Discover the Secret to Perfect Paste Papers | Foolproof Technique Revealed!

In this video, I show you how to make paste papers with methyl cellulose. There are some great benefits to using methyl cellulose! It's easy to make, uses cold water, doesn’t go bad, and doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge.

Make sure to leave any questions you have in the comments!

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Vintage Page Designs is an online book arts community based in Groton, Massachusetts. We provide bookbinding tutorials and resources for beginner and advanced bookmakers alike, and we encourage artists and crafters to express their ideas and creativity through handmade books. It’s our belief that anyone can create a handmade book—it doesn’t require expensive tools or equipment.

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[carolgunnerson]

Thanks for this fun lesson. A note about methyl cellulose: it is actually edible and is used widely in the food industry. It is perfectly safe to use a metal whisk or measuring cup to mix methyl cellulose. Simply wash before returning the items to kitchen use.

[SusieMathews]

Just found you and already enjoying your delightful personality and approach! I must say I am finding this video particularly intriguing, as I learned to do paste paper in collage a totally different way. I think I will try this method and see which way I like best. Biggest differences include: we used dry wallpaper paste mixed with distilled water, we presoaked printmaking paper (Reeves BFK) in water and squeegeed it off when ready for it, and the biggest difference was that we applied paint/paste directly on our plexiglass, made our designs and then laid our paper on top using a brayer to make sure it made full contact, then pull it up. Basically like monoprinting, but with paste/paint. Just thinking of the major positive differences in our two methods, yours would be much faster and take up much less prep space; mine would produce a ghost print. I think your method might become my preferred way. TFS 😀

[kandrews]

Great tutorial; I like that you point out all the details and therefore, we are not left with questions rolling through our brains. TFS

[DianeTopkis]

Why do you make paste paper? Is it stronger to use for covers?

[berolinastrassmann]

Many thanks for this. I was hesitant about Methylcellulose but your video gave me more confidence. I have a couple of questions: how do you protect the paper if you use for book covers, to avoid them from getting damaged? (mod podge? Beeswax? Acrylic matt medium?) On the sulfate paper, is this acid free? Would you please include a couple of options in your video description? I live in Europe and would like to find something similar, but have never seen sulfate paper offered in art supplies shops, so I don't really know what to look for. Thanks for your detailed video. PS. I'd love to see how your finished papers look like as well, when you use them for books or anything else.

[lucybanta]

Great demo on paste papers, Ali! Thanks.

[kristinf]

Hi Ali! Newbie question here - I have never made these before. Why not use just plain paint? What is the advantage of making a paste and adding paint?

[charlottebeseke]

Could you please show end products andtell of uses for your creations and why you would go to all of this effort to make it.

[payasamariposa]

I'm curious about not using the implements for food afterward. Is this an abundance of caution? I would likely mark my art implements to ensure that they were not used for food ever again, as I've done when using these types of implements for other applications. I really love your videos. Your explanations are great and your instructions are thorough and easy to follow. Thank you!

[kellilien]

Nice video! The background music was nice too. I do have a question: Do you usually paint on the reverse side? If not, will it warp?

[Lauratem]

Is methyl cellulose (by itself or with acrylic paint mixed in) safe to wash down the drain? I’ve had a fun time mixing several colors and making a batch of interesting papers, but I can find no information about the cleanup process in any paste paper videos. How do you clean the containers and tools you use, particularly the brushes?

[debrafillingim]

Great video-feel confident to try. I have to ask tho-could we have used acrylic paint and done the marks? Or does the paste paper have a different quality to it.

[conniewhall]

Why sulphite paper?

What results when used on any other paper types?

What are the differences between this product and simple wheat flour & water mixture?

Or other powders? Like talcum powder?

Is Metamucil a comparable ingredient?

[sharonmeeker]

Ali, could you use acrylic paint to paint a thin base the apply the paste over top ?

[JulieKnowles]

I know you said that the original mix before adding paint will last forever Ali....is the same true after you've added color? Could I mix up a bunch of colors and use them at a later date? Much later date?

[bunnyphoto]

I used a 1/4 cup MC and needed almost 10 cups of cold water. I had endless clumps. I left it until tomorrow and will go back and try to screen it with cheese cloth. I also used cheap paint first and it was not good. I am off to store for some better acrylic.

[pinkerbot]

In metric, 1/4 cup is roughly 60 mililitres - no need to convert it to weight...

[PeticaW]

I don't understand, why don't you just take the paper and paint it ? What is the methyl cellulose paste for??