Paper Pulp vs Paper Mâché: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Use?

If you’ve started exploring handmade paper crafts, chances are you’ve come across paper pulp and paper mâché - and wondered whether they’re actually the same thing. They’re often mentioned together, use similar materials, and both rely on recycled paper. But in practice, they behave quite differently.

Paper Pulp vs Paper Mâché: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Use?

This guide breaks down paper pulp vs paper mâché, explains when to use each method, what paper works best, and how to choose the right technique for your DIY project - especially if you’re creating lightweight, decorative objects for the home.

What Is Paper Mâché?

Paper mâché is a traditional craft technique made by layering paper with a paste or glue mixture. The paper is usually torn into strips and applied over a mould, such as a balloon, bowl, or form.

Once dry, the layers harden into a surprisingly strong shell.

Paper Pulp vs Paper Mâché: What’s the Difference & Which Should You Use?

Paper mâché is ideal for:

• Hollow objects

• Projects built over a mould

• Lightweight structures with volume

It’s commonly used for:

• Lampshades

• Decorative bowls

• Easter eggs

• Sculptural forms

Paper Mâché Bowl Inspired by Elegant Porcelain

If you’ve explored any of the paper mâché projects on Botanical Blueprint, you’ll recognise this layered approach in many decorative builds. You can browse related tutorials in the paper mâché blog category.

What Is Paper Pulp?

Paper pulp is made by soaking paper in water and breaking it down into fibres, usually with a blender or by hand. The softened fibres are then mixed with a binder such as glue or paste, creating a mouldable, clay-like material.

Instead of layering, paper pulp is shaped or pressed, either by hand or into moulds.

Paper pulp is ideal for:

• Solid forms

• Sculpted or textured surfaces

• Small decorative objects

It’s often used for:

• Bowls and trays

• Ornaments

• Wall decor

• Textured vessels

Paper Pulp vs Paper Mâché: Key Differences

Although they share similar ingredients, the process and results are quite different.

Paper mâché

• Uses torn paper strips

• Built in layers

• Requires a mould

• Dries hollow

• Best for large, lightweight forms

Paper pulp

• Uses blended paper fibres

• Shaped or pressed

• Can be mould-free

• Dries solid

• Best for smaller, sculpted objects

If you’re deciding between the two, think less about the materials and more about the final shape and weight you want to achieve.

What Paper Should You Use for Paper Mâché vs Paper Pulp?

Choosing the right paper makes a noticeable difference to strength, texture, and finish.

Best Paper for Paper Mâché

Because paper mâché relies on layers, you want paper that tears easily and absorbs paste well.

Best options:

• Newspaper – flexible, lightweight, and easy to work with

• Brown paper or kraft paper – stronger layers, useful for structure

• Tissue paper – ideal for final smoothing layers

Avoid:

• Glossy magazine paper (poor adhesion)

• Thick cardboard (hard to mould smoothly)

Tearing paper rather than cutting it creates softer edges that blend better between layers.

Best Paper for Paper Pulp

Paper pulp depends on fibre quality rather than sheet strength.

Best options:

• Egg cartons – strong fibres, excellent for sturdy decor

• Uncoloured toilet paper – very smooth pulp, great for detail

• Plain office paper – clean, neutral finish for minimalist pieces

Avoid:

• Glossy or coated paper

• Heavily coloured or printed paper (can tint the pulp)

Can You Use the Same Paper for Both?

Some overlap exists, but results vary:

• Newspaper works well for paper mâché but creates rough pulp

• Egg cartons are excellent for pulp but impractical for layering

• Tissue paper is useful as a finishing layer for mâché, not as pulp

Matching the paper to the method saves time and improves results.

When to Use Paper Mâché

Paper mâché works best when:

• You need a hollow shape

• You’re working over a mould

• Weight needs to stay low

Typical projects include:

• Lamps and light shades

• Decorative eggs

• Large bowls or vessels

Bowl made from paper pulp with a matte, chalky off-white finish.

Many Botanical Blueprint paper mâché projects, including lamps and seasonal decor, rely on this layered technique. If you’re working with fragile walls or ceilings, paper mâché is often the better choice.

When to Use Paper Pulp

Paper pulp is the better option when:

• You want to sculpt or press a shape

• Surface texture matters

• The object will be solid

It’s particularly well suited for:

• Small bowls and trays

• Ornaments

• Textured wall pieces

Because pulp dries dense, it feels more like a natural composite material once finished.

Which Is Better for Home Decor Projects?

For decorative home objects, both methods work beautifully — but for different reasons.

• Paper mâché creates volume without weight, making it ideal for lamps, hanging decor, and larger pieces

• Paper pulp produces tactile, handmade textures suited to smaller accent objects

If your style leans towards soft, neutral interiors with natural textures, both methods fit perfectly within a slow-living, handmade aesthetic.

Sustainability: Paper Pulp vs Paper Mâché

Both techniques are environmentally friendly when done thoughtfully.

They:

• Reuse waste paper

• Require minimal equipment

• Avoid synthetic materials

Paper pulp can use more water, while paper mâché often uses more glue. In practice, both are excellent low-impact craft options that align well with recycled, mindful making.

Common Beginner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

• Cracking: too much glue or drying too quickly

• Warping: uneven thickness or airflow

• Weak structures: too few layers (mâché) or too little binder (pulp)

• Rough finish: skipping a smoothing or sanding stage

Taking time with drying and layering solves most issues.

Can You Combine Paper Pulp and Paper Mâché?

Yes — and it’s surprisingly effective.

A common hybrid approach is:

• Build a lightweight structure with paper mâché

• Use paper pulp to smooth, fill, or add detail

This technique is useful for decorative objects that need both strength and refined surfaces.

Combining techniques: Paper Mâché bowl with Decoupage

Paper Pulp vs Paper Mâché: A Quick Decision Guide

Choose paper mâché if:

• You’re working over a mould

• The object needs to be hollow

• Weight is a concern

Choose paper pulp if:

• You want to sculpt freely

• Texture matters

• The object is small or solid

Final Thoughts

Paper pulp and paper mâché aren’t rivals — they’re complementary techniques. Understanding their differences allows you to choose the right method for each project and achieve better, more intentional results.

If you’re interested in exploring hands-on projects using these techniques, browse the paper mâché tutorials and ideas on Botanical Blueprint, wh

Paper Pulp vs Paper Mâché: FAQs

1. Is paper pulp stronger than paper mâché?

   Paper pulp is denser, but paper mâché can be stronger for large hollow forms when layered properly.

2. Which dries faster?

   Paper mâché layers usually dry faster than thick pulp.

3. Is paper pulp waterproof?

   No, both methods need sealing if exposed to moisture.

4. Which is better for beginners?

   Paper mâché is often easier for first projects due to its forgiving nature.

5. Which is better for beginners?

   Paper mâché is often easier for first projects due to its forgiving nature.