The Origami Forum

Recently I have tried using double tissue MC paper, and it is great to fold with, but if a model requires thin shaping (like insect legs) or has lots of sinks, such as Robert Lang's praying mantis from insects 2, the layers show themselves and don't stay in place well, at least for me. So here is my question, should I apply MC to the areas I wish to strengthen/make stay together, or apply a little bit of water? I am guessing with water, the glue would soften the paper, then the paper would dry shaped how I want it.

On a side note, I have never used MC to shape paper, only to make a piece of double tissue, so I don't know how well that works usually. Also, if needed I can take a picture to show what the issue is, but hopefully someone has come across this problem and knows the answer.

This may sound unethical but, there is nothing that prevents you from using some drops of white glue. Just "some drops" here and there wherever the paper does not want to stay in place. I dont mean to glue all parts.

Use glue or MC. Water will cause it to unravel. Make sure to have it held in place while it dries as well. You don't want it permanently in the wrong position!

Thank you both for the quick answers! I don't have any big quarrel with using a few drops of white glue, since I guess using MC to keep layers together would technically be doing the same thing as well. I will try this out right away, thanks again.

Water works, but MC works better for stuff like insect legs. Use a small brush and carefully apply a little bit (not a lot-a small amount goes a long way) of MC in-between each layer. Then shape. This method distributes MC evenly throughout the thickness of the leg/appendage and holds the layers together.

Thank you Jonnycakes, I will try this technique out soon.