How to Make Cardboard Stronger! (10 tips)

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  • @RevLeonPLeon
    @RevLeonPLeon Рік тому +4

    Just for the record, I hit the like button 19 seconds into this.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      Thanks man! I always try to give you useful information as quickly as possible.
      Have a blessed day,
      - Eli

  • @tayshomepondexter3367
    @tayshomepondexter3367 Рік тому +3

    the pro tip to design a weak spot was amazing, keep up the great work

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      I am glad to be able to help you with your projects! (-:
      Happy crafting!
      - Eli

  • @tiger-rx3vq
    @tiger-rx3vq 2 роки тому +7

    Great video as always! I really appreciate how many different & creative angles you apply to your projects; you've given me a lot of new ideas for troubleshooting as my projects get bigger! I mostly make custom organizers and small pieces of furniture at the moment, so if you're ever looking to make a piece look really finished for some kind of display I'd recommend cutting strips of chipboard from cereal boxes to cover the exposed edges. I also use water-activated adhesive kraft tape to smooth out any visible corners where the chipboard strips join for a super clean look!

    • @tiger-rx3vq
      @tiger-rx3vq 2 роки тому +1

      My last tip for smoothing things out would be to sand down the edges; I use 320 grit most consistently, but there's definitely great uses for other grits as well depending on the goal. I also find it helps glue adhere a little better if I give it a quick sand first! Keep up the fantastic work man, you've really inspired me to keep building my skills and your tips are much more in-depth than I've been able to find elsewhere!

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  2 роки тому

      Thank you so much for the ideas and encouragement, tiger. I have not done much sanding on cardboard projects, but I have used paper to cover the edges of the things that I am making. However, I think that chip board would match better and be more durable.
      Have a blessed day,
      - Eli Tennant

  • @tessalc806
    @tessalc806 Рік тому +2

    Incredibly informative video, thank you! I’ve been looking for techniques for months now

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      I am so glad that I was able to help you! Good luck with your strong cardboard crafts, Tessalc.
      - Eli

  • @myvideos4320
    @myvideos4320 10 місяців тому +1

    great video. You are definitely a great crafter!

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  10 місяців тому

      Thank you!
      Have a blessed day,
      - Eli

  • @neebasarshad2394
    @neebasarshad2394 Рік тому +7

    I make my card board stuff stronger by applying wood glue and water 50:50 mixture on my projects with brush and then i put hand torn newspapers pieces on it and then applying glue mixture on top of those newspapers pieces so that they get soaked in that mixture. Then i let it dry. When it dries i repeat the process total 3 times. This paper machie sort of technique makes my projects super strong

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому +5

      Wow, Neebas!
      That sounds like a really great way to make cardboard stronger. I love how you combine paper mache with wood glue so that it is even harder than normal. I might try this out and make a video on it in the future.
      Have a blessed day,
      - Eli

    • @JaneSmith0709
      @JaneSmith0709 Рік тому

      Yes, this is what I do as well! It really works!

  • @sierraecho884
    @sierraecho884 Рік тому +8

    Coat your cardboard in shellac, it will be durable, waterproof hard and sturdy. Its also easy and cheap and you can repeat the coating multiple times.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому +3

      Thank you so much for the suggestion, I will have to get some and try it. I really want to make a follow up video for this one but I need to do some testing first.
      Have a blessed day and happy crafting!
      - Eli

    • @sierraecho884
      @sierraecho884 Рік тому

      @@MakerBrain Thank you, you too.

    • @scottbaylo
      @scottbaylo 4 місяці тому +1

      This is why it’s a good idea to stick around after realizing the video you’re watching isn’t quite what I you were looking for - sometimes others will share their methods like this (which was exactly what I was looking for, thank you very much!)

    • @sierraecho884
      @sierraecho884 4 місяці тому

      @@scottbaylo You are most welcome, I am glad I could be of help.

