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How to Speed Up Drying of Paper Mache

Paper mache art projects are enjoyable for artists of all ages. The pieces you can create may be very simple and basic or extremely detailed depending on your skill level and how much time you have to dedicate to the project. Unfortunately, a large portion of this time is typically spent waiting for your art to dry. There are different methods you can use to speed up this process, so you can get the final steps of painting and decorating your paper mache art pieces underway.

Things You'll Need

  • Newspaper strips
  • Paper mache paste
  • Timer
  • Oven
  • Cookie sheets
  • Spatula
  • Laundry drying rack
  • Large fan
  • Hair dryer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make small paper mache art pieces using as few layers of paper mache as possible. Create flat and evenly layered pieces to expedite drying time.

    • 2

      Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait 20 minutes and then turn the oven off. Position your paper mache art pieces on cookie sheets and place them in the oven for an hour.

    • 3

      Remove the cookie sheets and use a spatula to turn the art pieces over. Repeat Step 2 to bake the remaining side(s) of your art pieces.

    • 4

      Place larger or uneven paper mache art pieces on laundry drying racks in a well ventilated area indoors or outside in the sun.

    • 5

      Position a large fan directly in front of your paper mache pieces. Plug the fan in and turn it on. Make sure the air flow from the fan is blowing onto your paper mache art pieces.

    • 6

      Set your hairdryer to its coolest setting and turn the device on. Direct air flow over areas on the art pieces that use more layers of paper mache and areas with more detailed craft work.

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