Support Glue

[cyitoh]

Hey guys,

I have to fold a giant origami, and I was wondering if you could suggest me some type of glue that will stiffen the model so that it doesn't fall on itself and collapse. It needs to hold curves on the model too.

The paper I am using should be similar to packaging brown kraft paper.

Thanks,
Chris

[phillipcurl]

You should use methylcellulose and stiff wire to support it.

depending on the size you could maybe even use wire mesh.

[Jonnycakes]

If you really mean giant, I would recommend a sturdier support mechanism such as thick wire, cardboard, or wooden dowels. When you scale origami up really big, it doesn't hold up well and you need some more industrial materials to help it stand and keep its shape.

[cyitoh]

Well, it's not TOO giant. Maybe from 3ft tall, 3ft wide, 2 feet long. I just don't want to put mesh, pipes, or cardboard because it's going to be seen. I want to use some type of glue that will "harden" it.

Also, the paper won't be the kraft brown packaging paper. It'll be the cheaper, white, paper that comes in rolls. Like the ones used in schools for kids to draw on.

Would Elmer's glue+water mixture work?

[phillipcurl]

no. it wouldn't work.
what you should do is use methylcellulose to glue 2 or three sheets together so it would be really thick, then wet fold it. it will support its shape that way.

[Jonnycakes]

It depends on what you're folding. If it is something that will have long flaps/appendages that are only a few layers thick, you need some extra support. If the whole model is made up of several layers (such as a heavily pleated structure), then you may not need as much support. You could always try folding one and see what happens from there. Elmer's will work on paper-it is a kind of PVA glue which many origamists use for wet-folding. I don't know if it will be enough to support your model, however.

If you are worried about supports showing, they can generally easily be hidden on the interior of the model with no visible effects.

[cyitoh]

Alright, thanks for the tips guys! I think I'll try some of these and see what will best fit my model!

[GWB origami]

ridiculous idea kind of meant as a joke: you could dip the whole thing in MC!

[phillipcurl]

that wouldn't work, first of all the model would melt and it wouldn't be able to support the weight of the mc, and it would wrinkle and not look good at all. it would all be in vain anyway because it wouldn't make it stronger.

[cyitoh]

Sorry for bringing this up again,

Has anyone tried to "paper mache" the insides of the origami model to make it stiffer?

[Axel´s Origami]

I use wood glue for my giant models, it works really good. However, some models wont stay up no matter how much glue you use.

[Bugfolder]

Sorry for bringing this up again,
Has anyone tried to "paper mache" the insides of the origami model to make it stiffer?

Haven't tried that, but I've used melted wax and it works really well. You apply it with a paintbrush. You can also use a turkey injector (looks like a giant syringe, available at grocery stores) to inject melted wax between layers.

[cowburger13]

Sorry for bringing this up again,
Has anyone tried to "paper mache" the insides of the origami model to make it stiffer?

Haven't tried that, but I've used melted wax and it works really well. You apply it with a paintbrush. You can also use a turkey injector (looks like a giant syringe, available at grocery stores) to inject melted wax between layers.

If a model is too flimsy, I open up the weak part, and put foil inside to give it structure. Your way works well too.