ADHESIVES & PASTES
Wheat Paste (Universal Recipe) |
Ingredients |
* 1 part white flour (all-purpose) |
* 4-5 parts water (use 5 parts for laminating) |
Directions |
1. Combine flour and cold water, whisk smooth |
2. Heat on stove at medium-low, stirring constantly |
3. Heat until just below boiling (thickens like gravy) |
4. Remove from heat, cool before use |
Properties |
* Dry Time: 1-2 hours surface, 24-48 hours full |
* Shelf Life: 2-4 days refrigerated |
* Disposal: Biodegradable, Compostable, Burnable |
Pro Tip: Alternate corrugation 90° when laminating for maximum strength |
WATERPROOFING
Shellac Solution (Biodegradable) |
Ingredients |
* 125g shellac flakes |
* 500ml denatured alcohol (ethanol ~91% IPA) |
* Alternative: 99% isopropyl alcohol (slower dry) |
Directions |
1. Combine shellac flakes with alcohol in glass jar |
2, Shake every 30 minutes for 2-4 hours until dissolved |
3. Strain if needed |
4. Apply with brush in thin coats |
Properties |
* Dry Time: 15-30 minutes per coat |
* Coats Needed: 2-3 for basic protection |
* Disposal: Biodegradable, Compostable |
* Note: Not for long-term moisture exposure alone |
WATERPROOFING
Hot Wax (Basic) |
Ingredients |
* 100g paraffin or beeswax |
Directions |
1. Melt wax in double boiler |
2. Brush onto cardboard while hot OR dip small items |
3. Use heat gun to melt wax into fibers |
Properties |
* Dry Time: Sets in minutes, full cure 24 hours |
* Disposal: Biodegradable (beeswax), Partial (paraffin) |
⚠️ CAUTION: Flammable during heating |
STRUCTURAL MATERIALS
Papercrete (Cardboard + Cement) |
Basic Recipe |
* 60% cardboard pulp (soaked 24-48 hours) |
* 30% sand |
* 10% Portland cement |
* Water (thick oatmeal consistency) |
Alternative (3-2-1 Method) |
* 3 parts paper pulp |
* 2 parts Portland cement |
* 1 part vermiculite/perlite (optional insulation) |
Directions |
1. Soak/shred cardboard 24-48 hours |
2. Blend to pulp with drill mixer |
3. Squeeze out excess water (damp, not dripping) |
4. Mix dry cement and sand together |
5. Combine all, add water to consistency |
6. Pour into molds |
7. Cure 7-14 days, keep moist first 3-5 days |
STRUCTURAL MATERIALS
Papercrete (Cardboard + Cement) |
Basic Recipe |
* 60% cardboard pulp (soaked 24-48 hours) |
* 30% sand |
* 10% Portland cement |
* Water (thick oatmeal consistency) |
Alternative (3-2-1 Method) |
* 3 parts paper pulp |
* 2 parts Portland cement |
* 1 part vermiculite/perlite (optional insulation) |
Directions |
1. Soak/shred cardboard 24-48 hours |
2. Blend to pulp with drill mixer |
3. Squeeze out excess water (damp, not dripping) |
4. Mix dry cement and sand together |
5. Combine all, add water to consistency |
6. Pour into molds |
7. Cure 7-14 days, keep moist first 3-5 days |
Properties |
* Cure Time: 7-14 days minimum (full cure 28 days) |
* R-Value: 2-3 per inch (good insulation) |
* Strength: 100-400 psi compressive |
* Disposal: Biodegradable (eventually, over decades) |
* Note: Must be sealed against moisture |
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PVA + Wheat Paste Hybrid
Ingredients |
* 1 part wheat paste (prepared) |
* PVA glue (10-20% by volume) |
Directions |
1. Prepare wheat paste as above |
2. Mix in PVA while paste is still warm |
3. Stir until fully incorporated |
Properties |
* Dry Time: 2-4 hours surface |
* Disposal: Mostly biodegradable |
* Benefits: Water-insoluble when dry, stronger bond |
WATERPROOFING
Hot Glue/EVA Wax Formula |
Recipe A - Hot Glue/EVA |
* 100g hot glue sticks (EVA) |
* 25g beeswax |
*20ml mineral oil |
Recipe B - Paraffin Alternative |
* 100g paraffin wax |
* 25g beeswax |
*20ml mineral oil |
Directions |
1. Melt all ingredients in double boiler |
2. Stir until fully combined |
3. Brush onto cardboard while warm |
4. Work into surface with heat gun if needed |
Properties |
* Dry Time: 30-60 minutes, full cure 24 hours |
* Disposal: NOT Biodegradable |
* Benefits: Lower melting point, easier application |
Wax Formula Additives
Mineral Oil (5-10%) Lowers melting point, adds flexibility |
Pine Resin Increases water resistance, adds stickiness |
Tung Oil Natural waterproofing, penetrates well |
Carnuba Wax Hardest natural wax, high shine |
Soy Wax Eco-friendly paraffin alternative |
WATERPROOFING
Canvas Wax (Oilcloth Style) |
Recipe A - Classic (Most Durable) |
* 2 parts beeswax (by weight) |
* 1 part boiled linseed oil |
* 1 part turpentine |
Directions (Recipe A) |
1. Melt beeswax in double boiler |
2. Remove from heat, add linseed oil, stir |