  • @JaneSmith0709
    @JaneSmith0709 Рік тому +1

    I made a bookshelf out of cardboard and it has really withstood the test of time and weight. I took craft paper (or you could use brown paper bag paper), cut it into strips, and used 1/2 PVC glue and 1/2 water to glue it onto the entire surface of my bookshelf. I want to add that I used a generous amount of glue mixture. I was amazed at how much stronger it made my shelves. Thanks for your tips, I'll be trying some of them.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому +1

      That sounds like an amazing way to make strong cardboard shelves, Jane. Perhaps I will try it sometime. I have tried mixing wood, glue and water before but it didn't work quite as well as I wanted.
      Have a blessed day,
      - Eli

    • @JaneSmith0709
      @JaneSmith0709 Рік тому +1

      @@MakerBrain I meant PVA glue, sorry about that.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      @@JaneSmith0709 oh, thanks for that clarification. (-:

  • @syllabubble
    @syllabubble Рік тому +3

    If you want thick sheets that are strong, another thing you can do - but you'd have to buy the components - is use sheets of mountboard (also called Matte or Matt board) that's meant for surrounding a picture in a frame, and glue several pieces together in layers with double-sided self-adhesive sheets> I made a full sized doll's house that way, it was very strong, I could have used it as a bookcase!

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому +1

      That is a great idea 💡. I am impressed with how strong that strategy can get... Perhaps I will try it sometime in my future.
      Thanks for commenting and God bless you.
      - Eli

  • @randyebastian8186
    @randyebastian8186 2 роки тому +2

    Great tips. Thanks.👍

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  2 роки тому

      I am so glad to help you!
      Thanks for commenting,
      - Eli Tennant

  • @wadimek116
    @wadimek116 Рік тому +1

    thats really useful for making a speaker enclosure models. It wont substain bass but its good enough to test balance and stuff before making mdf one.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      Thank you for commenting! Creating prototypes out of cardboard is a fantastic idea. It can really help save time and money by avoiding mistakes on your final parts.
      Have a blessed day,
      - Eli

    • @sierraecho884
      @sierraecho884 Рік тому

      You can infuse your parts with epoxy or other glues to give them more mass for better bass.

  • @broficient477
    @broficient477 Рік тому +2

    Great job bro❤

  •  10 місяців тому +1

    Thanks! I was wondering: I watched your video on making smooth curves out of cardboard which was so helpful. I am trying to remodel a fireplace to make it look like it came from the art nouveau (turn of the 20th century) and need the forms to be really hard, smooth, and paintable when finished, including the curves so it looks like it's all made from solid/sturdy material (e.g. wood/marble/iron). Any ideas on how to strengthen curved pieces of cardboard; e.g. glue/paper mache, etc? I'm new so I'm not sure how strong different coating or strengthening techniques are in their final (cured/dry) form. I might have missed it in the video!

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  10 місяців тому +1

      Hmm, making cardboard strong can be done in 2 main ways. One, adding structural support (like a bridge). Two, hardening it or coating it with something.
      I have not used a lot of hardeners, but I am pretty experienced with other methods. This playlist has all of my tips for making cardboard stronger: ua-cam.com/play/PLuHhKcogeDO_s272b2N_cRvj8SWPpOQrF.html
      *It is too much to share in a comment.
      This UA-camr makes a lot of helmets that are smooth and hard by using epoxy or fiberglass to strengthen the cardboard. Here is one of his latest videos: ua-cam.com/video/u9U9RCp5mQY/v-deo.htmlsi=whHK0ugT5jaOCyZO
      He also uses fillers to ensure that everything is smooth.
      I hope this helps!
      - Eli

    •  10 місяців тому +1

      Thanks, Eli! I've checked out your playlist (and learned a lot :) so I'll head to the helmet guy :) appreciate your knowledge!

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  10 місяців тому

      I am glad to help (-:

  • @chiaracris84
    @chiaracris84 7 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for this informative video! I will have to load a few cardboard boxes on an airplane soon (50 lb each). Which technique do you think works best?

