Can you sand Paper Mache?

Question: Can you sand Paper Mache!?

Is it possible to sand paper mache and make it smooth!? Basically, I was going to either use cardboard or heavy weight paper and use it to make costumes with pepakura!. Then I was going to put paper mache on it to make it stronger!. Can you sand it to make it smooth!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

It all depends on the particular bonding agent that you use as to how easy it is!.Lots of acrylic binders do make it a bit more difficult but traditional,water and flour mixes are easy!.You can always use wallpaper paste,or,PVA type adhesives and paints in the later stages to improve the durability of your work!.Building up your layers with small pieces of well mashed up paper will give you a smoother finish,which will not need too much fine finishing!.I have also mixed plaster type fillers in with it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

The difficulty would be in applying the material without leaving the air pockets that make it so porous!.

Once dry, of course, it can be sanded, and one could apply some kind of filler, like spackle or Liquid Wood and then resanded!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

yes
once it is fully dry it goes like wood!. you can use any paint on it, too!.Www@QuestionHome@Com