When I was making by book page wall flowers, I knew that the book pages were too flimsy to turn into flowers. So, I started researching how to make paper stiffener. I came across, and tried several methods. Each one yields slightly different results. I came up with this guide for 6 ways to make paper stiffener. All of these methods are easy and you can choose which one best suits the paper craft that you are making!
How do you make paper stiffener? There are many different ways to stiffen paper for crafting. Depending on how stiff you need your paper to be for your specific crafting needs, you can make your own stiffener out of glue or cornstarch or purchase a product such as Mod Podge. Each method of stiffening paper is slightly different and yields different results in terms of how stiff the paper becomes at the end of the process. Stiffening paper for crafting is easy and can help take your paper crafts to the next level!
6 Ways To Make Paper Stiffener
There are posts and articles out there about how to make fabric stiffener, but I had a harder time finding how to make paper more sturdy and stiff for craft projects. I decided to try out some of the methods for fabric on paper. I tested each one of these so that I could compare and contrast the results.
Most of these methods only require 1 or 2 ingredients and come together in just a few minutes. I also discuss a store-bought paper stiffener as well. Don’t let flimsy paper dissuade you from making your favorite paper craft. These paper stiffeners are so easy and can result in a beautiful paper craft project!
Reasons To Stiffen Paper
Why is it necessary to stiffen paper for paper crafts? In my experience, some paper is perfectly fine for your crafting needs. When I made paper wall flowers, the ones that I created out of card stock were perfectly fine without any stiffeners. Card stock is made for crafting and holds up better to manipulation that other papers. However, the flowers that I made out of book pages were harder to work with. Since I was needing to curl and glue the paper, the pages needed something extra to make it hold up well to manipulation.
Paper stiffener can also help paper crafts to last longer. Flimsy paper without anything added to it might not hold up over time. Stiffeners can help prevent your paper craft from ripping and tearing or drooping.
6 Methods For Stiffening Paper
Read through the 6 methods for stiffening paper and find the one that best suits your paper crafting needs. Some of these methods require a bit of mixing on your part and a few are store-bought. Some give your paper just a little bit more body and some stiffen the paper more heavily. I’m sure there is one that’s perfect for what you need.
Hairspray For Stiffening Paper
Materials Needed:
- Medium to Strong Hold Hairspray
- Paper
This method couldn’t be easier and you probably already have what you need on hand! Just lay out your paper and give it a good coat of hairspray. Let it dry and then flip over the paper to repeat. After the hairspray is dry (it doesn’t take long!) your paper will have a little more hold and body. You can speed up the drying process with a hair dryer if you want!
Stiffening Level: Light
Starch For Stiffening Paper
Materials Needed:
- Liquid Fabric Starch or Spray Fabric Starch
- Paper
- Craft Brush
For this method, all you need is some starch. I used some liquid starch that I already had on hand. Simply get a paint brush or foam brush and brush a coat of starch on your paper. After it has dried, flip it over and repeat the process. If you are using spray starch, just spray your paper, flip it over and repeat. This method results in a fairly light amount of stiffening to the paper, making it a good choice for crafts that don’t need a lot of extra stiffening power.
Stiffening Level: Light to Medium
Fabric Stiffener Spray
Materials Needed:
- Beacon “Stiffen Stuff” Fabric Stiffener Spray
- Paper
Spray your stiffener spray on your paper and allow it to dry. Then, flip your pages and repeat the process. For more stiffening power, add a few more coats. This is the method that I used for my book page wall flowers. After trying out the other methods, I personally don’t think you need to spend the extra money on store bough fabric stiffener spray. The hairspray and fabric starch yielded pretty much the same results at a fraction of the cost.
Stiffening Level: Light to Medium
Cornstarch And Water Method For Stiffening Paper
Materials Needed:
- Corn Starch
- Water
- Boiling Water
- Craft Brush
- Paper
This method is the most involved to make, but it still only takes a few minutes. The great thing about this homemade paper stiffener is that you probably have everything you need on hand already. I found this method from this blog post from Treasurie for stiffening fabric and adjusted it for stiffening paper. Here’s what you need to do:
Directions
Mix about a tablespoon of corn starch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Next, add about 1 cup of water to the mixture and heat it in a saucepan until it boils. Boil the mixture until it becomes thick, about the consistency of glue. Allow it to cool, then brush the mixture onto your paper.
The cornstarch paper stiffener is a little more effective in stiffening the paper than the hairspray or store bought method. If you are needing more stiffening power and don’t have the other materials on hand, then try this homemade version!
Stiffening Level: Medium
Mod Podge Paper Stiffener
Materials Needed:
- Mod Podge
- Craft Brush
- Paper
If you are an experienced crafter, you are probably familiar with Mod Podge. Mod Podge is most popular for decoupage projects. It can be used to stiffen paper as well. All you need to do is brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on your paper and let it dry. Flip over your paper and repeat the process. Mod Podge does take longer to dry than any other method. Also, it leaves a sheen on your paper and affects it’s texture. This method has the heaviest stiffening power.
Stiffening Level: Heavy
Glue + Water For Stiffening Paper
Materials Needed:
- Glue
- Water
- Craft Brush
- Paper
It couldn’t be easier to stiffen paper with glue and water. I love this method because you can control the level of stiffness yourself. If you want it to yield a heavier stiffening result, use more glue. For lighter stiffening needs, use less glue and more water. I used about 1 tablepoon of glue and 2 tablespoons of water. Then, just mix it up and brush it on your paper. Flip the paper and repeat on the other side.
Stiffening Level: Medium
For a great beginner paper craft project, learn how to make wall flowers out of book pages!
