Moons, faces, totem pole

 Experiments using various 3:1 mixtures of cellulose insulation (paper), peat moss, and sand with Portland cement -- three parts aggregate to one part cement -- with sundry ingredients added (builder's lime, joint compound, asphalt emulsion). Trying for a more malleable, clay-like "concrete" formula.


Comments

  1. Jean CampbellNovember 5, 2014 at 3:09 PM

    I keep watching, hoping for a perfect recipe for a 'head pot' for my burro tail sedums.

    You do great work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. F. Michael LaRosaNovember 6, 2014 at 11:12 AM

      Thanks, Jean. If you follow this blog at all you know I've been seeking the best "papercrete" recipe for years. I enjoyed making a pot armature from raw burlap soaked in mortar and hope to do more of that soon. http://papercreteparadise.blogspot.com/2013/01/thatch-roof-2-staining-faux-bois.html

      Delete
  2. Joni A SolisFebruary 16, 2016 at 3:02 PM

    "Trying for a more malleable, clay-like "concrete" formula." -- well did you come up with a new and improved formula for clay like papercrete? If so, please tell me where the article about it is.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 26, 2016 at 8:24 PM

    Cement adds weight to your mixtures and finish product. Try thinset with 100% acrylic paint.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownNovember 26, 2016 at 8:30 PM

    You can use mix all the ingredients you want. The final ingredient is the glue that holds the mixture together. I prefer thinset because is light and stronger than cement/water mix.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownNovember 26, 2016 at 10:11 PM

    Cement adds weight to your mixtures and finish product. Try thinset with 100% acrylic paint.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJuly 14, 2017 at 1:32 PM

    This past winter I was having a problem getting my paper to 'pulp'. Something to do with the cold temps here in Ohio, I think. So I found cellulose insulation at Menards and thought this was a wonderful shortcut. A horrible ammonia smell relsuted when I mixed my 3part cellulose, 2 part cement and 1 part perlite. I went ahead and used it, but man, it seems kinda toxic. Thoughts?

    ReplyDelete
  7. TracerMay 19, 2023 at 12:02 AM

    My first papercrete experiment was a perplexing failure. 1/4 gallon portland, 1/2 gal dry cellulose insualtion from Home Depot. About a cup of acrylic paint, and water as needed. It did not set at all. Just mush. I'm wondering if some additive in the insulation cellulose killed the portland. ???

    ReplyDelete

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