Basic Flour Paste
Blend whole wheat flour with cold water to make a liquid paste (about the consistency of pancake batter). Beat until the mixture is free of lumps, and then gently heat until boiling, while constantly stirring. Allow to cool before using. Store in an air-tight container. If the paste hardens, soften
by mixing in small amounts of warm water as needed.
Wallpaper / Papier Mache Paste
- 1 1/2 cups white flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp alum
- 1 cup cold water
- 2 cups boiling water
Combine flour and sugar. Slowly add cold water and beat/mix out any lumps. Put mixture in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the boiling water, and stirring constantly, bring the mixture to a boil. When stiff, remove from heat and add alum. Store in air-tight container. Should keep several weeks.
If the paste hardens, soften by mixing in small amounts of warm water as needed.
Basic Waterproof Glue
- 6 tbsp water
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin (1/2 oz.)
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp glycerine
Bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in gelatin until it is dissolved. Add vinegar and glycerin and stir well. Let the mixture cool slightly and pour into a jar and seal tightly. To Use: This glue is best applied while warm. Apply to surfaces using a brush. Glue will gel after a few
days. To re-use, warm by placing the jar in a pan of hot water. Good for binding leather to leather, fabrics to cardboard, paper to paper.
Waterproof Glass Glue
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 2 packets unflavored gelatin (1/2 oz.)
- 3 tbsp skim milk
- Oil of cloves (optional preservative)
Dissolve gelatin in cold water in a bowl. Bring milk to a boil and then stir into softened gelatin. Add a few drops of oil of cloves if glue is to be kept for more than a day. To Use: While the glue is still warm, brush a thin layer on the objects to be glued. Store in an air-tight container. This
glue will also gel when cooled, soften to use by placing the jar in warm water. Good for adhering glass to glass, can be used for adhering glass to other objects when in it's gelled state.
Gum Arabic Glue/Cement
Use these glues to mend broken china, dishes and crockery.
Recipe 1: Mix 3 tbsp gum arabic with 1 tbsp glycerin and 1/2 tsp water. Store in air-tight container. Will keep about 1 year. To Use: Apply a thin coat of the glue to each surface and fit the pieces together. Hold firmly until the glue dries - this could take an hour or so. Let the piece dry
thoroughly (24 hours) before washing or using.
Recipe 2: Mix just enough water to gum arabic to dissolve it, then add plaster of Paris, enough to produce a stiff paste. You can add pigment to this glue to match the color of your china if desired, or paint the surface when the cement has dried.
Extra Hardening Papier Mache Paste
- 1/2 cup wheat flour
- 1/4 cup powdered resin glue
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- 4 drops oil of cinnamon
Mix flour and resin glue together in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup warm water and mix to a paste. Add hot water, stirring vigorously to prevent lumps. Cook mixture over a low heat, stirring constantly, until it's thick, and clear. Add oil of cinnamon. Store in tightly covered jar. Will keep for a few
days.
Liquid Cement
Mix 1 gallon of waterglass with 2 quarts of water. Heat and gradually add 1 pound of shellac, stirring until completely dissolved. Use on cardboard, wood, crocker, glass, etc. |
