To start, there are a number of ways to make papercrete. One way is to use a cement or mortar mixer. This takes a little longer to pulp the paper but it does do the trick. But most people do not have a mixer, so what we do is take either a 30 gal plastic garbage can or a 5 gal bucket. Our example here uses a 5 gal bucket, so, fill the bucket with shredded paper and fill with water till the paper is just covered. Next take a 1/2" drill with a stucco mixer attachment (can buy the stucco mixer attachment from HomeDepot, Lowes and sometimes from the local hardware store for about $15.) When buying a stucco mixer attachment get the one with the blades NOT the paddle type. Now, take the drill with the stucco mixer attachment and pulp the paper. This should take about 5-8 minutes. When the paper is pulped, take  1/2 of a 2lb coffee can full of Portland Cement (you can vary the amount of portland depending on what you are using the papercrete mix for. Example, if you want to make stepping stones, you would want to increase the amount of portland from a 1/2 can to a full can but for general purpose the 1/2 can works well. Now using the drill and stucco mixer, mix the portland, paper and water until it is fully mixed (usually about 5-7 minutes.) At this point you are ready to pour the mix into a form. If you are planning on using your mix like clay to sculpt or to shape, use less water for a stiffer mix. This mix is approximately a 90% paper and 10% portland mix. This mix will produce a very light weight product with a relatively high R value. For projects that require that the papercrete lay directly on the ground, use a mix of 60% paper, 20% portland and 20% fine to medium grade sand. All of the above mix formulas are by volume not weight. Below is a table of common mixes and their uses:

Paper                   Portland            Sand                 Clay                   Use

For special needs or for questions, call Kevin at 209-742-2052 or Sam at 209-742-6247