Update for Paper Cement Clay - Experimental Outdoor Paper Mache Clay

The toad I made with paper cement clay back in July has now been outside for four months. He's been rained on and now he's had a few days of snow in 10°F weather, so it's time to check up on him and see how he's doing.
Right now he's sitting on a concrete bench by my front door so I can keep an eye on him, even when we get a lot more snow. So far, he's doing fine. The sealer I used has not cracked or yellowed in the sun, and the toad's spots are still the same color they were when I finished him. No softness or damage to the paper cement clay either, and that's really promising. If he's still doing this well in the spring, we can stop calling the paper cement clay an experimental recipe, and go ahead and make our outside sculptures with confidence.
The recipe for paper cement clay is here: • Weatherproof Paper Mac...
The first video in the toad series: • Garden Toad Made with ...
Painting the toad: • Painting The Paper Cem...
The first video in the garden gnome series: • Make a DIY Gnome - the...
The sealer I used on the toad: amzn.to/3za3nuU (affiliate link)

[@johannavargas7046]

Really beautiful 😍😍😍

[@juliehenderson1672]

Thank you! Love your channel.👍🦃Happy Thanksgiving!

[@RianShafer]

Thanks for the update! Love knowing things going outside will last!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Keep your eye out for the next one, in the spring. 😊

[@christinekrueger930]

He looks amazing 😍

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Thanks!

[@brandtedwards7735]

Hello, very excited to try this new recipe for paper cement clay. I can’t seem to find the new “grams” recipe for this new addition to your recipe. How many “grams” of Portland Cement do you add ? I have your “Silky Smooth” recipe that I will be adding this too. Thank you.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I haven't weighed out the Portland cement for the recipe. I'll do that in the spring, if my toad sculpture survives living under a foot of snow. He looked OK a few days ago, so I think it's going to work for outdoor sculptures. But until then, the recipe for the Silky Smooth recipe with the cement is basically to use the cement instead of the flour - but cement is a lot heavier than flour, so the volume measurements are: 1/2 cup drywall joint compound 1/2 cup Elmer’s Glue-All (PVA glue) 1/2 cup damp toilet paper or recycled paper* Mix until there are no lumps of paper in the mixture. Then add and mix well: 1 cup Portland cement. It doesn't matter what size cup you use. I hope you have fun with it! 😊

[@brandtedwards7735]

@@UltimatePaperMache , thank you very much ! I am about to look up to see if you have a video on thinner paper clay for pouring sculptures, using silicone molds. I just recently left from working 26 years in the fine art bronze foundry business. I sculpted and cast a lot of my own bronze sculptures. Now looking for less expensive alternatives. I can wait to try you silky smooth material. Very intrigued. I used to sculpt my originals in wax. Then make my molds. Then take them to work and preform the rest of the 14 steps to have a completed bronze sculpture. Best wishes to you in this new year. I also watched your “Plaster of Paris” paper clay video. Another material you might try that is just nicer to work with, is Durham’s Water Putty. It has a longer working time than Plaster of Paris. It will still not keep for a long time. Probably about a day like the Plaster did, maybe a bit longer. I plan on messing around with it.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@@brandtedwards7735 I don't have a thinner recipe, but you can just make your paper mache clay with less flour, if you're using the original recipe. I assume that using less cement would work the same, if you're using the paper cement recipe, but I haven't tried it. The paper fibers in the original recipe keep the clay from making a good casting, and it also shrinks a lot - but not symmetrically. When the drying paper mache clay pulls away from the silicone mold walls, the shapes get distorted. If you make a recipe based more on plaster of Paris, so it would harden long before it started to dry, that might work. The "silky smooth" air dry clay recipe makes a better casting in small molds, but you still have the shrinking problem. I did some experiments years ago with plaster mixed with paper, and with cheescloth sandwiched between two layers of the plaster/paper mixture. The result is a very thin but strong sculpture. You can see a video and the "recipes" here: www.ultimatepapermache.com/fast-and-easy-instant-paper-mache-recipe Have fun - and let us know how your projects turn out. 😊

[@terrysharing]

