Question about paper mache casting

[Risu]

I've got a project that I've been putting off for way too long because I haven't been able to figure out how to solve a problem. I need to cast a bunch of parts from something that's not a plastic, something that PVA will stick to. I've recently gotten the idea to cast the parts in paper mache, but I'm worried that they're way too detailed for the conventional method of paper strips to pick up. Is there any way to maybe pulp a mixture of PVA and paper to make a sort of pourable, castable paper?

 

[EyeofSauron]

nothing i ever heard of and im working with paper mache a lot. i think casting has to be done correctly, what you COULD do, is cast it in gypsum or clay tho

you can try to cook toilet paper or similar in hot water, so it dissolves into small strands, but its not going to be liquid, paper never will. so, IF you decide to try this, you can do the following:

tear a roll (or a few, depending on the amount) into tiny pieces.
cook them so they dissolve into even smaller pieces. your pieces shouldnt be bigger than a quarter of your fingernail.
pour out the water.
make a mixture of pva glue, and water, very thin. put in the paper mache until you got your desired thickness. note, that water is a problem here, as it (depending on the piece) will soak up the piece.

alternately, what you could also do, is make a mixture of pva glue, water, and dry wall compound. this will get you something similar to bondo, but less resistent.

 

[Risu]

That process is basically what I was hoping for, but wasn't sure if it would work. I guess I'll start experimenting with it.

As for the drywall compound, how strong would that be? The parts I'm casting are book covers and need to have some tensile strength and a tiny bit of give so they don't snap in half.

 

[EyeofSauron]

well the dry wall stuff is hard. it doesnt give a lot of flex, if any. i used it on my power rangers helmet, it worked perfect for that, but im not sure how it would work for the stuff you are trying to cast

 

[Beaker]

You could try duoMatrix NEO, which is a polymer reinforced gypsum... VERY strong, UV resistant and UL flame rated... very cool stuff
duoMatrix NEO® Polymer Modified Gypsum Product Information

 

[Risu]

I'd be very hesitant to use anything gypsum or plaster related as I don't think the leather would stick properly. I'm going to give the pulped toilet paper method a shot and I'll post with my results.