Finishing techniques
Papier mâché
The process of using layers of paper with glue is an easy way to give form or add decoration onto a wire sculpture. This finishing technique works best on top of a tightly twisted sculpture, or a chicken wire sculpture, because the strips of paper need small gaps to sit on.
Papier mâché needs strips of newspaper or a plain thin paper. These are dipped into a paste, such as wallpaper paste or diluted PVA glue, and layered onto the wire structure.
This process is done in stages, so that each side of the sculpture can set before being turned for the other parts to be done.
The paper needs to be layered to make the sculpture strong. Once the piece is dry, it can be decorated by using coloured paper to add another layer, or it can be painted.
Modroc
Modroc is a fabric bandage coated in A type of quick-setting plaster. Modroc can be used on a tightly twisted wire sculpture or placed over chicken wire.
Strips of modroc are cut, dipped in water and squeezed to get rid of the excess liquid. The strips are layered onto the wire structure. As with the papier mâché process, it needs to be done in stages to let the plaster dry and set on each side.
Modroc will set hard and won't be as delicate as papier mâché. It can be decorated or left white.
Aluminium foil
Aluminium foil can add structure to a wire frame. Wrap it around the sculpture and squeeze so that the foil is compacted together.
Building up layers of foil will add thickness to the sculpture.
Once the structure is complete, it can be left undecorated, or layers of papier mâché or modroc can then be applied and painted/decorated.
