The first step in any papier mache project is gathering the right materials. There are lots of options out there, but not all of them are created equal. Some are durable and easy to work with, while others are cheap and flimsy. We decided to do some shopping for you, testing out a variety of products to find the best papier mache supplies for any project you’re trying to tackle.
Read on for our top picks.
Our Editor’s Best Papier Mache Supplies Reviews
- A premium, high-quality Papier Mache mix with performance unmatched in the industry; for the accomplished artist and serious crafter who require the best in artistic materials. For those artisans demanding the best materials with which to realize their artistic vision.
- Supreme paper mache offers superior performance in an easy-to-use mix. Elevate your experience with this unique proprietary formula that guarantees consistency and predictable, repeatable results. Exceptionally durable when dry, create pieces with no imperfections and a smooth, flawless finish. Transform your vision into reality where imagination knows no bounds.
- An easy to use, one step process. Made from 100% recycles paper. Take the amount you need and mix with water to the desired consistency. No troublesome cutting of paper strips and adding paste. Minimal dust. Mixes completely, molds quickly and is easy to handle and control. Adheres to most any substrate.
- Accepts details, textures, patterns and embellishments well. Dries quickly to a remarkably hard and flawless smooth finish with no imperfections and minimal shrinkage. Can be sanded, sawn, cut or drilled when cured.
- Safe, non-toxic and non-staining. Cleans up easily with just soap and water. Meets and exceeds all US and European product safety testing standards, ACMI certified. Made in the USA and is tariff free.
- The original and industry leading instant papier mache; just add water, no paper strip cutting or adding messy paste; beginner friendly with exceptionally professional resulst, sustainably sourced made from 100% recycled paper
- Just one step; mixes easily, molds quickly and easy to handle and control; adheres to most any surface with superior adhesion to any substrate; dries very quickly to a remarkably hard finish and can be sanded, sawn, cut or drilled when cured.
- Perfect for mask making, school projects, dioramas, theatrical props, decorative objects and intricate sculpture; easy to paint and add texture, detail, patterns and color
- Easy to measure out and mix just the ammount you need, no waste. Easy clean up with just soap and water
- Safe and non-toxic; meets or exceeds all US and European testing standards, ACMI certified. Made in the USA.
- Instant Paper Mache: you'll get 1 bag of white instant paper mache, 4 lb; Just add water, no cutting strips or messy paste; Suitable for beginners, it delivers ideal results and is made from 100% recycled paper
- Quick Forms: this papers mache clay mixes easily in one step, forms quickly, and is easy to handle and control; It adheres well to nearly any surface and has excellent adhesion to substrate; It dries very quickly, leaving a very hard surface that can be sanded, sawed, cut, or drilled after curing
- Unleash Your Creativity: unleash your creativity with fast drying papier mache; It's suitable for making masks, school projects, dioramas, and decorative items; It's also easy to paint with, adding texture, detail, pattern, and color to your masterpieces
- Easy to Clean up: fast drying paper mache is easy to clean up; Simply wash away any residue with soap and water, no harsh chemicals or scrubbing required; Create a unicorn or paper mache house with paper mache paste today
- Safe and Non Toxic: paper mache kit is safe and non toxic, meeting US and European testing standards, giving you peace of mind
- Mixes with water to form a paste
- Finished products are very lightweight
- Starts setting in 30 minutes
- Dries white at room temperature
- 1 lb. bag
- A premium, high-quality Papier Mache mix with performance unmatched in the industry; for the accomplished artist and serious crafter who require the best in artistic materials. For those artisans demanding the best materials with which to realize their artistic vision.
- Supreme FastDry paper mache offers superior performance in an easy-to-use mix. Elevate your experience with this unique proprietary formula that guarantees consistency and predictable, repeatable results. Dries in about half the time as standard paper mache. Exceptionally durable when dry, create pieces with no imperfections and an exceptionally smooth, flawless finish. Transform your vision into reality where imagination knows no bounds.
- An easy to use, one step process. Made from 100% recycles paper. Take the amount you need and mix with water to the desired consistency. No troublesome cutting of paper strips and adding paste. Minimal dust. Mixes completely, molds quickly and is easy to handle and control. Adheres to most any substrate.