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  7 місяців тому

      Reinforcing a cardboard box is a little different than other things because you have to be able to put stuff in it and it is relatively large (so the inserting pins tip wouldn't really work). My advice would be to find sturdy cardboard boxes (multi-layer layer would be best) but I assume you have already gone with the best box available. Then I would reinforce the inside of the corners with folded cardboard strips. I don't know what you are shipping or the exact shape of the box, but obviously it is good to wrap the package in bubble wrap (or something similar). You might consider creating the smallest possible box for the parcel and then putting that inside of the box that will go on the plane. Lastly, to keep the cardboard from degrading (especially if it gets a little wet) you could wrap it with some duck tape or even plastic wrap.
      I hope this helps,
      - Eli

  • @elizabethpolhemus4230
    @elizabethpolhemus4230 5 місяців тому

    I coat cardboard with a couple layers of shellac to harden it.

  • @IvoTichelaar
    @IvoTichelaar 2 роки тому +9

    I have used diluted wood glue to cross-laminate corrugated cardboard. It's invisible when it dries. Takes longer to dry though. The end result is very stiff and resistent to buckling.

    • @vsen7
      @vsen7 2 роки тому +2

      Yes. It actually prevents moulding too for sometime. Like during rains in my place cardboard gets bit mouldy.
      I have seen some people using shellac or lacquer over their cardboard projects.
      But in my country wood glue is definitely cheaper option.
      I am reading few articles where epoxy resin is being used, but it seems too tricky and time consuming.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  2 роки тому +1

      Wow, thank you for commenting and sharing your strategies, Ivo Tichelaar! I will certainly have to try this out soon. Do you use a 50/50 mixture of wood glue and water? And what is the best way that you have found to appetit to the cardboard?
      Have a blessed day,
      Eli Tennant

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  2 роки тому +1

      Hi, V Sen! I always enjoy reading your comments. Where I live we don't have to worry about cardboard projects getting mouldy, but strong cardboard projects are always good. I have thought about trying to use epoxy after seeing it done by RJR productions on UA-cam but wood glue sounds easier. Do out the wood glue on after putting the entire project together?
      Best of luck,
      - Eli

    • @vsen7
      @vsen7 2 роки тому +1

      @@MakerBrain I enjoy watching your videos too. I hope in future you share more of your projects.
      Yes, a diluted form of wood glue throughout the project is applied, some call this diluted form mod podge too.
      Earlier, I used PVA glue but recently I realized wood glue is much cheaper and better option.
      I also like to use brown kraft paper/brown paper used in packaging /newspapers tear to bits and paste them using mod podge and then apply mod podge layer all over again.
      It's bit messier tbh. But it does give a sturdy finish.
      I once saw a project where they covered the whole project (a small cardboard table) with transparent tape. Gave quite a unique look to the project as they had used bits of black and white comic (photocopy) sheets over the whole surface. And the transparent tape made it look shiny and was water resistant too.
      Resin is bit tricky need open space and it's bit costly too. But again if we don't experiment we will never learn.
      Over all I feel shellac coating looks best on raw cardboard project the kinds you make (with no paint or paper mache layer over the project).

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  2 роки тому +1

      This is super helpful! I am honored that you enjoy watching my videos even though you probably know more about making things out of cardboard than me.
      I have been curious about methods for hardening cardboard for a while but I have not experimented with it. I will have to try out the wood glue soon and then see how other methods work.
      Thank you for sharing!
      - Eli Tennant

  • @mauradias2862
    @mauradias2862 10 місяців тому +1

    To answer you question about which hardeners has one tried on cardboard, Think out of the box :) How would ancient cultures glue things together? I have heard that Tree Resin (Pine or Birch) here in Europe was used as an adhesive in ancient history times, in Africa in villages by the rivers can make use of CLAY, this is watered down version, its applied as you would spray paint, the amount depends on the porosity of what you are covering, at the end of the day you want to achieve a somewhat 50/50 of your base material vs your clay. you can play around which how much of the clay you want in which areas , more layers here or there will cause uneven distribution of weight (clay is soil after all) but placed strategically it can be used to create the perfect counter balance of something to the gram.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  10 місяців тому

