quick mache question

[debbie5]

I'm whipping up 2 old fashioned barbells, like strongmen in the 1890's circuses used to use. I need to know how to hide the mache paper strip texture. It doesn't need to be super smooth, but can't have paper lines. I don't want to make Monster Mud or anything that will cost me moolah...need to use household supplies. And yeah- I know the info is "out there" online, but I"m having eye troubles & problems reading..some webpages are difficult to read and I don't want to waste reading searching/reading stuff I don't need. Any suggestions?

[Up_Up_And_Away]

Hmm... maybe if you just mixed some sand & oatmeal into the final paint coat... to make a rough iron texture, maybe even add some rust colored paint?

[RoxyBlue]

Tear the paper pieces by hand so they have ragged edges and they will (paradoxically) smooth out pretty well once you apply them. Don't use straight, clean edge strips for mache because it's extremely difficult to hide the edges unless you cover them (as suggested above) with some kind of textured finish.

[STOLLOWEEN]

Agree...tear the paper and the edges will not be a problem...once you add paint they should disappear completely.

[goneferal]

Yup, I use a ruler to tear old phone book pages into 1 inch wide strips, then tear them to fit lengthwise. You could also use tissue like kleenex, but it will have a more rough finish.

[bmaskmaker]

Do you have any joint compound? (Not sure if that's considered a household item or not) ... It works the same for mache as it does for walls ... just a thin layer. And after it's dry you can wet sand it (damp sponge rubbed over the areas to smooth it out.)

Also, dry paper mache can be sanded ... a light sanding might obscure the strip lines enough to satisfy, if you're not trying to go for super smooth.

[VampyTink]

If you don't mind doing another complete layer on them....

I cut the newspaper into confetti, then with very hot tap water soak for a few minutes. Then I start mushing the wet paper. Once I get it close to the consistancy (sp?) I want, I add Elmer's all purpose glue to the mixture. It's kinda like working with mashed potatoes. Or like homemade celluclay.

[debbie5]

Thankee! I always cut my paper on a huge art-paper cutter, hence my past problems with edges. Will tear.

[HalloweenZombie]

Use heavy paper for the first couple of layers and thin paper for the remaining layers. I used a home mixture of "gesso" to cover the paper seams. It's a mixture of water, Elmer's glue and plaster. I don't remember what the ratio was, but I think I mixed the plaster and water and added glue to smooth out the mixture, then brushed it on my paper mache. It worked great. Can't see any seams. Even the brush strokes went away.

[Spooky1]

We like to use paper towels (also torn) as the final layer to minimize any lines.