Abstract A method for the preparation of ion exchange membranes, called the “paste method”, has been proposed. The pastes prepared from styrene-divinylbenzene-dioctyl phthalate-poly-(vinyl chloride) powder-benzoyl peroxide or from 2-methyl-5-vinylpyridine-styrene-divinylbenzene-dioctyl phthalate-poly(vinyl chloride) powder-benzoyl peroxide were coated on rein forcing materials of Teviron fabric and were treated in a hot press to prepare the base membranes, to which the ion exchange groups were then introduced. The ion exchange membranesthus prepared were excellent in electrochemical, mechanical and dimensional properties as well as in appearance.