You don’t need to get rid of old newspapers, scraps and sheets of paper where you already wrote so quickly, because you can learn how to make recycled paper to reuse them.
With this technique you can make sheets to write your notes, or to decorate, following a few steps. In addition, almost any paper can be used to do it. The most suitable is the one used for printing because it is more resistant. Butcher paper, paper bags, and envelopes are also great. Avoid glossy sheets, and if the paper is printed, it had better not contain too much ink.
Newsprint is useful as a filler, in combination with other materials. If you are going to use it alone, keep in mind that it will not be very resistant. Newsprint will turn gray when pulped, while newsprint will turn pink and brown when dry.
Materials
– Paper to reuse
– Two picture frames of the same size
– A mesh (mosquito net type)
– Duct tape
– Nails
– A stapler
– A hammer
– A bucket in which the two frames fit
– A blender or a mortar
– Water
– An old sheet that can be 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 the work surfaces
General procedure
Prepare your sieve
The sieve is composed of a mold and a frame. It will be the structure that will shape the paper. In this case, picture frames are used, but if you dare you can make your own, since they are simply rectangular frames of the same size.
If you are going to make one, be sure to reinforce all the joints with stainless steel or brass nails or screws and glue them down with some kind of adhesive. It is important that it is resistant so that it does not break during work.
The best materials to use are mahogany wood (without knots or warped or crooked areas) and copper or aluminum mesh (the latter is cheaper). It is ideal that it has between 5 and 10 holes per square centimeter. Woven nylon or silk netting and mosquito netting can also be used, but will need to have more holes per square inch.
The different meshes will give different characteristics to the recycled paper. The thicker ones will create sheets of that thickness, while the thinner ones will allow for more delicate papers.
If you are going to reuse an old frame that you found in your home, first remove all traces of paint or varnish to prevent them from coming off and ruining the paper.
Then lay the frame on a flat surface, smooth side up. Place a piece of fiberglass or mesh of the same size on it. Use the nails and staples to fix it to the wood. Make sure there are no wrinkles. Cut off 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 sheet to a size that covers it completely.
Turn pulp into paper
Cut the paper you are going to reuse into pieces of 3 or 4 cm, eliminating the residues of glue, clasps or hooks. Keep in mind that 10 letter-size sheets will give you approximately 6-7 sheets of recycled paper.
You will want to let the paper soak for about 12 hours, as it will crumble more easily. You can leave it longer if you want, but do not exceed four days because it will start to generate a bad smell.
Place the pieces in a blender along with a little water. The other option is to use a mortar. It is ready when it has a smooth consistency, without lumps. The ideal ratio is 2/3 water, every 1/3 paper.
Turn recycled pulp into paper
Place the mixture in a large bucket and add six parts of water for each part of pulp. Enter the frames inside it. The one with the mesh should go on the bottom, with this side facing up. Then place the other one on top.
Check that the mixture is evenly distributed. You will achieve this by moving the frames from side to side. Next, lift both frames. Now the pulp should be inside the mold. Let the excess water drain off and remove the frame without the mesh.
Transfer the pulp to the cloth
Lay the piece of sheet you cut out on a flat surface and spray it with water. This will make transferring the paper to the cloth easier.
Lay the frame on the cloth, pulp side down. Press down with a sponge so that the fabric absorbs the water. Then remove the rack. The pulp should stick to the cloth.
Take another piece of cloth and place it over the one you just used. Put something heavy on top to get as much water out as possible. If you want to make more paper, you can stack all the sheets and then put the weight on top. Keep in mind that you will always need one more piece of fabric than the number of leaves you are going to make.
After a few hours, you can remove the cloths and let the paper dry completely. It will take about a day. If you want them to be very smooth, you can pass them a kneading stick when they are completely dry.
And ready! 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.