Painting Paper Mache
Always looking for new surfaces to paint on paper mache offers a wide variety of shape and sizes at a very reasonable price. Paper mache to paint can be found in stores such as Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Jo Ann….it can even be easily bought on the internet. These various shapes can be painted for holiday use and for home decor.
Paper mache has a very porous texture. It is easy to paint with the paint adhering quickly and drying in a short time, this drying process can even be made faster with a fan or hair dryer. I have found that acrylic paints work best with paper mache and applies best with a expensive sponge brush. The most prevalent problem with paper mache is getting it too wet this will make the piece lose it's shape.
Paint should be applied in smooth even coats and let dry thoroughly. If the paint does not dry completely the next coat may become lumpy or pull off. Be sure to sand lightly between each coat , I like to use a brown paper grocery bag just be sure there is no print on it. Always wipe your piece with a tack cloth after sanding to remove residue.
If you only wish for the piece to have a tinted look just water down your acrylic paint with water and follow the same steps.
After you are finished with your piece and it is completely dry use a good sealant to protect it this can either be a brush or varnish type.
Have fun painting paper mache and experiment with a variety of faux painting finishes, stenciling, tole painting to achieve different effects. It’s an expensive way to make wonderful decorative items for yourself , to sell or give as gifts.Labels: folk art painting, how to, paper mache |
