Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 08:47:22 -0400
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Methyl Cellulose (wallpaper paste)


I have just seen  School Smart Art Paste, a product that saxarts sells.
www.saxarts.com.  They sell it in 2oz packets. It is methyl cellulose. Right
now they have a special on ....$1.67 per packet....looks good to me. The
item number is 055992-784

On Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 2:20 AM, Mathieu René <creaturiste-AT-primus.ca> wrote:

> In another thread, David asks where we can find cellulose-based wallpaper
> paste nowadays.
>
> This is a bit tricky, because it comes in many forms and under many brand
> names.
>
> The product we need is just one ingredient: Methyl Cellulose.
> It's a non toxic ingredient produced in a lab from natural ingredients.
> It comes in powder form, which you mix with water.
> It's great for paper mache, as it offers smoother paper mache strips, no
> lumps.
>
> The brands that seem most common in Art & Craft supplies are:
> Pritt or Elmer's Art Paste
> Ross Art Paste.
> I've also seen the brand Longo in one store.
>
> I was told the dietary fiber supplement called Citrucel is pure methyl
> cellulose, if you get the unflavored variety.
>
> Buying it as a specialty art or craft product means you are probably paying
> up to three or four times the real price. Still, even that is rather cheap
> (one small box makes 2 gallons).
>
> If you use many gallons of it per year (who does?), it would be a good idea
> to get your methyl cellulose directly from a chemicals supplier. Tell them
> what you intend to do with it, so they can sell you a proper level of
> viscosity (body). If your version of methyl cellulose is too thick, you
> might need to dilute a lot before you get the proper consistency.
>
> Methyl cellulose is often used as a thickener in foods, shampoos and
> conditionners.
> They used gallons of it in the movie Labyrinth, to create the "Bog of
> Eternal Stench."
> It's the non-toxic ingredient of choice for creating all sorts of slime,
> drool and ectoplassm in horror and sci-fi movies.
>
> For technical details about Methyl cellulose, and some suppliers, see that
> ingredient's section on David Osborne's very good article:
> http://www.papiermache.co.uk/articles/papier-mache-paste/
>
>
> Personal experience with it:
> I started using it when I started paper mache.
> I hated it, but mostly because I had no idea how to properly use it. I
> found
> it to be slippery, and wrinkle forming.  I had no experience, no knowledge,
> and no patience, so the fact that the pulp kept shrinking and distorting,
> and edges kept lifting (I used the wrong papers and too much water in both
> cases) was infuriating. I thought that was too bad, because I loved the
> gross slimy feeling on my hands, and the fun I had when scaring onlookers.
> I
> also liked the subtle plant-like smell.
>
> Now, I know how to use it and get nice-looking results. I might just switch
> back to it almost exclusively (instead of PVA glues), because I suspect it
> is more stable when facing temperature changes, and I already know it
> offers
> smoother paper mache strips, no lumps. It might require additional paper
> layers for optimal strenght against impact and weight. Tests are on the way
> in the coming year.
>
> Some brands sell it under Paper Mache Adhesive, or the like.
>
> A little goes a long, long way.
>
> A mixed batch can be conserved on the shelf for many years, as long as it
> is
> kept clean and uncontaminated. I once kept a pitcher of this glue for 7
> years, it was just in need of a bit of water, as it had thickened from
> evaporation.
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
> Admin interface: http://lists.puptcrit.org/mailman/listinfo/puptcrit
> Archives: http://www.driftline.org
>



-- 
Deborah Hunt
MASKHUNT MOTIONS
www.myspace.com/maskhunt

http://hemisphericinstitute.org/artistprofiles/index.php?lang=Eng&Artist=dhunt&Menu=About&Category=Bio
_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Admin interface: http://lists.puptcrit.org/mailman/listinfo/puptcrit
Archives: http://www.driftline.org