      Wow, Maura thank you for the detailed comment!
      Sometimes I forget about looking to history for craft ideas made with simple materials. It is interesting how the resources that people have easy access to have changed over the centuries.
      Maybe I will have to try a clay inspired project at some point.
      Have a blessed day,
      - Eli

    • @oneeyedphotographer
      @oneeyedphotographer 10 місяців тому +1

      It's not long ago we used casein, made from milk.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  10 місяців тому

      @@oneeyedphotographer that is interesting.
      Thanks for sharing 👍

  • @rekter3913
    @rekter3913 10 місяців тому +1

    If u don't have glue u could use all purpose flour and mix it hot water to make glue which will harden after 12 hours in air

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  10 місяців тому +1

      Thank you for the comment, that is a cool idea that I might have to try sometime.
      Happy crafting,
      - Eli

    • @rekter3913
      @rekter3913 10 місяців тому +1

      @@MakerBrain your welcome I have that method alot of times

  • @oneeyedphotographer
    @oneeyedphotographer 10 місяців тому +1

    I have been collecting one metre squares obtained free from a local supermarket. It's been used between layers of water bottles packed on pallets. Crazy, I know. Who would buy water that isn't better than comes from our taps? I had been thinking of using it for templates to make insulating covers for my small bus windows. Turns out the insulation I bought is paper thin. Then, on reflection the cardboard is quite good insulation, just looks a little tatty. And it could do with some restorative thickening. I could layer two sheet together, that might be ok. I might need more cardboard though. I was wondering about coating it with polyurethane or perhaps an epoxy finish. Those would stiffen it to some extent.
    Two layers would make it more insulating, but it would also be getting thicker. While watching your video, I thought of gluing brown paper around the perimeter. This, I think, would make it easier to install and remove, perhaps to reverse. I imagine one side finally covered with aluminum insulation, the other painted black.
    Cardboard as a construction material is interesting. I have seen packaging (HP printers and computers I think) where multiple layers of cardboard are used for strengthening and fill t various points.
    BTW cheap internal doors are made from wooden frame with random pieces (well, not actually random, but the space is mostly air) sandwiched between two layers of something, 3mm of MDF or hardboard I think. Your first example is part way there.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  10 місяців тому

      Hi one-eyed photographer! Thank you for taking the time to share your project in the comments.
      Obtaining cardboard for free isn't hard to do. If you know where to look. I work at a factory and will usually take my cardboard pieces from their scrap packaging bin.
      Your plan for insulating the windows seems pretty good to me. I like the idea of double layering the cardboard because a large single sheet of cardboard can easily get crushed or bent. If you put the layers together with the corrugation rotated 90° in one of the pieces It will be a lot stronger. Adding paper around the edges would also make it look cleaner but be a bit tedious as well. Just make sure that you cut the right width to start with so you don't have to waste time trimming off excess paper. If you wanted to be really strong, you could go with an epoxy but those can be annoying to do because it takes a while to brush it all on correctly and then to let it dry in an area where the fumes are not going to bother you. Polyurethane would be a bit faster and still help with wear resistance. Unfortunately, polyurethane doesn't really make it that much stiffer. I also like the idea of having a reflective foil insulating on one side and black on the other. You might already know about this, but they make foil tape that could help you keep the reflective side looking clean.
      Good luck with your project and God bless you!
      - Eli

    • @oneeyedphotographer
      @oneeyedphotographer 10 місяців тому +1

      @@MakerBrain it's summer here, lots of maximum temperatures well over 30. Anything thermosetting will set fairly quickly.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  10 місяців тому

      That is nice, good weather is super helpful when working with Epoxy or Polyurethane. I am looking at deep snow out of my window right now.
      Have a blessed day,
      - Eli

    • @oneeyedphotographer
      @oneeyedphotographer 10 місяців тому +1

      42 today! The Indian Ocean is about fifteen minutes' walk away, this should not happen.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  10 місяців тому

      I live about a mile away from lake Michigan (it's a big enough lake that you can't see across it) and it causes all kinds of extra snow ❄️.

