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"Paper pulp--can it be used for scenery?" Topic


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Grelber15 Jun 2022 6:23 p.m. PST

I recently bought a new vacuum and a garbage disposal (don't ask, it has just been that kind of a year), both of which had brownish packing at the ends of the box that looked like they were made of some sort of paper pulp. The shapes are interesting, and I wondered if these could be used to make scenery, like buildings, walls, and hills. It also struck me that my acrylic paints, which involve water, might turn the pulp to mush. Are there any tricks or tips involved in using these end pieces?

Grelber

Oberlindes Sol LIC Supporting Member of TMP15 Jun 2022 7:49 p.m. PST

I've used very wet acrylic paint to apply a dark wash to this kind of material with no problems. I have seen some great effects with paper pulp packing pieces, but have never yet achieved more than adequate results.

thosmoss16 Jun 2022 6:46 a.m. PST

I have quite a collection in the basement, in the Pulp of Dreams pile. Always thought adding windows and doors would make a wonderful collection for either Cairo or Mos Eisley buildings.

Rich Bliss16 Jun 2022 8:09 a.m. PST

Yes. I have done so, but the rough finish is pretty permanent. I haven't found any reliable way of smoothing it out.

Stryderg16 Jun 2022 6:57 p.m. PST

You could try and water down some white elmer's glue and brush it on as a primer/sealer. Or apply a base coat with a spray can of paint. That should keep the rough texture, seal it (probably) and allow you use water based paints. Or go with a lot of light coats.

Some thoughts on papier-mache: link

Or, this could be just what you are looking for: link

DyeHard16 Jun 2022 9:32 p.m. PST

Thank you Stryderg for linking to my oh-so old website.

You see folks turning this packaging into terrain, but not too many websites feature them.

Look for junk to terrain pages, you can find some.
This video goes into great detail:
YouTube link

Grelber16 Jun 2022 9:34 p.m. PST

Many thanks for the comments and advice! Stryderg, your second link discusses how to work with the paper pulp stuff I got with my vacuum and garbage disposal.

Thanks again!

Grelber

DyeHard16 Jun 2022 9:43 p.m. PST

I did a bit of searching, and the term "Packing Insert" turns up more useful results.

Gallery:
imgur.com/gallery/u729aMI

And more videos:
YouTube link

YouTube link

YouTube link

Grelber16 Jun 2022 9:53 p.m. PST

And, while I was reading the website and typing a response, DyeHard wrote in. Thanks very much, and I'm off to watch that link.

Grelber

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