It seems to be going fine but every new layer I stick on the paper at the top of the baloon seems to go all loose and wrinkly when it is wet but when it is dry it stretches and splits and the balloon is visible again. Could this be to do with how fast it is drying. I put it in a sunny spot for it to dry naturally but do you think it would be a bad idea to use a hair drier on a low setting? Could this possibly pop the balloon inside. Also how many layers of paper do you suggest? I will have done 4 in 24 hours and I need it to be finished by tommorow night and to be dry so I can paint it and let that dry overnight as I need it the day after that. Your help will be greatly appreciated.
2006-09-09 18:06:38 · 6 answers · asked by alias_47 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
I live in Australia so I guess you don't have clag paste. Yes it is just like normal white glue and I have been doing criss crossing patterns and all. I have even put food colouring in the glue so I can tell if I have covered it evenly. I have done three layers all ready but I need it to be quite strong so I think I am going to do at least three more. Thankyou for your help so far.
2006-09-09 18:35:49 · update #1
Just put all of the rest of the layers on without waiting for it to dry. Then when it dries it should not split. I have never had that happen. The balloon will start to shrink a little. Be sure that you rotate it so that all of the sides dry, but it should dry with no problems.
Six layers will make a very strong paper mache. Once you are done it does not matter if the balloon pops; most of the time you pop it anyway to get it out.
I make piñatas with my students every year and we usually put 3 layers on one day and 3 the next. We have to turn it so that it dries evenly but it is ready to decorate on the 3rd day. Good luck!
2006-09-09 19:23:35 · answer #1 · answered by Melanie L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I always used wallpaper paste. No, don't use a hair dryer it will make the air expand in the balloon and stretch the form of the paper mache. Make sure you are overlapping vertically as well as horizontally this should eliminate the balloon showing through. 4 layers should be plenty. Let it dry overnight in a warm dry room. Do not apply direct heat. Maybe leave the light on over the table it is sitting on (not too close). This will warm the air around it slightly.
2006-09-09 18:12:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use smaller strips of paper and take your time. You don't need to wait for the paste to dry all the way before you add some more...
When the balloon shows through, just patch it in that area... The less paste you use, the less time it will take to dry... You should get it as dry as possible before you paint it though. The paint will also help to seal it up when it dries.... especially if it is Acrylic paint...
Good Luck.
2006-09-09 18:11:36 · answer #3 · answered by rabble rouser 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have done this project before. I used Elmer's glue and water in a bowl. The newspaper strips I submerged in the glue mixture and then I would pull them through my fingers to get the excess glue off. Using a crisscross method will make a stronger finished project. The balloon will shrink and the paper will retain the shape. If you layer to thickly it will not dry very fast 2-3 layers is normally enough.
2016-03-27 04:49:07 · answer #4 · answered by Susan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the splits should be coverable on the next 2 layers...depending in what your gonna do with it as to the thickness if it is gonna remain hollow it dosent have to be too thick to support its weight.
you can also put it in the oven with a pilot light,,gas or turn the blow dryer on low..
also try using a thicker glue...less water..will make a thicker paste and be less prone to tearing
2006-09-09 18:13:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
what is clag paste? I would be using plain white glue. Is it the same thing?
2006-09-09 18:12:57 · answer #6 · answered by feathereafter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