To: <puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org>
Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 01:20:25 -0500
Subject: [Puptcrit] Methyl Cellulose (wallpaper paste)


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.


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