  • @maryamqindeel3745
    @maryamqindeel3745 Рік тому +1

    What if we add thin cement in those grooves??

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      Hmm, that is an intriguing idea 💡. Maybe I will be able to try it some time.
      Thanks for commenting, Maryam.
      - Eli

    • @slippersmomma
      @slippersmomma Рік тому

      I use lightweight spackle.

  • @gomamonthedigimon
    @gomamonthedigimon 7 місяців тому +1

    This would be good for a cardboard katana.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  7 місяців тому +1

      Thanks for the comment !
      I have wanted to make cardboard weapons for a long time but often struggle to make them strong enough to be practical. That being said, I did spend a long time making a cardboard sword using some of these tips. It wasn't a katana, but it was strong enough to cut through an apple 🍎.
      The video: ua-cam.com/video/cqHZPotTd6o/v-deo.html
      Have a great day,
      - Eli

  • @Hobojoes
    @Hobojoes Рік тому +1

    Okay we know what cardboard is made. Out of here's what had me curious of a way to make it even crazy strong like how carbon fiber mixed with paper and plastic being ridiculously tough I was thinking mixing a ton of plastic and combining it with cardboard some people would be like why well here's the thing there's a lot of things people want and if there's anything this world has the most of it's plastic and cardboard and aluminum but what if you combined all three materials to make something like a tough ass cheap mini camper or even a trailer too tow stuff and I know people would count wood as the top most resources but here's the thing it takes years for freaking tree to grow in order to be harvested for wood so they actually ain't got very much it because they don't cut very many of them down not unless you're that one guy that goes around picking up dropped leftover debris branches twigs and all and recycling them to give the company a ton of wood

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      Thank you for your comment! I like the idea of using materials that are already available to make things. Cardboard would give a good frame to support plastic if you melted it or something.
      Stay inspired,
      - Eli

  • @ImNotABot1243
    @ImNotABot1243 4 місяці тому

    im tryna make a iron man helmet

  • @eaman11
    @eaman11 Рік тому +1

    Just buy 3mm plywood, it's only 16e per square meter and you can laser cut it easily.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому +1

      Hi, Eaman
      Laser cutting 3 mm wood is a brilliant way to make strong projects quickly. I personally have a 3D printer that I will occasionally use for projects that cannot be made out of cardboard.
      Have a blessed day!
      - Eli

    • @eaman11
      @eaman11 Рік тому

      @@MakerBrain I dunno if laser cutting is quick as it takes quite a bit to get there, if you wanna do quick and hands on like you do try with a scroll saw.
      Laser cutting becomes quick when you do 1000 pieces, 3D printing is slow and only for small parts.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      You are right about all that. Sometimes it is also a good idea to quickly prototype an idea with cheap hands on methods and then make the final project with the printer or Lazer cutter.

    • @eaman11
      @eaman11 Рік тому +1

      @@MakerBrain Cardboard is optimal for prototyping laser cut projects but you have to design it as if it were the final material. You can do laser cut stuff with cardboard, it's usually done as folding or "sheet metal" as cardboard folds and bends but mostly can't do joints like wood or acrylic or the usual hard stuff.

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      That is interesting. I don't have a Lazer cutter so I have never really thought about that.

  • @abdulhamideltounsy7533
    @abdulhamideltounsy7533 Рік тому

    Not that interesting .. doesnt add any value ... Regards

    • @abdulhamideltounsy7533
      @abdulhamideltounsy7533 Рік тому +1

      Dear .. i dont deny any effort exerted .. forgive me......

    • @MakerBrain
      @MakerBrain  Рік тому

      Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate that you took the time to comment.
      Have a blessed day,
      - Eli