Thanks for the update Jonni. I've been eagerly awaiting to see how the toad is enduring the weather. This is my favorite sculpture you've done so far. As an avid gardener I happen to be quite fond of toads. I'm going to attempt to make one myself as we get closer to spring. In the meantime I'm still working on the "quick mask" idea you showed before Halloween. I don't really do halloween so there's been no "quick" happening here. But I have my concept, cardboard and paper and plan to forge ahead. In meantime I look forward to every video. Thanks!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I hope we get to see your mask when it's done. So far only one person has shown us their "quick mask" and it was really interesting - certainly an idea I never would have come up with. If you want to see it, it's here: www.ultimatepapermache.com/tree-spirit

[@malcolmmacleod8072]

This is a great experiment. I think I’ll try it, I live up in Saskatchewan so Minnesota is a bit milder than here. Hopefully it will work here too.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

It's been very mild here in MN so far. I hope you stay warm this winter - and remember to let us know how y our experiment comes out. 😊

[@candacelee3650]

Amazing, I’m so happy I came across your sculpture ,paper mix with cement mix for outside. My question is how light is the sculpture? I’m from Canada, I can’t wait to try it outside and see how long it lasts? Figure dancer? Sorry I’m so excited to have found your videos! Yay!

[@JCIL64313]

Hi Jonni, Have you ever cemented over dried paper Mache?I'm in process of doing a faux rock. So far I papered macheed a box I put together and shaped with masking tape. Used a watery-based paste (flour, water and a little salt). I paper macheed the inside and outside of the cardboard box to gain strength. Its size: 24"W X 21"L X 10" H. Because I started December 23rd, it did have a couple of days to dry. It dried very sturdy and was "waterproofed" by the dried paste. So far so good. I have now let the cement (mixed with drywall) dry for a week as I research a texture coat and color. I'll try to remember to let you know what happens. I really would like to know if you have ever done anything like this. Not putting cement in paper clay, but putting cement over dried paper mache. If so, please include the link to that Video. I'd love to hear your wisdom.

[@alwaysinblue]

I'm going to try this but substitute Rapidset Mortar mix for Portland cement. Rapidset Mortar mix sets extremely fast, but it has additives that can be added. One is called Set Control and it gives you more open time to work. And if you want the mix to be thinner, there's an additive that thins it out without adding more water called Flow Control. I've used this product to make a planter and it's wonderful. I am anxious to use it in your formula. I'll let you know what happens.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Have you had time to try it yet? Did it work? I think I can get Rapidset Mortar in smaller bags locally, and that would be really nice.

[@VFKAdventureRabbit]

Thank you so much for the update! Your paper cement concept sounded really cool and it's awesome that it's holding up in reality too! If I ever get the skill/practice I'm definitely going to make some yard ornaments with it!!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I'm anxious to make some more things with it. I need some practice, too. 😊

[@jessicahites871]

Will definitely be watching more of you!!

[@Sungaze-px3rb]

Update was coming at the right moment because papercrete and this version, also industrial hempstone type versions which can be straw, cornhusks or flax interchangeably versions of papercrete paper mache, I've considered in our cold in the winter, semi desert climate as potential for greenhouse base or sheds or a little vardos, kind of lego style and my son wants to make outdoor foxes, and always thought I'd have to canvas the outer. Maybe not!

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I've seen some videos about building with hemp and it looks really promising. But a fox sculpture would be more fun. 😊

[@HeavensMee]

Thanks for all this helpful information. The toad looks great!

[@peacefulscrimp5183]

Great video 👍 Thank you so much for the update. Please do another update when the daffodils bloom 😉

[@noctembra]

Hi from the cities! I'm looking forward to seeing how he holds up over our bitter winter, too! So far so good it looks like through the freezes we've had.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

So far, so good. I've got my fingers crossed. 😊

[@hichamdopi8141]

I love your vids! Do you think I could use your paper mache clay on wooden panels? Normal cement is not compatible with wood because of woodmovement, but perhaps witht the glue and fibers in your recipe it would withstand this effect ?

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I really don't know - I've used it to repair some chew marks in my kitchen woodwork (puppy, you know...) and it's did stick. But if the wood panel will be moved, it might come loose. Do a few experiments on some scraps to see if it holds up well over time.

