Before painting, the dry paper mache object can be lightly sanded to remove any sharp edges. Placing a layer of Polyfilla over the paper mache is another excellent suggestion. You may purchase it at DIY stores to fill in the cracks of your paper mache ideas before painting. Before painting with colored acrylic paint, it's a good idea to apply a foundation coat of white emulsion paint or Gesso. You could also decoupage it with paper napkins or other ornamental paper as your final coat. Apply at least two topcoats of an appropriate varnish after all the paint has dried to protect your paper mache design.