- Accepts details, textures, patterns and embellishments well. Dries quickly to a remarkably hard and flawless smooth finish with no imperfections and minimal shrinkage. Can be sanded, sawn, cut or drilled when cured.
- Safe, non-toxic and non-staining. Cleans up easily with just soap and water. Meets and exceeds all US and European product safety testing standards, ACMI certified. Made in the USA and is tariff free.
- LET YOUR CREATIVITY SHINE – This set of 3 Paper Mache Book Shaped Boxes with Lids are a blank canvas for creativity. Let your personality shine through colors, designs and embellishments
- 1 Box: 6-3/4" L x 5-1/4" W x 1-1/4" H
- 1 Box: 9-1/4" L x 7-1/4" W x 1-3/4" H
- 1 Box: 11" L x 9" W x 3" H
- VERSATILE - Premade paper mache boxes are not only great for crafting and creative projects, but they also make excellent packaging for gift giving. These sturdy and lightweight boxes are made from recycled materials and come with matching lids, making them a convenient choice for packaging all sorts of items
- LET YOUR CREATIVITY SHINE – With This set of 2 Unfinished Paper Mache Santa Face Masks. Let your personality shine through colors, designs and embellishments.
- SIZE - 14 inches long x 10 inches wide
- READY TO DECORATE – The papier mache mask is a neutral kraft color and is perfect for painting, decoupage, and more.
- HANDCRAFTED - Each Santa Clause Mask is hand made from paper mache pulp products
- LET YOUR CREATIVITY SHINE – Package of 4 Paper Mache Rectangle Boxes Ready to Personalize and Display for Crafting Projects These Rectangle Paper Mache Boxes are ready to decorate! Their smooth finish is perfect for painting, decoupaging and personalizing. Utilize them to make your gifts more unique and personal. Their rectangle shape makes it perfect for arts and crafts projects, weddings, anniversaries and more
- SIZE - 7-1/2 inches long x 5 inches wide x 3 inches high
- READY TO DECORATE – The rectangle shaped papier mache boxes are a neutral color and are perfect for painting, decoupage, wrapping and more.
- GREAT GIFT BOXES: The Rectangle Paper Mache Boxes come with a lid for each box, perfect for gifting. They are prefolded, so it is easy to place gifts inside — no folding or bending needed. The best part is the gift recipients can reuse these eco-friendly boxes for storage and organization.
- A premium, high-quality Papier Mache mix with performance unmatched in the industry; for the accomplished artist and serious crafter who require the best in artistic materials. For those artisans demanding the best materials with which to realize their artistic vision.
- Supreme FastDry paper mache offers superior performance in an easy-to-use mix. Elevate your experience with this unique proprietary formula that guarantees consistency and predictable, repeatable results. Dries in about half the time as standard paper mache. Exceptionally durable when dry, create pieces with no imperfections and an exceptionally smooth, flawless finish. Transform your vision into reality where imagination knows no bounds.
- An easy to use, one step process. Made from 100% recycles paper. Take the amount you need and mix with water to the desired consistency. No troublesome cutting of paper strips and adding paste. Minimal dust. Mixes completely, molds quickly and is easy to handle and control. Adheres to most any substrate.
- Accepts details, textures, patterns and embellishments well. Dries quickly to a remarkably hard and flawless smooth finish with no imperfections and minimal shrinkage. Can be sanded, sawn, cut or drilled when cured.
- Safe, non-toxic and non-staining. Cleans up easily with just soap and water. Meets and exceeds all US and European product safety testing standards, ACMI certified. Made in the USA and is tariff free.
- DECOPATCH is a French brand belonging to the Clairefontaine Rhodia group. We offer quality products for customization, decoration and creative hobbies.
- MULTI-TECHNICS: In brown paper mache, this Décopatch support is ideal to be decorated according to your desires.
- PAINTING: you can cover it with white Gesso paint (not supplied) before painting it in the colours of your choice.
