Paper Casting

June 4, 2008 4:25 pm Paper Crafts, Techniques and Mediums, Trends

Paper casting is the technique of taking paper pulp and casting it into a mold. Much like wax or metal casting, but without the heat! Paper pulp can be made of cotton linter or recycling used paper like envelopes. If you want an archival casting, however, you should use only cotton linter with an acid-removing additive.

Supplies Needed

Blender: Filled 3/4 full of water
Paper: Anything from typewriting paper to tissue paper. For best quality results and archival quality use cotton linter
Molds: Several mold options including paper-casting molds, candy or cookie molds
Acid Removing Additive: Powder that removes all acids from pulp
Small Strainer, Cloth & Paper Towels, Sponges: To remove excess water from mold
Sink or Large Tub: To work over

Step-by-Step

Tear or cut paper into small pieces. Place in blender and allow to soak for about one minute. Add your acid-removing additive.
Turn blender on high for 1-3 minutes. Paper pulp should look like mush with no detectable pieces of paper left.
Pour some pulp in strainer. Using small amount of pulp, start filling in the mold with pulp. You should not be able to see any of the mold and if using plastic molds hold the mold to the light to see if any area needs more pulp.
Use sponge and towels to remove excess water from pulp in mold. Press firmly down on the while removing water so you will get all the details of the mold image.
Allow mold to dry 24 hours before removing paper from mold. To cut drying time place mold in front of a fan. Some paper casting molds are microwave safe. If you mold is microwave safe you can place mold into microwave and on medium heat in 15-30 intervals “cook” your casting until dry.
Paper casts are beautiful as is, but you can also use chalks, colored pencils, stencil paints to add color to your casting.