Thread: Papier Mache Balloon Question

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So I've somehow magically gained the ability to actually papier mache on balloons and have them dry in a reasonable amount of time. I've never gotten this far on a papier mache project that didn't use a wire/wood armature before.

Real simple question: how many coats of papier mache should I put on the balloons? I will be popping them so they're just hollow shells. How many coats is strong enough to support the shape even after painting and waterproofing?

I haven't worked with papier mache yet, but from what I've seen check this site out because he DEFINITELY knows what he is doing!

http://www.stolloween.com/

He has a lot of tutorials on the side bar that if you look around should answer any and all questions!

I usually go three to four laters of strip mache. Don't know if it's the recomended amount by the pros, but it seems to hold up for me!

So what are the final paper mache globes going to be used for?

I had a few people request some bizarre one of a kind jack-o-lanterns after they goaded me into doing this to a poor ceramic pumpkin. http://s143.photobucket.com/albums/r...0811184629.jpg

Once I pop the balloons, I'm going to start building up the stems, ridges, and carving with paperclay.

Originally Posted by Dr.Kreepy

I usually go three to four laters of strip mache. Don't know if it's the recomended amount by the pros, but it seems to hold up for me!

Same here.

I just popped the balloon on the one that had four layers. It's plenty sturdy. Thanks, everyone.

If you making pumpkins, have you checked out Stolloween.com? Scott is the master of mache' .

I know of Stolloween. His stuff is awesome. I've never had any luck with building armatures up with cardboard, but I have started including liquid starch in my mache mix because of him.

You are on the right track. I have done the balloon trick a lot. If you are new to mache, you will be amazed at just how strong layers of news type paper (or paper towel) and white glue can be!

I like to use paper towel and glue over a prop base coated with Vaseline (Release agent) and when dry cut it in two halves with an x-acto knife, remove from prop base and reassemble with hot glue, then mache over the glue seam and paint.

I have used this method to make lots of skulls, prop heads (see "Lizzy Borden" in my album) and lots of "Feasting Rats" (once more see album....all rats made from ONE plastic rat prop!)

Would you like to make a life size body without the bother of an expensive armature for almost nothing?

I am now making a full male body inspired by the old Balloon mache trick. This body will soon become "Jack the Ripper of London" (Search up the thread "a wacky idea" For details)


As you can tell, I am a big fan of this particular art medium. I have yet found a more versatile, simple, and ECONOMICAL art medium .

As a creative method I think good old fashioned paper mache is very underrated!