Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

Recycled Paper

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 3

RECYCLED PAPER

MATERIALS:
 Paper to reuse
 Two portrait's frame of the same size
 One net (mosquito type)
 Duct tape
 nails
 A stapler
 A hammer
 A bucket in which the two frames fit
 A blender or a mortar
 Water
 An old bed sheet that can be made of cotton or polyester
 An atomizer
 A sponge
 Something heavy to press the paper (you can use some books)
 A tablecloth or something similar to cover work surfaces

PROCESS
Prepare Strainer:
The strainer is composed of a mold and a frame. It will be the structure that will
shape the paper. In this case, portrait’s frames are used, but if you dare you can
build your own, since it is simply rectangular frames of the same size.
If you are going to make one, be sure to reinforce all the joints with nails or screws
of stainless steel or bronze and stick them with some adhesive. It is important that
it is resistant so that it does not break during work.
The best materials to use are mahogany wood (no knots or warped or twisted
areas) and copper or aluminum mesh (the last one is more economical). It is ideal
to have between 5 and 10 holes per square centimeter. Woven nylon or silk nets
and mosquito nets can also be used, but they will have to have more holes per
square centimeter.
The different meshes will give different characteristics to recycled paper. The
thicker ones will create leaves of that thickness, while the thin ones will allow to
make more delicate papers.
If you are going to reuse an old frame that you found in your home, remove all
traces of paint or varnish beforehand to prevent them from falling off and ruining
the paper.
Then, place the frame on a flat surface, with the smooth side facing up. Place a
piece of fiberglass or mesh of the same size on it. Use the nails and staples to
attach it to the wood. Make sure there are no wrinkles. Cut the excess mesh and
use the packing tape to cover the edges.
Do this with just one of the frames. Then, cut two pieces of the bed sheet of a size
that cover it completely.

Turn the pulp into paper:


Cut the paper you are going to reuse into 3 or 4 cm pieces, eliminating glue
residues, snaps or hooks. Keep in mind that 10 letter-sized sheets will give you
approximately 6 or 7 sheets of recycled paper.
It will be convenient to leave the paper soaking for approximately 12 hours, as this
will crumble more easily. You can leave more if you want, but do not exceed four
days because it will start to generate bad smell.
Place the pieces in a blender together with a little water. The other option is to use
a mortar. It will be ready when it has a smooth consistency, without lumps. The
ideal ratio is 2/3 of water, each 1/3 of paper.

Turn recycled pulp into paper:


Place the mixture in a large bucket and add six parts of water for each part of the
pulp. Enter the frames inside her. The one with the mesh must go down, with this
side up. Then, place the other one above.
Verify that the mixture is evenly distributed. You will achieve this by moving the
frames from one side to the other. Then, lift both frames. Now the pulp should stay
inside the mold. Let the excess water drain and remove the frame without mesh.
Pass the pulp to the cloth
Put the piece of bed sheet you cut on a flat surface and spritz it with water. This will
make passing the paper to the cloth easier.
Place the frame on the cloth, with the side that has the pulp down. Press with a
sponge so that the fabric absorbs the water. Then, remove the frame. The pulp
should be stuck on the cloth.
Take another piece of cloth and place it on the one you just used. On top, put
something heavy to get as much water as possible. If you want to make more
paper, you can stack all the sheets and then place the weight on top. Keep in mind
that you will always need a piece of cloth more than the amount of sheets you are
going to make.
After a few hours, you can remove the cloths and let the paper dry completely. It
will take approximately one day. If you want them to be smooth, you can pass them
a rolling pin when they are completely dry.
And that’s all! You already know how to make recycled paper. Start today and
everything you write in it will bear the stamp of a more sustainable life.

You might also like