- DECOPATCH PAPER: Customize it with Decopatch paper and our PaperPatch glue (not included). Nothing could be easier: tear or cut a few pieces of Decopatch paper of about 2x2 cm - Apply the glue to the support. Place a piece of paper on the glued surface and put a second layer of glue on it.
- Overlap the pieces of paper to cover the support by mixing colours and patterns.
Best Papier Mache Supplies Buying Guide
Before choosing the best papier mache supplies you should consider following options:
1. Paper and Cardboard: This is the most important ingredient in making papier mache. The quality and type of paper or cardboard you use will have an effect on the final result and strength of your sculpture.
Cardboard is a better option as it is stronger and easier to work with. Cardboard boxes are also easy to come by, so no need to go out and specifically look for them. Just collect them from your recycling bin, or go somewhere that sells them for a cheap price, such as a moving company.
2. Water: You will need water to swell up the paper and cardboard and give your sculpture a hard finish. Use room temperature water and not cold water, as cold water will cause the paper and cardboard to crack.
3. Salt: Add salt to help dry up the water faster. The salt will absorb the water and then dissolve and leave the sculpture.
4. Glue: You will need a glue to hold your sculpture together. You can use any glue you like, as long as it is waterproof.
5. Sand: Add sand to give your sculpture more strength. Play it safe and use wet or dry sand, depending on your preference. You can also use colored sand, if you want to give your sculpture a more aesthetic appeal.
6. Brush: Use a wide brush to apply the glue evenly.
7. Paper Towels: Use paper towels to wipe off the extra water and glue.
8. Newspaper: Lay down newspaper or plastic sheets to protect your working area from the glue.
9. Rubber Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the glue.
10. Measuring Tape: Use a measuring tape to measure your sculpture so you can make it to the exact size you want.
11. Ruler: Use a ruler to mark your sculpture.
12. Wire or String: Use a piece of wire or string to help you hold up the pieces of your sculpture for drying.
13. Cardboard Box: Use a cardboard box to keep your sculpture in while it dries.
14. Cardboard Tube: Use a cardboard tube to stick your sculpture in to dry. This will prevent it from leaning to one side while drying.
15. Plastic Wrap: Wrap your sculpture in plastic wrap to keep the paper from getting wet while it is drying.
16. Patience: Don’t forget to be patient while your sculpture dries. It may take a few days or even weeks, depending on how thick you want it to be.
17. Wire or String: Use a piece of wire or string again to help hold up your sculpture for painting.
18. Brush: Use a small brush to paint your sculpture.
19. Paint: Use acrylic paints to paint your sculpture.
20. Cardboard Tube: Use a cardboard tube to stick your sculpture in to dry. This will prevent it from leaning to one side while drying.
21. Plastic Wrap: Wrap your sculpture in plastic wrap to keep the paper from getting wet while it is drying.
22. Newspaper: Lay down newspaper or plastic sheets to protect your working area from the paint.
23. Cardboard Box: Use a cardboard box to keep your sculpture in while it dries.
24. Patience: Don’t forget to be patient while your sculpture dries. It may take a few days or even weeks, depending on how thick you want it to be.
25. Wire or String
What else you should know about papier mache supplies
1. What types of papier mache supplies are available?
There are a variety of papier mache supplies available, including paper, paste, and molding materials.
2. What are the benefits of papier mache?
Some benefits of papier mache include that it is:
-Inexpensive
-Can be made with recycled materials
-Can be made into a variety of shapes and sizes
-Is lightweight
-Can be painted or decorated in a variety of ways
3. What are the best papier mache supplies for beginners?
Papier mache requires few supplies and can be done with items you likely already have around your house. To make papier mache, you will need:
-Tape
-Scissors
-Newspaper
-Flour
-Water
-A bowl
-A paintbrush
4. What are the most popular papier mache supplies?
There is a wide range of papier mache supplies available, but some of the most popular include: newspapers, glue, paint, and balloons.
5. How do I store papier mache supplies?
Papier mache supplies can be stored in a variety of ways. Many people choose to store them in a box or container, while others prefer to hang them on a wall or in a closet.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best papier mache supplies. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best papier mache supplies will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.