Papier mâché is an excellent medium for many reasons, including its versatility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Papier-mâché comes from the French phrase for “chewed paper” and is a composite of paper pieces or pulp. Like most art teachers, I’ve spent a fair amount of time helping students create masks and sculptures from the material. However, I’ve not used Elmers’s art paste. This is a good thing, as art teachers everywhere lament that Elmers has discontinued the product.

So, let’s talk alternatives!

Methylcellulose
I will start with Methylcellulose because it’s what’s in Elmer’s Art Paste, so it’s probably the closest alternative for all of you who are missing your product. The advantage of methylcellulose is it doesn’t attract mold or mildew. It’s an excellent option for humid areas! It doesn’t go bad or get that off smell. Mix it with cold water (it is challenging in some schools to get hot water). It’s non-toxic and easy on the skin. It happens to be in a lot of food and beauty products. A disadvantage of using methylcellulose for papier mâché is that it’s not as strong as other options. It would be best if you also remixed it after sitting.

Glue and Water
To make papier-mâché with glue and water, mix one part glue with two parts water in a bowl and stir until combined. You can use a child-friendly PVA craft glue that’s water soluble or a water-resistant wood PVA glue. I used Elmers School Glue because it was left over from the previous art teacher at my first school. Elmer Glue-All is fine, too, but it has more water, so adjust your ratio accordingly. Any jug of white construction glue will work, and buying it from the hardware store is a great money-saving hack. 

The advantage of glue and water is that it creates a more robust structure than most alternatives. Because it’s strong, it’s a good option for any objects that may be handled a lot. It’s also odorless. Some students will find it slimy, but frankly, some sensory-sensitive students will object to pretty much any mixture. It is one of the more expensive options, though, which is the major con.

Flour and water
Flour and water are classic for papier-mâché. It’s also the cheapest way to go. Keep in mind that flour and water is not a good choice if you or a student is gluten intolerant. Some people cook with flour and water, and some don’t. If you’re not cooking with it, a whisk or immersion blender are good investments. Check out this tutorial HERE.  

Besides the gluten issue, the flour and water recipe can also grow mold and attract bugs (beware if you have bugs in your school); some find the odor unpleasant.

Cooking activates the gluten, making it stronger and stickier. Directions for a cooked recipe are here. The creator makes some comparisons, which might help you decide which method is right for you.

Sta-Flo Liquid Starch
Sta-Flo liquid starch has a strong following of faithful art teachers. Sta-Flo liquid starch can make papier-mâché because it’s an adhesive medium that’s easy to use. To make papier-mâché glue with Sta-Flo, you can mix 1/2 cup of flour with 1 cup of Sta-Flo liquid starch in a bowl and whisk to remove lumps. Some add salt to help prevent mold. *Type: Be sure to buy unscented!

The advantage is that it’s easy and strong. The disadvantage is that it needs to be refrigerated if you want to keep it from one day to the next.

Wallpaper paste

Follow the manufacturer’s directions to mix this paste. Keep in an airtight container. If left to sit, it will thicken, and you only need to add more water as needed. Some Wallpaper paste has the advantage of containing a fungicide to prevent mold, but it is less safe, particularly for younger children who might lick their fingers. Without it, it’s safer, but you will not like the smell after a day or two. Try only to mix up what you need for a period or a day. Refrigeration can buy you some more time. I couldn’t find a wallpaper past that didn’t have gluten, so beware if you have gluten-sensitive students. If you know of a gluten-free brand, please write us or share in the comments!