Help: How can I strengthen paper/pva masks?

[Alrightman]

Hello everyone! I am making papermache Jason hockey masks from a plaster mold negative, using PVA and sheet paper. The problem is the masks seem to be warping here and there even with about 20-40 layers. I tried using scrap fabric in between paper.

Is there anything else I can do to strengthen the masks without having a massive number of layers?
Thank you!

 

[questionstar]

Hello everyone! I am making papermache Jason hockey masks from a plaster mold negative, using PVA and sheet paper. The problem is the masks seem to be warping here and there even with about 20-40 layers. I tried using scrap fabric in between paper.

Is there anything else I can do to strengthen the masks without having a massive number of layers?
Thank you!

A while back I found a paper mache mask making tutorial that used minwax wood hardener. Ive never tried it myself but I believe the artist also used a hard formula of wood glue as well. Its worth a try!
If I can find the tutorial I'll link it (if it still exists!) but this was a pretty long time ago. I just remember because its something I want to try next time I have a paper mache project. Hope this helps

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

 

[Alrightman]

A while back I found a paper mache mask making tutorial that used minwax wood hardener. Ive never tried it myself but I believe the artist also used a hard formula of wood glue as well. Its worth a try!
If I can find the tutorial I'll link it (if it still exists!) but this was a pretty long time ago. I just remember because its something I want to try next time I have a paper mache project. Hope this helps

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the reply! I wonder if there is a way to thicken the glue mixture to shorten the application time, as you said. Around 40 layers of printer paper is my breaking point, I think. I wonder if I can dope it with the no brand generic wood filler that we have over here.

 

[Riceball]

Thanks for the reply! I wonder if there is a way to thicken the glue mixture to shorten the application time, as you said. Around 40 layers of printer paper is my breaking point, I think. I wonder if I can dope it with the no brand generic wood filler that we have over here.

Just use less water with your glue and if it's still taking a while to dry I'm sure you could use a hair dryer to help speed the drying process up.