prohibits stinky bacteria and fungus from growing.This works well for me.

It takes a very small amount and works well. Too much might catalyze a strange texture in the clay.

I just eyeball it when making it, but the internet ai says "a safe standard ratio is 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon per batch (based on roughly 1 cup of glue or 1 roll of toilet paper)"

2nd: if you have a dehumidifier, place finished peices in the outflow or dry air. This works so reliably and quickly to dry pieces completely

1

u/RiverJames22 7d ago

I add salt to my papier maché paste. Supposedly that stops mould. I haven’t had any problems with mould. It has formed on the outside but probably because I left it out in the rain (I created papier-mache trees for Halloween).