At first glance, all papièr mâchè objects look roughly the
same, but there is a price differential which depends on the quality of the product.
However, besides at least three different grades of papièr mâchè,
some are actually cardboard or wood! The idea, however, is not to hoodwink the
unwary, but to provide a cheaper product with the look of papièr mâchè.
To make papièr mâchè, first paper is soaked in water till
it disintegrates. It is then pounded, mixed with an adhesive solution, shaped
over moulds, and allowed to dry and set before being printed and varnished. Paper
that has been pounded to pulp has the smoothest finish in the final product. When
the pounding has not been so thorough, the finish is less smooth.
The designs painted on objects of papièr mâchè are brightly
coloured. They vary in artistry and the choice of colours, and it is not difficult
to tell a mediocre piece from an excellent one. Gold is used on most objects,
either as the only colour, or as a highlight for certain motifs. Besides the finish
of the product, it is the quality of gold used which determines the price. Pure
gold leaf, which has an unmistakable lustre, is far more expensive than bronze
dust or gold poster paint. Varnish, which is applied to the finished product,
imparts a high gloss and smoothness, and increases with every coat applied.
