{ Tips & Helps }

3) How to make foil-backed paper efficiently

In some occasions , foil-backed paper is preferred because it can create and maintain a stable 3-D shape.

However , it will add thickness to the model and look shiny in the exposed area. Nevertheless , in some cases , it is an indispensable

choice


A) Tools

1/ aluminium foil

The most handy to get is those bought from supermarket with at least 30mm in width.

The wilder ones will also do. The wilder means fewer overlaps needed. As to the thickness , it's a matter of personal

preference but sometimes you have to cater for the need of particular model. I myself prefer the thinner ones for general

use.

2/ pressurized spray adhesive

The kind for general purposes will do.

3/ a pair of scissors


4/ a straight ruler


B) Procedures

1/ The process of spraying adhesive should best be done in outdoor areas or well-ventilated areas like balcony etc. Avoid

doing this in indoor areas unless you have no choice. Usually foil-backed paper is used in complex origami , which

usually requires large paper. Therefore it is advisable to have four sheets of old newspaper placed together with minimal

overlaps on the floor , which acts as a means to prevent the surroundings from being soiled by the adhesive.

 

2/ Cut a rough a square out of a large sheet of paper . It is safer to have an extra marginal width of 5cm to the original in

mind.

 

3/ The square is placed in the central area of the newspaper mat with its back facing upward.

Shake the can for a while and spray the adhesive evenly on the paper from a distance of about 20 cm above the paper

until every corner of the paper is filled with adhesive.


 

4/ After spraying , lift the paper up carefully and then transfer it indoors where a large flat surface is available , such as

dining table or floor. On the way of transfer , great care should be taken to ensure the paper won't to itself. Otherwise , it

might have to be discarded. After being wrapped into a ball , the newspaper can be disposed of properly.

Note : It has the possibility of getting the table surface soiled by the adhesive coming from the margins of the paper. If you

are concerned about this , you may place a sheet of newspaper on the table in advance. However , the newspaper is

somewhat not flat enough , which may cause undesirable effects. Or you may use a large sheet of flat paper or disposable

plastic cloth if available.

 

5/ Place the aluminium foil in a way as shown in the photo. You should allow an extra length of about 3cm beyond the

edge of the paper lest the roll should run at an oblique angle.

Note : Don¡¦t cut the foil into separate sheets in advance and place them onto the paper

individually because it will create undesirable wrinkles.

 

6/ While pushing the roll gently forward with your left hand , smooth out the foil with your right hand from behind

simultaneously. You may also use some accessory to help if you like.


a)

b)

 

7/ When the foil has exceeded the far end of the paper , cut it off with a pair of scissors. Then repeat

the previous procedures on the blank area and also make sure there is a 3cm strip of overlapping.

Repeat the above procedures if necessary until the whole paper is covered by foil.

a)
b)

c)
d)

 

8/ The free strip of foil can be left untouched or can be removed as shown in the photo. But care should be taken to avoid

tearing off the foil with adhesive.

a) b)

c) d)

9/ Then turn the paper over and cut along the line about 1-2 cm inside the marginal edge of the paper.

Repeat on the other sides.

a) b)

 

10/ Now follow the procedures of cutting a regular square as described before.


a) b)

c) d)

e)  

[END]

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