Sounds like another case of how long is the string. I don't know what final specs you need. If you make a batch of paper pulp, you can dvide it up and add varying amounts of cement, sand, and whatever else you have lying about you need to dispose of. Mould one item from each subbatch and see what ends up satisfactory to you.
I found that whether you compress the material in the mould makes a big difference. Compressing enables immediate demoulding, eliminates shrinkage, greatly speeds up drying and makes a considerably stronger result. But it does require more equipment to do, and reduces final volume.
--- In papercreters@yahoogroups.com, "kjtbeskimo" <vickeym@...> wrote:
>
> Have been searching messages and every search term I can think of but have not found anything specific. We are newbies getting ready for our first attempt.
>
> Our paper is all shredded to little bits using a cross cut paper shredder. We have our drill and mixer blade, a bag of sand and will be getting portland cement soon. (had to buy sand as ours is still buried under snow.
>
> We want to make stepping stones and wall plaques for our store. Looking for as lightweight as possible that will still be durable enough for the intended use. (Need lightweight for shipping, we deal mostly with tourists.) But we are trying to find a recipe suitable for this and small enough to mix in a 5 gallon bucket for now.
>
> We still have 4 or 5 feet of heavily compressed snow on the ground here, and too cold still to do much outside. Days are finally getting around 30 degrees but nights are around 0 and even below 0 some nights. So larger projects and building our tow behind will not be happening for awhile yet.
>
> Does anyone have a suggestion for a recipe for stepping stones and or wall plaques they can recommend. Have found several recipes in the messages I have searched, but not sure which is suitable for which purposes. I know the stepping stones need to be stronger than the wall plaques but would appreciate any suggestions from those who have actually made papercrete.
>
> Vickey in Alaska
>
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