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Wet-folding

Wet-folding is a technique in which thick paper is slightly dampened before folding, so it can be shaped into soft curves that hold their form once dry.

It is credited to Akira Yoshizawa, who used it to give his animals rounded, lifelike bodies. The paper needs to be fairly heavy and contain sizing, a substance that makes the fibers bond again as they dry. The sheet is dampened evenly with a cloth or sponge until it is supple but not soaked, then folded and sculpted, and left to dry in shape, sometimes held with clips.

Too much water makes the paper weak and blotchy, and too little makes it crack. Test on a scrap of the same paper first, and re-dampen gently if it starts to dry before you finish. Wet-folding is used for display models rather than everyday folding; thin kami and printer paper are not suitable.

How to wet-fold, step by step

  1. 1

    Choose a heavy paper that contains sizing, such as a thick watercolor paper or a paper sold for wet-folding; thin kami will not work.

  2. 2

    Fold the model dry and lightly first to plan the creases, then open it.

  3. 3

    Dampen the sheet evenly with a damp cloth or sponge until it feels supple, like soft leather, but not wet.

  4. 4

    Fold and shape the model, pressing gentle curves rather than sharp creases.

  5. 5

    If the paper stiffens before you finish, dampen that area again lightly.

  6. 6

    Leave the model to dry in shape, holding curves with clips or soft clothes pegs if needed.

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Common mistakes and how to fix them

  • The paper turns blotchy or weak

    Too much water. Wring the cloth out more and dampen the sheet in light passes.

  • The paper cracks at the folds

    Too little water, or a paper without sizing. Dampen it again, or switch to a heavier sized paper.

  • The model loses its shape as it dries

    Hold the curves with clips until it is completely dry; leaving it overnight is normal.

When to use wet-folding

Wet-folding is used when a model should look sculpted rather than geometric: animals with rounded backs, faces with soft cheeks, flowers with curving petals. Because the paper sets firm as it dries, wet-folded models are also sturdier than dry-folded ones, which is why the technique is popular for exhibition pieces. It is not for every model: anything that needs crisp, flat geometry, such as boxes, tessellations or modular units, is better folded dry. A good way to start is to wet-fold a simple animal you already know well and compare it with a dry version. You will see at once how much character the curves add.

Wet-folding: questions

Who invented wet-folding?+

It is credited to Akira Yoshizawa, the Japanese master whose diagram notation is still the international standard. Our history of origami tells more of his story.

Can I wet-fold printer paper?+

Not well. Printer paper is too light and has too little sizing, so it turns soft and tears. Use heavier paper made for watercolor or wet-folding.

What is sizing?+

A substance added to paper, traditionally gelatin or starch, that bonds the fibers. When damp paper with sizing dries, the fibers bond again in their new shape, which is what makes a wet-folded model hold.

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