i want to be able to make a paper mache quot;toy scenequot; water proof.I'm going to make the skeleton out of paperclips then put card board on the surfaces that will need to hold the structure up and i might use wood supports.then i will cover it in paper mache and melt plastic outside so it's not that hazardous and then i will put the melted plastic on my thing.my questions:will the fumes from melting plastic be hurtful outside?what do i use to melt, and apply the plastic to my paoer mache?will the plastic peel off afterwards?
Some plastic won't melt, it will just burn, and all plastic that softens with heat (i.e. acrylic, polycarbonate) does so at well above the temperature of a double boiler and doesn't flow well - it has to be pushed into molds, etc.
I wouldnt do that... First of all itd be hard to get a surface to hold the plastic, itd be difficult to melt the plastic w/o burning it up... Your best bet would be to buy some glue(nothing big maybe elmers glue) pour it on that and spread it and that will be a good support and make it a bit stronger, just be sure to do the whole thing... then for a nice finish and a chance of making it a weeee bit stronger buy some krylon clear coating and spray the whole thing with that.
As long as the plastic does not catch fire you should be alright. I would recommend melting the plastic in a double boiler. It will take a long time to melt the plastic and more then likely ruin the pot. Trying to take a lighter or open flame to the plastic to melt it will not achieve the desired results. I would say try melting crayons or wax to get the desired effect. I am unsure as to whether or not the plastic will peel off.
