• Crimethinc: A Field Guide to Wheatpasting
• Flour Power: Everything You Need to Know About Wheat Pasting
• The Technique of Paste-Ups: A Complete Guide to Wheatpaste
• Wheatpasting 101: A Beginner’s Guide

Recipe

Wheat flour has higher gluten content.

Stovetop

Method

1. Whisk 1 cup flour into 1 cup cold water in a bowl until smooth.
2. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Slowly pour the flour slurry into the boiling water while whisking constantly.
4. Reduce to low heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring continuously, until it thickens substantially. It’ll thicken more as it cools.

Microwave

Method

1. Whisk ¼ cup flour into 1 cup cold water until smooth.
2. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, whisk.
3. Repeat in 30-second bursts, whisking between each, until it thickens into a glossy paste—usually 3-5 minutes total.

Additives

Optional add after cools to room temperature.

• 1-2 tablespoons sugar - stickier, glossier
• 1 teaspoon PVA glue (Elmer’s) increase durability
• Pinch of salt or a few drops of wintergreen oil mold prevention
• Alum 1tsp/gallon mold prevention

Commercial

• Golden Harvest wallpaper paste - pre-mixed, very strong, $37/gal (mix 50/50 with DIY paste)
• Roman Pro-543 Universal Wallpaper Adhesive
• Metalyn Normal - dry methylcellulose, mixes with water