How to Strengthen and Waterproof Cardboard for Dollhouse Building?

Hi everyone!

I got a question through my newsletter email, and I thought I'd share it with you on my forum!

This picture is for illustrative purposes.

So a reader recently asked how to make cardboard stronger and waterproof for dollhouse projects. Below are several practical techniques that work well.

1. Strengthening the cardboard structure:

   • Apply PVA Glue:

     Apply diluted PVA glue to the surface to reinforce the cardboard. This creates a protective, durable layer. You can also glue multiple layers of cardboard together to add thickness and support.

     How this works: it soaks into the cardboard fibers, strengthening them from the inside out, making it less prone to warping or bending, and once it dried, you can sand or smooth out the surface, especially if you plan to paint over it, leaving a durable, clean finish.

     ( I found this information on this website , check it out for more details)

   • Tape Reinforcement:

     Strong tape, such as duct tape or packing tape, is great for reinforcing edges and seams. It prevents weak points and adds structural integrity to corners or joints.

   • Wooden Supports:

     Consider using small wooden pieces like popsicle sticks, or even toothpicks inside the cardboard walls. These internal braces add a surprising amount of strength to your structure without being visible from the outside. ( the contra is that you can't use wallpaper on this afterward, unless you plan to create some kind of wooden wall design on the inside ).

     Thinking about it, this could actually be a great design for a dollhouse, no?

     

     This picture is for illustrative purposes.
     

2. Waterproofing:

   So that was one part of the question, the other part was how to waterproof cardboard, this is what I found out:

   • Use Polyurethane or Acrylic Coatings: These coatings are easy to apply and provide excellent moisture resistance. Just brush it on the cardboard to seal it and prevent water damage.
   • Wax Coating: You can melt wax and dip your cardboard in it, or apply the wax directly to the surface. This method gives a solid waterproof layer.
   • Lamination: A quick and effective way to waterproof your dollhouse exterior is by using a plastic lamination layer. It’s an easy solution if you're looking for both durability and protection.
   • Eco-friendly Coatings: For a more sustainable option, you might want to try acrylic or plasma coatings, which are more environmentally conscious while still providing reliable water resistance.

Each of these methods helps ensure that your cardboard dollhouse will stand strong and resist moisture over time.

I hope that answers the question and I'm very glad to figure it out for you!

Happy crafting!

Lizzy

PS, check out my related blog post on how to construct a cardboard dollhouse.