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I have seen many papier mache sculptures. All of them have this glassy effect. When I make something then I dont have the glassy effect. I read somewhere that to give the glassy effect I should add PVA glue to my pulp, but when I paint over my sculpture wouldn't the glassy effect be gone? Please tell me how to get my glassy effect. :?
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Hello!
I am not sure what you saw, but you could try this... Sand your sculpture(with fine sand paper, not rough) well before you start painting. Paint on the primer (gesso or whatever you are using) and than sand again. Paint over it with desired paints and finally put two to three coats of clear varnish. This should work well with a sculpture that doesn't have too rough surface.
Try putting a layer or two of paper strips over your pulp to get a smoother surface.
Good luck with your projects!
Greetings from neighboring Serbia 
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Hi. Although I am not sure what you mean by a "glassy effect", the only thing that comes to mind is GLOSS and by that I mean the final protective sealer that is added to a piece for extar durability and sheen. When you have finished a paper mache sculpture all you are looking at is a paper and even after you gesso it and paint it it is still not going to look "glossy". You have to apply one of any number of products that can be used. I have used the following: shellack and also polyurethane. You can apply 1 to 3 coats and even sand it down in between coats. Keep in mind taht not everyone dsires that glossy look and that you can find these varnishes in a "matte" finish which will provide no visible sheen. Hope this helps.
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Most of the time its the sealer that makes the difference..heck you can even pledge the piece if you want to : ) i do for some of them.
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