How to Transform Papercraft into a Plastic Like Hardness

So, you’ve put together this super cool papercraft figurine, but it’s starting to get all squishy and fragile after being on display for a bit. Or maybe you’ve made an Iron Man helmet and want to harden it up so you can actually wear it for cosplay.

Let’s dive into how you can make your papercraft into a plastic like hardness and maybe even give it a glossy finish while we’re at it!

What can I use to make my papercraft harder and stronger

I’ve made a ton of anime papercraft and definitely want my paper models to look amazing on display and hold up well against humidity and changing weather. So, I did some research and found a few ways to harden papercraft. Here’s the list:

Depending on whichever looks you prefer, choose the one you like most.

Acrylic varnish is a great option for hardening your papercraft. I’d recommend going with the spray version rather than the liquid one for easier application. You can choose between matte and glossy finishes, depending on the look you’re going for.

Acrylic varnish dries quickly and provides a protective shield, making your papercraft waterproof as well.

PVA primer is another option for hardening your papercraft. It also offers protection, hardens the paper, and makes it waterproof.

I also discovered textile hardener while researching on YouTube. It’s non-toxic and can be used on textiles, paper, and wood. When applied correctly, it can make your papercraft as strong as a tin can, making it perfect for cosplay projects.

Another option for hardening your model is fiber resin. However, I wouldn’t recommend it because it’s toxic and can be a bit of a hassle to work with.

How do you use these products

Acrylic Varnish

First, make sure to read the instructions on your spray cans. Apply a few coats to your model, and let it dry for at least 30 minutes, or as specified on the label.

Now, why choose spray cans over brushes? Spraying ensures that the ink on your model won’t run, while brushing with acrylic varnish can smudge or damage the ink.

PVA Primer

To use PVA primer, first thin it with water according to the ratio specified on the product label. Then, spray it onto your models. It’s crucial to thin the primer before applying it.

Avoid applying too many coats, as this can cause the paper to wrinkle. Spraying is generally preferable to brushing, but if spraying isn’t an option, you can use a brush carefully.

Textile Hardener

Just like with PVA primer, you can mix textile hardener with water and apply a few coats to your model using a brush. Let it dry for about 30 minutes or longer. While the instructions might not explicitly mention thinning with water, it is an option.

For cosplay-type papercraft, we recommend using Liquitex textile hardener, as Powertex is no longer available on Amazon.

All of these methods will make your model into plastic like hardness. If you’re working on movable parts, it’s best to treat each part individually before assembling the whole piece.

Do I coat the inside of my papercraft?

Yes, you should coat the inside of your papercraft if it’s a wearable model like armor or a helmet. This will make it strong enough to handle wear and tear. For smaller models, you can skip coating the inside.

Can I paint it after?

After brushing on the coat and allowing it to dry, you can colorize your model to your liking with acrylic paint or any other paint you prefer.

Based on what I’ve read, acrylic paint is generally recommended for this purpose.

Among all these product, What do you recommend?

To be honest, I’m no expert in this area, but if you asked for my opinion, I’d go with:

• For models like anime papercraft, game papercraft, military dioramas, and buildings, I’d recommend using acrylic varnish. You can also use Liquitex transparent varnish for these types of projects.
• For wearable cosplay pieces, textile hardener is your best bet.

What other ways can I do to make my papercraft strong

Let say I’m really short on cash and can’t afford any of those products, and I’m looking for a free or low-cost way to strengthen my paper model. Here’s some other tips we can use ;

Using a thicker paper

One option I can think of is to use a stronger paper with a higher GSM (Grams per Square Meter). For example, using paper that’s around 250 to 300 GSM would be ideal. At 300 GSM, the paper is as thick as cardstock or even cardboard.

Read more about it on our article on Type of paper for papercrafting.

Using an adhesive

Another method is to use clear glue or wood glue. Brush a few coats of glue onto your model to make it more rigid. Just be cautious, as it might cause the ink to run.