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you can use lots of different ways of painting paper mache,depending on what items you have made.

I have been making paper mache items and handmade paper for about ten year now. You can see some of my work in the gallery section of www.papiermache.co.uk - I think it's right at the end! There are some really fabulous artists featured here from all sorts of different countries, whose work you can get inspiration from.

You must ensure that the item you have made is very very dry before you even think about painting it. Once it is painted, any dampness will be sealed inside and will start to rot your item from the inside out. Dry it in a slow heat until you are sure it is thoroughly dry.

Depending on what type of glue you have used in your work, you may need to seal it. You can use diluted PVA glue, ie mix it with water in equal parts, or you could use a thin coat of matte varnish. Let this dry.

You now have a non-porous surface to work on. If you are going to add something that is quite pale, and you have used colored paper or newspaper for your paper mache, you will need to add a coat of white or pale-colored paint before you begin your design. You can use ordinary emulsion for this. Let it dry.

The design you choose will depend on the design of your item. If you have made a whacky, funky animal shape, use bright colors. If you have made roses, use rose colors. If you have made a folk item, use folk painting. The design of the painting must fit the shape and function of the item.

Sometimes paper mache can have an uneven texture, and this might dictate which design you choose. If it is very uneven you might not be able to use very fine details.

Mark your design out with a pencil before you begin. This will help you later on.

Acrylic paints are best, as they won't need varnishing afterwards.

First, apply your base layer of colour. It is usually best to do one plain layer and then to highlight it with stippling, sponging or rubbing. Because of the textural nature of paper mache, you can add one base colour, and then put on a contrasting or complementary top colour by rubbing it gently over with a dryish cloth. The colour will stick to the raised layers and give you an attractive weathered look.

You can also use any of the many paint effect paints on paper mache. Try crackle glazes for an anitque look.

Use a larger brush for the larger areas and block them in first, then change to a smaller brush and add the fine details. If you are going for a folk look, add a black line around details. You might want to try a canal-ware look. Practise this on a piece of paper first.

Japanned furniture is made from paper mache. This is painted black, and has gold filigree decoration added. If your piece is very flat (like a piece of furniture or a plate) you could try adding some of the fine peel-offs that are sold for cardmaking and scrapbooking. These items will need varnishing, as a deep varnish is part of the 'look'.

If your design goes wrong, it its quite easy to just paint over it in white and start again. If you use acrylic paints you sholdn't need to varnish the finished piece.

Good luck, and most of all HAVE FUN.

Learn more about this author, Susan Hibberd.
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