MadSci Network: Other
Query:

Re: How do you make crepe paper?

Date: Thu Jan 8 14:31:50 2004
Posted By: Gregory Fike, Grad student, Paper Science & Chemical Engineering
Area of science: Other
ID: 1072390285.Ot
Message:

Hi Sam, thanks for your question. Unfortunately, it will probably be pretty hard to make crepe paper at home. The actual ingredients to make the paper are very similar to making regular paper. You can see a previous answer for the basics of making paper here: http:/ /www.madsci.org/posts/archives/jun2000/961075580.Ch.r.html.

The main difference occurs when the paper is dried. Typically paper is dried under tension as it is passed from dryer can to dryer can until it is completely dry. Dryer cans are large metal cylinders that are filled with steam that evaporate the remaining water from the sheet.

The process of making crepe paper involves a technique conveniently called “creping.” Creping is also used in the manufacture of paper products where softness is important such as tissue, towel, and toilet paper. Creping occurs when the paper is dried in a way that allows the paper to stick to the dryer can. The paper is then scraped off the dryer can with a blade that causes the paper to wrinkle.

This wrinkling is what gives the crepe paper the ability to stretch and also helps to make tissues and paper towels soft to the touch. It is possible to make paper at home and allow it to dry on a metal plate so it sticks but the difficult process to duplicate at home is pulling the paper off of the plate to produce wrinkles. There are too many variables to consider and I can not think of a good way to try it at home.

I’m sorry I haven’t given you a method for making your own crepe paper but I hope the explanation of how it is done helps.

Dan Berger adds:
You may want to start with a home papermaking kit and go from there. It is possible that will help you learn to make your own crepe paper.


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