Wet strength tissue paper stays strong when wet, making it ideal for projects that use glue, paint, water or gel plates. Explore popular uses below and jump into our detailed guides for step-by-step help.
New here? Start with our overview: What is Wet Strength Tissue Paper? | Quick answers: FAQ
Why Choose Wet Strength Tissue Paper?
| Feature | Benefit for Makers |
|---|---|
| Strong when wet | Withstands glue, water and paint without tearing — ideal for lanterns, printing and collage. |
| Acid-free | Won’t yellow over time — great for keepsakes, classrooms and archival work. |
| Vibrant colours | Layers beautifully for stained-glass effects, depth and texture. |
| Eco-friendly options | Lower-impact choices for mindful making and community builds. |
Lanterns & Light-Up Displays
Perfect for community parades, festivals and classrooms. The paper’s wet strength means it holds shape when pasted and dries with a beautiful translucent glow. For a how-to, see: Lantern tips.
Gelli Printing & Monoprints
Pull crisp textures and layered colour without tearing. Great for prints you’ll collage or journal with later. Read the full guide: Gelli printing with wet strength tissue .
Collage & Mixed Media Layers
Lightweight, semi-transparent overlays that glue cleanly and layer beautifully. Perfect for art journals, canvases and classroom projects.
Tracing & Impressions on Clay
Use wet strength tissue as a tracing carrier for pattern placement on clay slabs. It withstands light dampening and holds together while transferring designs before carving or pressing.
Large Sculptures & Parade Builds
Layer over willow, bamboo or cardboard armatures. Strong when wet for pasting sessions; dries firm for durable surfaces you can paint and seal. Ideal for community builds and outdoor events.
Model Airplane Covering
Achieve a light, drum-tight finish on balsa frames. The paper shrinks evenly with a light mist and accepts paint and sealers beautifully. Step-by-step tutorial: WST for model airplanes.
School & Classroom Crafts
Durable for younger makers — stands up to glue, water and handling. Great for seasonal displays, murals and group projects.
Seasonal Décor (Lanterns, Ghosts, Windows)
Make floating ghosts, stained-glass windows and festive lanterns that hold together through pasting and painting.
Final Thoughts
From lanterns and gelli prints to model airplanes and sculptures, wet strength tissue paper opens up endless creative possibilities. Its durability and versatility make it the go-to choice for makers of all ages.
We’d love to see what you create — share your projects and tag us on Instagram @CarnivalPapersUK to be featured in our community.
Featured Products
Glow Lantern Kit – Everything You Need to Make One Lantern
