Jeanette

You could probably get away with using a flour and water paste instead of diluted glue, as long as you let it dry really well and then cover it with several coats of polyurethane.

Thanks for your response. However, due to me being so inexperienced, I am still unclear and need some clarification. Do you suggest I use the carpenters glue with the newspaper as my first layers, then coat it at the end with the Verathane or Miniwax? I see the Verathane is a spray (had to look it up!). And do I dilute the carpenters glue for those first layers? I am such a novice I really need a clear idea of the recommended process.

I’d love to share photos of the float when its done!

Thanks again!

Jeanette

If your float is only going to be outside during the parade, and will be stored inside for most of the year, I think you could just use some water-based Verathane or Minwax for the final coat. It’s a lot easier to work with than either diluted glue or the oil-based marine varnish. You would want to give it several coats to make sure you don’t miss a spot.

I hope you’ll let us see the float when it’s done.

I am a total novice to paper mache, only having trying it once for a “Pharaoh’s Mask” project I did with my daughter and using a glue mixed with water technique. I found your link by doing a search regarding waterproofing paper mache. I lead a group where we create a float each year for a holiday parade for our dance company (for Nutcracker). This year we are constructing a building that we are topping with an onion dome. The dome itself has its ribs created by cove stick, and wrapped in chicken wire. Now we want to paper mache over it and paint it metallic gold. However, being the parade could include inclement weather, I want to make sure the dome is waterproof and that the paint won’t sludge off in the rain. Finally my question. I see you recommend using carpenter’s glue. Should the carpenter’s glue be mixed with water with a 4:1 ratio like using regular glue or some other combination? Also, since the project won’t be outside long term, do you think we could pass on the yacht varnish? We plan to save the project because we will rotate it back in for use in several years so we do want longevity, but it will be stored inside.

Any advice or perspective you can provide is most appreciated.

I like your idea better

Je suis contente de vous avoir retrouvée, je suis dans la région de Montréal aussi. Je vous laisse mon addresse e-mail.
Que de souvenir agréable me sont remonté dans mon coeur,
Chantalxxx