Fabric + epoxy

The intention is for hobbyists to build structures similar to those made with paper mache, but using more sturdy materials.

In practice, this is somewhat similar to fiberglass and carbon-fiber reinforced polymers. As such, some of the techniques used in hand-construction of fiberglass and carbon fiber parts will apply here.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• The fibers in both fiberglass and carbon fiber can be irritating to the skin, requiring use of PPE. Fabric doesn't irritate, so less PPE is needed.
  • However, note that epoxy is a skin and lung irritant. Although irritation may not occur when using epoxy for a very short time, the risk of long-term problems (called "epoxy sensitization") grows quickly. Therefore, it's recommended that you still use ventilation and some PPE.

Cons:

• Fiber+epoxy isn't as strong as other fiber-reinforced plastics.

Viscosity

(TODO: write this, likely referencing this)

Fabric

You'll probably want to use a natural-fiber fabric, since bonding plastics is a famously complex topic. (not that it can't be done, but it's probably simpler to just use natural fibers)

Technique

In paper mache, often the paper-soaked-in-glue is laid on top of some shaped surface (like a balloon) that you want to reproduce. In fiberglass and carbon fiber, this same technique goes by the names "hand lay-up" and "open mold processes".