[@EXARCWithGrandpop]

Hi, Just want to update you on my sculpture using paper cement clay. I had my Frankenstein monster out all of October and he did just fine. Just to let you know I did not seal it. I just painted it with regular spray paint and it held up fine.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Wow - that's great news. Thanks for letting us know! 😊

[@amber3059]

So I had noticed a comment on your website about engine enamel. I looked it up and it's a bit pricey but for people in my area might be a really good option. I live in Texas and we'll it gets hot hot hot. Engine enamel clear has a ceramic resin added to it to help withstand high heat. I will give it a go and update in August when the Texas heat is melting everything it touches. Ty so much for your videos I've learned so much.

[@alanm3438]

You are always thinking.............maybe you are part scientist?????

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Maybe - or maybe I just like playing around with stuff to see what happens. Is that the same thing? 😊

[@alanm3438]

@@UltimatePaperMache Ok, you are a mad scientist.🤪🤪🤪

[@joanbennettnyc]

Wonderful as always. Glad Toad is doing well. What is the story behind the interesting bench he is on?

[@soulfulexpansions]

Great work!! Thanks for posting

[@UjamesH]

Hi Johnny ! I’ve been binging all your videos. I have a question. I’m making a 2ftx3ft art work and debating between using paper mache, paper mache clay, or both. The back of the art work is particle board and I cut some package cardboard into shapes and will glue onto the board. I will want to paint the final results. I am not sure if I should do paper mache, clay or both. Trying to avoid any type of cracking. Thanks !

[@UltimatePaperMache]

If you're putting the paper mache directly over the cardboard, there shouldn't be any problem with cracking. The only time I see cracks with any kind of paper mache is when someone uses a very hard form inside, like a glass bottle. Which one you use depends entirely on how you want the final surface to look. Play with both on a spare piece of cardboard, let them dry, and see which one will make your sculpture look the way you want it to look.

[@UjamesH]

@@UltimatePaperMache you are amazing! I think I will just do paper mache then, paint with gesso, then paint with desired acrylic paints. I will watch your paper mache videos now ! I don’t think I’m too picky on the texture look at this point

[@UjamesH]

@@UltimatePaperMache do you have a video that shows the difference between final product with just paper mache vs paper mache clay? I didn’t find one

[@UltimatePaperMache]

@@UjamesH I have lots of videos using one material or the other, but none showing both together. The texture on the surface will be different - but you'll need to do some experiments to see which one you like best.

[@pitbulpitbul5050]

Super

[@Sungaze-px3rb]

Could also be bird houses, what my dad affectionately calls cat feeders.

[@UltimatePaperMache]

That's a good idea! I think your dad must know my dad, because he calls his wife's bird feeder a "cat cafe."

[@jamee_maree]

Way to get the products cheaper that one found - Menards and Home Depot will sell the sand, concrete, rock, dirt, etc at 50% off if the bag is not repairable. Walmart said they would not and instead would throw it away…. What in the world?! Anyways, definitely check with store managers before paying full price for good bags to see what discount you can get 😊😊

[@UltimatePaperMache]

Great idea - thanks! 😊

[@jessicadanielson4543]

Glad Mr toad hasn't croaked!,I really think he's adorable too,I'm thinking about trying a poison dart frog like him

[@DebbieTomkoSUNSHINE]

I was thinking...can you brush on a thin layer of cement, over paper mache? Then paint it, for the yard...:-) I have a few projects I made in paper mache, but want to move them outside...:-) I've just watched this KZbin video, how this woman made a beautiful flower edge bowl, using a piece of cloth and putting it in thin cement. That's my next project, a bird bath so birds can have water...:-) Still haven't done my bear yet...but I think I'll make him with paper mache, then overlay him with cement cloth, then use a more solid cement to add details like his fur. I just love your video...:-) Your very talented!!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ6tk6qLjaynoJo

[@UltimatePaperMache]

I don't know if that would work or not. I'm not sure cement is actually waterproof - it might allow water to seep inside, and then he paper mache under it would get wet and start to mold. But that's just my guess. You'd need to experiment, I think.

[@sharonjerseygirl3682]

Can You Make a Gingerbread Man?

[@UltimatePaperMache]

There's a guest post on my blog by Mr. Dollar who shows how to make a really big gingerbread man. And it looks great. You can find it here: www.ultimatepapermache.com/giant-gingerbread-men

[@sharonjerseygirl3682]

@@UltimatePaperMache Okay Thank You Very Much & Happy Holidays!!!👍🎅🎄😊

[@TexMex_Family]

I have broccoli farts 💨 🥦