3. Add turpentine slowly while stirring |
4. Cool to paste consistency |
5. Rub onto cardboard, heat to penetrate |
Recipe B - Simplified |
* 1 part beeswax |
* 1 part petroleum jelly |
Recipe C - Greenland Wax |
* 90% paraffin wax |
*10% beeswax |
Properties |
* Cure Time: Several days for full cure |
* Disposal: A: Biodegradable; B & C: Partial |
⚠️ FIRE HAZARD: Linseed oil rags can spontaneously combust! |
UV PROTECTION
Metal Oxide UV Blockers |
Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) - 5-10% Best for UVB protection (290-320nm) Creates white/opaque finish |
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) - 5-10% Better UVA protection (320-400nm) Less whitening than TiO₂ |
Combined (2.5-5% each) Full-spectrum UV protection |
Base Carrier Options |
* Acrylic paint or varnish |
* Polyurethane |
*Water-based varnish |
* Shellac (natural option) |
* Oil-based varnish |
Application Mix thoroughly into carrier, apply 2-3 coats |
Clear UV Absorbers (Commercial)
Available Options |
* Benzophenone-based UV absorbers |
* HALS (Hindered Amine Light Stabilizers) |
* Clear UV-resistant polyurethane |
* Marine spar varnish with UV inhibitors |
Application Follow manufacturer instructions. Generally 2-3 coats minimum for outdoor use. |
Properties |
* Disposal: Follow local hazardous waste guidelines |
* Benefits: Clear finish maintains cardboard appearance |
* Maintenance: Reapply annually for outdoor projects |
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Wheat Paste Additives
Sugar (1 tbsp/cup) Increases tackiness and initial grab |
Borax (2 tbsp/quart) Preservative, reduces odor, pest deterrent |
Vinegar (1 tsp/cup) Extends shelf life slightly |
PVA Glue (10-20%) Adds water resistance after curing |
Salt (1 tsp/cup) Preservative alternative to borax |
Alum (1 tsp/cup) Stiffens dried paste, pest deterrent |
WATERPROOFING
Canvas Wax (Oilcloth Style) |
Recipe A - Classic (Most Durable) |
* 2 parts beeswax (by weight) |
* 1 part boiled linseed oil |
* 1 part turpentine |
Directions (Recipe A) |
1. Melt beeswax in double boiler |
2. Remove from heat, add linseed oil, stir |
3. Add turpentine slowly while stirring |
4. Cool to paste consistency |
5. Rub onto cardboard, heat to penetrate |
Recipe B - Simplified |
* 1 part beeswax |
* 1 part petroleum jelly |
Recipe C - Greenland Wax |
* 90% paraffin wax |
*10% beeswax |
Properties |
* Cure Time: Several days for full cure |
* Disposal: A: Biodegradable; B & C: Partial |
⚠️ FIRE HAZARD: Linseed oil rags can spontaneously combust! |
WATERPROOFING
Hot Glue/EVA Wax Formula |
Recipe A - Hot Glue/EVA |
* 100g hot glue sticks (EVA) |
* 25g beeswax |
*20ml mineral oil |
Recipe B - Paraffin Alternative |
* 100g paraffin wax |
* 25g beeswax |
*20ml mineral oil |
Directions |
1. Melt all ingredients in double boiler |
2. Stir until fully combined |
3. Brush onto cardboard while warm |
4. Work into surface with heat gun if needed |
Properties |
* Dry Time: 30-60 minutes, full cure 24 hours |
* Disposal: NOT Biodegradable |
* Benefits: Lower melting point, easier application |
STRUCTURAL MATERIALS
Papercrete (Cardboard + Cement) |
Basic Recipe |
* 60% cardboard pulp (soaked 24-48 hours) |
* 30% sand |
* 10% Portland cement |
* Water (thick oatmeal consistency) |
Alternative (3-2-1 Method) |
* 3 parts paper pulp |
* 2 parts Portland cement |
* 1 part vermiculite/perlite (optional insulation) |
Directions |
1. Soak/shred cardboard 24-48 hours |
2. Blend to pulp with drill mixer |
3. Squeeze out excess water (damp, not dripping) |
4. Mix dry cement and sand together |
5. Combine all, add water to consistency |
6. Pour into molds |
7. Cure 7-14 days, keep moist first 3-5 days |
Papercrete Strength Additives
Chopped Fibers (hemp, sisal, glass) Adds tensile strength |
Hydrated Lime Flexibility, breathability |
Mica Fire resistance, UV reflection |
Padobe/Fidobe (Clay-Based)
Ingredients |
* 60% cardboard pulp |
* 30% clay-rich soil |
* 10% sand (optional, improves hardness) |
* Water as needed |
Directions |
1. Prepare cardboard pulp (soak 24-48 hours) |
2. Mix clay soil with sand if using |
3. Combine pulp with clay mixture |
4. Add water to thick consistency |
5. Form or mold as desired |
6. Sun dry 7-21 days depending on thickness |
Properties |
* Cure Time: 7-21 days (sun dry, climate dependent) |
* Disposal: Biodegradable, Compostable |
* Benefits: Sustainable, no cement, traditional method |
* Note: Requires waterproofing coating |
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