Yes, there are a lot of tips on this site.

But a lot of it is trial and error:  "What if I did (fill in the blank)?"

Just experiment.  Papier mache is basically paper, adhesive and maybe water.  In the mid-1800s, companies just used paper, moisture and pressure, with no adhesive at all.

You can use practically any kind of paper, but lower grades have a shorter life, higher grades (like 100% cotton) have a longer life.  Start with the cheap stuff until you have a good idea of what you're doing.

Adhesives are mostly divided between organic types and chemical types.  The organic ones come from plant or animal sources: wheat, rice, or potato flour, liquid starch (used on clothing), egg whites, or from animal skins or hooves, or cellulose wallpaper glue (known around here as MC (methyl cellulose) or CMC (carbo-methyl cellulose) from wood and straw.  The food-based ones (flours) can attract insects, rodents and pets, and they tend to re-absorb moisture from the air if not sealed.

The most common chemical adhesive is the familiar white craft glue (PVA, or polyvinyl acetate); Elmer's is a common brand in the U.S.  There are lots of others, but most of them aren't suitable for papier mache (PM).

The biggest mistake people seem to make is they read that someone made papier mache with odd things like ground up cat kibble, fur of a kinkajou, peanut butter, etc, and think they have to do the same.  Don't fall into this trap unless you KNOW why you're adding it.  You can ignore the rules as long as you understand what the rules are, and have a specific reason for not sticking to them.

The most common sealers are shellac (non-toxic, but needs to be re-coated every couple of years), varnish, and the polymer coatings.  There are others, like wax, but you have to do your research on what materials they work with, and react against.  You don't want to ruin all your hard work in the final step.

Also, check out the ARTICLES and the TUTORIALS sections ( click under the main heading).  Jackie, the owner of this site, did a very nice article and research for waterproofing papier mache.

There is a tremendous amount of information on this website, especially in the forum itself, from people all over the world.  The GALLERIES showcase a lot of incredible talent.

Welcome to the board!  All of us are always learning here, so if you discover something interesting, be sure and let us know!  If you run across interesting work or designs at other websites, post the link here.  Jackie isn't one of those self-centered site owners who refuses to allow members to post links to other sites.  Just make sure they do have something to do with papier mache, paper, adhesives, related design, decoration, decorative materials, moldmaking, strengthening, supports, etc. 

Sue

Fur of kinkajou! ROFL!!! Now I HAVE to try it!