Unryu and Lokta - how to treat it?

[fncll]

So, I finally got my hands on some unryu and lokta sheets (22x36 in or so). Can someone tell me how I should treat them for folding? I read something about using a spray starch for single sheets. Does that work?

Also, what about layering two sheets?

And, finally, I see reference to making tissue foil, which I've never even seen. What kind of "foil" is used? and would either of these papers work for making that?

Thanks!!

[Sroge4]

Methyl Cellulose, my friend. There's really long thread here (just search for it) containing all the info you need to know about it.

[Sushy]

So, I finally got my hands on some unryu and lokta sheets (22x36 in or so). Can someone tell me how I should treat them for folding? I read something about using a spray starch for single sheets. Does that work?

Also, what about layering two sheets?

And, finally, I see reference to making tissue foil, which I've never even seen. What kind of "foil" is used? and would either of these papers work for making that?

Thanks!!

1. MC
2. It works fine for both papers using MC
3. I use standard aluminum foil that you also use to for cooking and your household. I would prefer the unryu because that paper is usually thinner. However, both will work. Use glue that you can spray or some book binder. I'm not sure about MC, but I think this will peel off.

[Fluffy]

Ok, this may seem like it wouldnt work but TRUST ME. DRENCH the unryu in water, and then let it dry for 12 hours. After 12 hours it should be stiff as a rock. TRUST ME HERE. And it gets rid of the "fuzz."

[Bubo]

Hmm, can't say I've tried Fluffy's approach but why adding just water should stiffen it ... I'll have to give it a go.

Personally I've done heaps of folding with Lokta. The best tip I got was from someone here at the forums (I think it was Quentin Trollip). Apply MC to the surface your putting your lokta down on before applying further MC on top. If you don't do this you'll find the lokta lifts off the surface partway during drying resulting in unflat wavy sheets that are impossible to cut square.

For unryushi you can apply MC directly on top - it will soak through and not lift off. Same for back coating unryushi. Place a sheet down, liberally apply MC, place down your second sheet on top of the first and gently rub over to ensure the MC penetrates the top layer (some people brush more MC on top but I find this just makes the drying time longer and doesn't improve bonding).

I use Selly's wallpaper paste - It is predominantly MC with a few % of additive to prevent mould formation. It works just like MC, is far cheaper and readily available in any (Australian) hardware store.

[Sroge4]

Thanks for the "putting MC on the surface before the paper itself" technique. I was having a lot of issues with the paper lifting off the table.

[malachi]

I usually brush one side with MC and then flip it over and brush the other side, so the side resting on the surface sticks.

I have also had luck with coating both types of paper with wax, although that changes the characteristics of the paper quite a bit. Crease lines show clearly unless the paper has been heated again after folding, but the paper becomes more translucent and also generally stiffer. I find it great for tessellations.

spiral star by malachus, on Flickr

[orislater]

oh my god dude you live in fairbanks alaska too?! we need to hang out! pm me lol
i just moved here from idaho because my dad got a job as manager at the fedex station up here.