| Main idea | More details |
|---|---|
| Hardening origami paper | Turning short lived pieces into lasting ones |
| Using products | Apply an acrylic varnish or dip the piece in resin |
| Simple techniques | Soak in water and dry, or iron while damp |
| Homemade tricks | Use icing sugar or silicone gel |
| Mistakes to avoid | Test first, avoid saturation and respect the drying times |
Nurturing a passion for origami sometimes means wanting to keep your creations over time. That is why hardening origami paper is a crucial step to turn these short lived pieces into lasting ones. Whether for jewellery, decorations or other creative projects, several techniques can be used to increase the rigidity of origami paper without altering its colours or its texture. Here are a few proven methods.
Using treatment products
Applying certain products can considerably increase the strength of origami paper. These products can be applied with a fine brush for a light coat, or by immersion for a deeper effect.
Sealing varnish, for example, is a popular choice because it protects the paper while preserving the bright colours of the origami. There are many types of varnish, but acrylic based varnish is often recommended for paper thanks to its transparency and its strength once dry. Colourless varnish is preferable so that the original colour of the paper stays untouched.
Resin can also be used to give origami paper a glossy look and extreme strength. The process usually consists of immersing the paper object in resin, then leaving it to dry for several hours. It is essential, however, to follow the instructions supplied with the resin precisely in order to avoid any accident.
Using simple stiffening techniques
Beyond chemical products, more accessible techniques can also be used to increase the rigidity of origami paper.
Soaking in water followed by drying is a surprising but effective method. This technique consists of lightly dampening the paper, then leaving it to dry, which can increase its rigidity. The method does call for care, so that the paper does not get soaked and damaged.
Ironing is another fascinating technique. It consists of lightly dampening the paper, then placing it between two sheets of waxed paper and ironing it at a low temperature. This method requires close attention so that the paper does not burn or warp.
Discovering homemade tricks to harden paper
There are also several homemade tricks that can be used to increase the strength of origami paper. These tricks rely on products that are easy to find and can give surprising results.
If you use icing sugar, dissolve the sugar in water and soak the paper in that solution, then leave it to air dry. This inexpensive method increases the rigidity of the paper once it is dry.
Silicone gel is another option worth considering. Applying a thin layer of silicone gel to the surface of the paper and letting it dry can also increase its solidity. It is important, though, to choose a transparent gel in order to preserve the look of the origami.
Avoiding common mistakes when hardening origami
Despite the variety of available techniques and products, some pitfalls must be avoided if you do not want to spoil your creations. Here is an overview of the precautions to take and the mistakes to avoid.
- Test the products on a sample before applying them to the final piece.
- Make sure the paper is neither saturated nor excessively soaked.
- Respect the recommended drying times between coats in order to get an optimal finish and to avoid warping.
In short, there are many ways to increase the durability of your paper origami creations, whether you use specific products, simple techniques or homemade tricks. Experimentation and patience are the keys to finding the method that suits your projects best.
| Technique | Products and materials | Drying time |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic varnish | Transparent acrylic based varnish | Varies with the product |
| Resin | Epoxy resin or another type as needed | A few hours |
| Soaking in water | Water | Air drying |
| Ironing | Iron, waxed paper | Immediately after cooling |
| Icing sugar | Sugar solution | Air drying |
| Silicone gel | Transparent silicone gel | A few hours |
This table gives an overview of the different methods for hardening origami paper, of the materials needed and of the estimated drying time. By choosing wisely among these options, you can turn short lived folds into permanent works without losing their creative essence.
Ready to put this into practice? Browse our free papercraft to print and our downloadable PDF papercraft kit.
