Well it sounds like you have hit the jackpot. Where are you getting this paper?
I would say don't bother to soak the paper. what I do is start filling the mixer as I sift the cement in. The pressure from the hose dissolves the cement pretty well. Then I start adding the paper and wetting it down as the tank fills.
I think that even if you are making smaller batches in a bucket you could skip the soaking of the paper. Just let it sit in the water/cement mixture for a few minutes before you mix it.
Yes the mixing and wetting releases the fibers. The spaces between them are then filled by the water/cement and after the water leaches out and the mixture dries what you have is a matrix of cellulose fibers strengthened by cement.
I have never tried polishing it but seem to remember some who have been making sculptures and finishing them in different interesting ways.
Sincerely, Judith
Visit my papercrete website at www.judith-l-williams.com.
Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. Helen Keller
To: papercreters@yahoogroups.com
From: imbulljeanne@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 20:48:35 +0000
Subject: [papercreters] Pulverized Paper
I have been reading the posts here, watching videos on youtube and have made a few trial PC tiles. It really is a trial and error craft...
I have just stumbled into free pulverized paper. I picked up about 80lbs the other day and should be able to pick up the same on a regular bases. My question to all of you is this. If the reason we soak the paper in water then use blades of one kind or another to beat the bageebees out of it is to get it broken down to a fibrous state.
Should I still soak it prior to mixing with the cement?
Has anyone tried to polish PC?
The few samples I have made make me think that it might raise the fibers and look hairy of fuzzy.
Any and all input will be appreciated,
Jeanne
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