Know best formula for Glowing Paper Mache?

[18xbrewer]

I was wondering if anyone knew of the best formula to make paper mache that is strong but will allow light through? If so that would help out. I have seen a bunch of martha stewarts stuff but i figure people that burn might have better formulas. Thanks!!!

[Drawingablank]

Although paper mache is by nature fairly opaque, I have found the following makes the most translucent PM possible - it is also fairly strong:

use plain unprinted newsprint paper
instead of a flour based paste use about 1 part water with 2-3 parts white glue (such as Elmers).

Flour pastes dry opaque while white glue dries translucent.

hope that helps.

[The CO]

Or use glow paint as your base layer when painting.

[Eric]

You can also use a lighter weight paper than newsprint- "bleeding" tissue paper is great.

Put the first few layers on your balloon without glue (you don't want the latex to stick), then use white glue recipe Drawingablank suggested. The bleeding tissue will give you nice blended colors. Use a cheap brush for this- it will get trashed.

[18xbrewer]

thanks a bunch all great ideas!!! in your face martha!

[Eric]

I just realized I should have been clearer in my post- get your first layers wet just using water and apply them to the balloon & then do the glue layers. Oops. Always helps if you don't forget steps.

[18xbrewer]

^Perfect thanks for the clarification!!! You guys that burn are awesome, I'm a virgin bm and so pumped to go thanks so much guys any more tips are always welcome!!! Thanks again!

[westnileraven]

Eric?
Is bleeding tissue paper like, um..those sheets for gift wrapping?
This thread is awesome... I totally want to do this.

[BBadger]

If you can get some paper that is fluorescent, you can make them look good with some cheap UV LEDs. It might go somewhat further than just glowing, and they can last quite a while if you use something like a Joule Thief.

[gyre]

That is extremely cool.

Have you posted it in illumination?
That needs to not get lost.
http://www.emanator.demon.co.uk/bigclive/joule.htm

How do you think it compares to a standard pwm?

I hope you'll email a link to the LED Museum.

[Eric]

Eric?
Is bleeding tissue paper like, um..those sheets for gift wrapping?
This thread is awesome... I totally want to do this.

Bleeding tissue is like regular tissue paper except the colors run & blend when they get wet, and the sheets are much more mold-able when wet. Regular tissue doesn't mold as easily.

You'll find it at almost any craft store and larger art supplies, usually with the other tissues. It will very clearly say "bleeding" on it.

[theCryptofishist]

Are you sure it's not tissue paper at that time of the month?

What the fuck got into me? Stupid conversation today. I'd hate it if a man made the same joke.

Or it could be British tissue paper of the profane variety.

[westnileraven]

If you were a man, I'd make some comment like 'I just popped you in the mouth tissue"
Okay, Imma have to find some florescent bleeders...

[BlackRockCityPimp]

How about the paper from those sky lanterns? Might hold up better if the tissue or bleeding paper dont cut it.

[Eric]

How about the paper from those sky lanterns? Might hold up better if the tissue or bleeding paper dont cut it.

That's "rice" paper (usually what you find with that name is mulberry paper, not rice. Don't worry, unless you're doing Asian calligraphy you won't know the difference). Mulberry paper can be extremely flexible when wet- types of it are used by archaeologist to make dimensional impressions of Mayan stele amongst other things. The catch- it's going to be a lot more expensive than bleeding tissue paper, with a more limited range of colors. The bonus- it looks great! You get lots of fibers in it which make lovely subtle patterns with the light.

[tink2011]

I made a mutant vehicle for 2010 and 2011. I used paper mache for the head of my alien and the globe that he/she was holding. They were really big and it worked great! I used spray paint to cover, but had a hard time covering the print on the newspaper. I know you are making yours translucent, but thought I'd throw that out there. If you are making it a solid color, then make sure you use the newspaper with the least ink on the outside! Also, don't forget to seal the outside in case of rain. I used a urethane (Helmsman) and painted a couple of coats last minute. And I mean last minute! I did it the day before leaving for the playa. My campmates thought it was overkill, until it started raining on the playa! We ran about 1/4 mile back to camp when it rained prepared to throw a tarp over the alien and when we got there the rain was beading off without a problem! Everyone was happy I had taken the time to use the urethane. I hope that helps. I plan to make the shell of the space ship out of paper mache this year too. Wish me luck and give advice if you can!

[Drawingablank]

I plan to make the shell of the space ship out of paper mache this year too. Wish me luck and give advice if you can!

For opaque pm, painting it with white gesso (the stuff used to prime artists canvases) first should pretty much eliminate any print bleed through and it also toughens up the project as well. Gesso is pretty much impervious to any paint / ink type. It is also great for painting stuff cut from foam as it allows you to spray paint it without the foam dissolving.

[munkycmunkydoo]

If you can get some paper that is fluorescent, you can make them look good with some cheap UV LEDs. It might go somewhat further than just glowing, and they can last quite a while if you use something like a Joule Thief.

Hell yeah this is exactly what I was looking for as part of another project. Bleeding tissue paper, and Joule Thief. Thanks.

[Herring]

Alternatively, you could use yarn or string instead of paper. Just dip your yarn or string into your water + flour/glue mixture and wrap it around your form, leaving space in between for light to come through. It's a pretty neat effect.