What is the best way to harden a paper mache project?

Question

I'm making a 13 hour clock for Halloween out of cardboard boxes and paper mache. I have friend who used DryLoc to seal her fake rocks after she mache's them, but I don't need a stone appearance/texture to this project.

I'm using both traditional paper mache, with newspaper strips and glue/water solution. And celluclay for the details.

Answer 1

What exactly is your question?  If you're using cardboard boxes, Celluclay, and papier mache (especially made with watered down white glue), those will all "harden" automatically when they dry.  Drying can be accelerated with a fan or in a warm area, or it will happen naturally over a day or so depending on how thick your materials are.

So are you wanting to harden them *more*?? ...or what?

Diane B.

Answer 2

If you are in the making process then watered down Elmer's Glue, any school grade glue or liquid starch. If you are wanting to harden a paper mache' project after its built try using spray starch. You will find it in the detergent section of any store; its the kind you use to stiffen shirts when ironing. It works great on many types of paper project including paper mache.

GL