MC - Methyl Cellulose

StarPartener · Post by **StarPartener** » December 3rd, 2009, 4:38 am

Recently, when my paper dries, the corners peel off of the plexiglass I put it on. Then, it is all wrinkly and hard to cut squares. Do you have any suggestions? I was thinking of putting tape on the paper's edge. Thanks!

FrumiousBandersnatch · December 3rd, 2009, 5:00 am

StarPartner, is the paper really thick? It could be that the MC is not fully penetrating your paper and adhering it to the glass/plexi. Also, are you forcefully drying it with heat, or leaving it in the hot sun? Both of those things will make that happen as well.

origamimasterjared · December 3rd, 2009, 6:20 am

I have that same problem. Robert Lang told me that what you should do is before putting MC on top of the paper, to MC the glass where the edges of the paper will be, to keep it glued down. Then lay down your paper and start MCing.

WhisperPuffin · Post by **WhisperPuffin** » December 3rd, 2009, 6:22 am

Just a note: If you cannot find MC, my local store stocks something called PolyArt (PolyPaper?) paste. This is 70% hydroxymethylcellulose and works fine for me.

gachepapier · Post by **gachepapier** » December 3rd, 2009, 12:19 pm

origamimasterjared wrote:I have that same problem. Robert Lang told me that what you should do is before putting MC on top of the paper, to MC the glass where the edges of the paper will be, to keep it glued down. Then lay down your paper and start MCing.

This has always worked fine for me for smaller papers (say up to 30cm), but for larger thin papers, I've found that the fibres (may) rip once they start contracting. Of course YMMV, depending on the precise papers you use, but I've not had any problems since I started putting my papers out to dry on a thin rope (avoid windy places though

) or clothline. A minute with a hot iron to finish it off does wonders too.

origamifreak_1.6180339889 · December 3rd, 2009, 11:18 pm

i have a problem with making double tissue. whenever i put methytl cellulose onto it, it expands and when i go to put the second sheet on, there are all wrinkles on it. is there any way to prevent this?

Zoraz · Post by **Zoraz** » December 3rd, 2009, 11:27 pm

You can do what I do, just lay both sheets down dry, then brush MC over both of them at the same time. If your tissue is the non-bleeding type, it might take 2 coats, but it is much easier than trying to lay a dry piece on a wet one.

FrumiousBandersnatch · December 4th, 2009, 1:53 am

I found a really great way to get rid of the bubbles that always form when you MC. Once you have applied the MC, and the paper is saturated, add a bit more MC to the top, and roll the paper with medium pressure with a rubber brayer (a small roller that can be found in the silkscreening section of your art store), working from the center to the sides. This creates some lines in the MC, so simply take a brush with no MC and lightly brush the top of the paper in one direction to get rid of these lines. Not only does this get rid of bubbles, but it ensures the paper properly adheres to the glass or plexi.

Gearfold · Post by **Gearfold** » December 4th, 2009, 3:56 am

imma try this out next time. if it works, you've saved my life. i just happen to have one of those brayers somewhere around here

wquiroz225 · Post by **wquiroz225** » January 27th, 2010, 9:03 pm

Just got my first shipment of MC and prepared my first batch. Can't wait for it to set so I can prepare some tissue paper tomorrow and hope to be folding something with it on Friday!

Real reason for post: I found an alternate supplier to the Chemistry Store suggested earlier in this thread. http://www.thecandlemakersstore.com sells it as well, but at 2/3rds the cost. 1lb @ Chemistry Store is 18.5 US and 1lb at the Candle store is 12 US. They shipped quickly too. Ordered on Sat, and received it Wed. It helps that I am in the same country, but they must have shipped that day.

Q

kevin89 · Post by **kevin89** » July 23rd, 2010, 6:43 am

When I've applied my mc to some thin watercolor paper, I've brushed it onto one side, turned it over and brushed the other side, so the whole other side is mc-ed to the glass, but it still warps and peels off the glass. At first I put it outside (about 95-100 degrees fahrenheit), but then I kept it inside (80 degrees fahrenheit) and it still did the same thing. Does anybody know what I did wrong or I need to do? I did it once before, but that was with different paper...

origamimasterjared · Post by **origamimasterjared** » July 23rd, 2010, 7:16 am

Yeah, the part where you picked up the paper. You stretched it. Do not move the paper when it's wet. Brush it with MC and wait for it to dry. If the paper is too thick for the MC to soak through, then put MC on the glass directly before laying down the paper. But NEVER pick up the paper once you've coated it in MC.

Ben385 · Post by **Ben385** » July 23rd, 2010, 8:26 am

NEVER pick up the paper once you've coated it in MC.

That seems to have been my only experience with double tissue... I think I really need to invest in a glass plate!

FrumiousBandersnatch · July 23rd, 2010, 3:18 pm

Plexiglass works just as well, Ben, and is cheaper. Also, in my experience, when I have let it dry in the sun, it warps the paper as it dries. So maybe try just letting it dry inside?

Ben385 · Post by **Ben385** » July 23rd, 2010, 3:53 pm

So maybe try just letting it dry inside?

Yeah, that is what I did... Thanks for the advice on the Plexiglass! I'll have a search around