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Ratio of Methyl Cellulose to Water for That "Eggwhite" Consistency?

#1 2008-12-09 19:45:39

ChrisOtt
Member
Registered: 2008-12-09
Posts: 2

Ratio of Methyl Cellulose to Water for That "Eggwhite" Consistency?

Greetings-

A wonderful resource you have all created here!  I have been searching and browsing through the site in an attempt to discover the correct quantities of MC and H2O to create the "eggwhite" consistency that has been mentioned.

I bought my 'archival quality' MC at my favorite art supply store, and its recipe calls for 1 tablespoon per pint for use in bookbinding, etc.  I am trying 2 tablespoons per pint right now, but it seems like it is going to be too thin.

Any rules of thumb out there?

Thanks,

Chris

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#2 2008-12-10 01:38:03

CatPerson
Moderator
From: Washington State, U.S.A.
Registered: 2006-01-09
Posts: 1314

Re: Ratio of Methyl Cellulose to Water for That "Eggwhite" Consistency?

The trouble with MC is that there are different 'strengths' of it, created for different purposes. 

My first suggestion is to let it sit overnight. Some MC takes a while to absorb the water.  That 'egg white' consistency is just a rough guide, mainly (I suspect) to separate the consistency from the thick flour adhesives that many people use. (most of those are too thick, too)

Try it at the recommended ratio and see how it works.  I find that a mix that is really thinner than actual egg white, but still slick works the best.  Add a measured amount if you want to make it thicker, just so you'll know what the ratio is that you like.

Just because it's thin doesn't mean it will provide a weak bond.

Sue

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#3 2008-12-12 15:46:32

dopapier
Moderator
From: UK
Registered: 2004-12-04
Posts: 754

Re: Ratio of Methyl Cellulose to Water for That "Eggwhite" Consistency?

Have a look at my article 'What Paste to use' in which I refer to CMC and the method of mixing.
For anyone in UK, Henkel, who are the makers of Pritt, Loctite, Solvite etc. have recently brought out an adhesive specifically for papier mache.  It is now going through sales outlets.  I am being sent a sample and will report on it once I have experimented.  It is a true methylated cellulose whereas their strong wallpaper paste (Solvite) is based on potato flour, with fungicide added.
DavidO


I'm a PM addict

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#4 2008-12-12 21:51:20

CatPerson
Moderator
From: Washington State, U.S.A.
Registered: 2006-01-09
Posts: 1314

Re: Ratio of Methyl Cellulose to Water for That "Eggwhite" Consistency?

David, please post details on the new Henkel product.  CM can be difficult (and expensive) over here across the pond.  Henkel does market here, so I'm looking forward to it.

Sue

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#5 2008-12-12 22:01:45

ChrisOtt
Member
Registered: 2008-12-09
Posts: 2

Re: Ratio of Methyl Cellulose to Water for That "Eggwhite" Consistency?

David-

Your article was my starting point, and led me to use CMC, but I cannot find any information on reasonable ratios of CMC and water. I tried 2 Tablespoons (level measure) with 2 Cups (liquid measure) at 46 degrees centigrade (hottest tap water). I mixed in a VitaMix blender for about ten minutes. It was a little frothy at first, but this cleared up and left me with what seems to be a wonderful, slightly thicker than egg-white consistency.

Best regards, and thanks!

Ott

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#6 2008-12-14 14:44:40

lawnes
Member
From: Mombasa, Kenya
Registered: 2007-04-18
Posts: 7

Re: Ratio of Methyl Cellulose to Water for That "Eggwhite" Consistency?

Yes, I am interested in the Henkel product too as they distribute in Kenya and getting a sample from the other CMC producers is proving a little tricky. Then I will have the problem of getting a larger quantity if the companies don't have distributors here.

Has anyone tried using clear paper glue for PM? I have a sample here from my husband, who uses this product in bulk for packaging items before shipping, that is much like egg white. I am wondering if this is actually made from CMC? I will try to find out the company that produces it and the product name.

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#7 2008-12-14 16:28:54

dopapier
Moderator
From: UK
Registered: 2004-12-04
Posts: 754

Re: Ratio of Methyl Cellulose to Water for That "Eggwhite" Consistency?

It sounds sensible, Chris.  Which country are you in and what trade name was the MC (or CMC) sold under?
Really, you have to find your own proportions, depending upon the nature of the CMC powder you have available but what you did sounds just right.  Kept in a container in a fridge, it should last for months, if necessary.
I find that just mixing with a fork and leaving it overnight to settle does the trick.
DavidO


I'm a PM addict

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