Paper Mache Casting With Li Qua Che

Published 2024-01-06
I've used Li-Qua-Che before, a long time ago. I've been thinking about a few projects that would be fun to make, and they'd be perfect as paper mache castings, so I did a quick experiment to remind myself how this product works. The product is non-toxic and much safer to use than resin, and the molds are cheap. The paper mache castings are very lightweight and fun to paint - but they'd need to be supported with a wooden plaque or backed with a thin layer of paper mache clay. The gallon of Li Qua Che cost about $35. The plaster is cheap, and available in any hardware store.

To see this post on my blog, click here: www.ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-casting-wit…

If you make many copies of your sculpture, you'd want to use a stronger plaster. They make some specifically for potters, who use clay slip in plaster molds. The Li-Qua-Che works exactly the same way as clay slip, but you don't need a kiln (and it isn't waterproof).

The Li-Qua-Che is available in two different sizes, on amazon.com. I got the gallon size, because it wasn't much more expensive then the quart. You can find it here: amzn.to/47ygup2

I mentioned several prior videos and posts - if I forget to link to one of them, let me know. :)

David Lemon's video about the NSP Soft oil-based clay:    • CHAVANT NSP soft clay   Preparing it ...  
The Christmas ornaments post: www.ultimatepapermache.com/paper-mache-ornaments
Wolf Man video:    • Wolf, Man - Cast Paper Mache, Activa ...  
Lodge Brother video:    • Cast Paper Mache Wall Hanging - "The ...  

You can find patterns for all the masks and sculptures behind me in the video here: www.ultimatepapermache.com/patterns

All Comments (21)
  • @maleahlock
    Thank you for mentioning the dangers of epoxy resin. I have a friend who is permanently disabled from it. It shocks me how often resin channels actively ignore safety gear such as respirators and gloves while giving viewers the impression it's safe to use. I am now on a mission to find Li Qua Che in Australia. . .
  • @alanm3438
    The Three Little Pigs. You must be part scientist because you like to experiment. I was watching a old YouTube video of guy who made a whale. It was like three feet long and it was neat to see his wire frame and then paper mache. He even mentioned you and used your paper mache clay. You have inspired so many people. Good job on the video!!!!
  • @IAmRooble
    Jonni! You're my savior! I swear I've been considering getting Li-Qua-Che for over a year now, but have been hesitant because of how little information there is out there on the internet regarding how this stuff actually comes out. And, it's pretty darn expensive on Amazon, so I wasn't sure I wanted to risk hating it. I've foolishly taken a few months off from watching your content (sorry about that), and just see now that you've made the perfect video for me. Thank you!!
  • @corinnaakin2651
    Always inspiration I love it when I get a notification i have never heard of this product it's amazing thanks for sharing
  • Resin is just another form of plastic. It has its uses of course but the thing I love about your sculpture is that it's made with easily available, inexpensive and mainly recyclable materials. And not poxy resin. (Ok, it uses pva glue and paint. Although a similar glue can be made from food products) So I am pleased that you went with mache and plaster. I wish I had found your channel when I really needed it - forty years ago!
  • @user-zq5ev1sh8c
    I wish you could come up with a diy liquid paper mache! I trust all of your recipes.
  • @sislertx
    Wow never knew of this stuff...nor guessed how to spell the name...ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU!!
  • @stizelswik3694
    I am sooooo glad to see you still here! (even if i'm 3 weeks late) I hope you are Still goin' strong health wise! You are the only one I've seen that teaches the dangers of epoxy resin. THANK YOU! I've not tried it yet, but had thought about it. Best health for you and yours!!! (((hugs)))
  • Love your video's, haven't had time to try it myself. My grandchildren want to try it out, so gonna give it a shot! Thank you for your wonderful video's! God Bless
  • @bizkitt66
    Thank you so much for this video. I have been trying to cast paper clay with a plaster mold without success. I have been researching if anyone has ever made slip out of paper clay and made castings with it and found nothing. This may be exactly what I have been searching for! I just ordered some and I am excited to try this.
  • @timeenuf4200
    Love your videos and love your energy. Thank you for sharing.
  • @lynlalalala
    THE COW JUMPED OVER THE MOON... Hey, diddle, diddle, the cat and the fiddle. The cow jumped over the moon. The little dog laughed to see such a sport and the dish ran away with the spoon.
  • @MDeLorien
    I absolutely adore your videos. Love also your hair 😊 Greetings from Portugal and happy new year 😊
  • @David-bc4rh
    This is absolutely genius. No wonder I never thought of it. The absolutely cheapest solution to casting of any material! I haven't even watched the video and I'm so excited about the concept.
  • @jarlsoars1150
    Good to see you working away, Jonni...haven't seen a video for a few years. Never heard of this product before, interesting! Thanks for sharing. Whenever I make a batch of plaster, I'll pick up the bucket and drop it on the table a few times...teases up any bubbles in the mix before pouring. Then I'll tap the bottom of the board(after pouring) just below where the mold assembly sits...to make sure no bubbles were trapped during pouring. Of course, I work on either small pieces or bas relief plates, so, it's manageable for me to do that...but I never have issues with bubbles.
  • This is cute as heck! I like the white trim you added to the top, and I love the possum cushion too. Thanks for sharing! 👍
  • @Yellowlabratory
    Your laugh is so cute. It’s like Florence Henderson’s giggle. I LOVE it !!!! 😀
  • Thanks so much for sharing this product and process!! I'd love to see you do the classic book "Goodnight Moon" as one of your storyboard projects 🐇💙🌛
  • One of the things I learned when I was making molds, but had no effective way to degass them, was to 'paint' the mold material on my original sculpture taking care to cover every inch with a thin layer. I made sure there were no spots where a bubble could form. Once everything was coated well, I pour the rest of the mold material over the 'coated' original and don't have to worry about any bubbles adhering to my original. I hope that makes sense. 😊