Why does my paper mâché split after first layer?

Hi, I have a problem when I paper mâché a balloon – well the larger punch ball ones particularly! Nearly always the surface splits in one place, like the ballon has burst its seams or the drying of the paper has shrunk and split away. I don’t know what I do wrong. I usually apply the paper mâché direct to the balloon surface first without wrapping for a smooth surface – would wrapping it first help? Also I have been asked to make a really huge paper mâché egg – so I’m looking at covering a 2 ft balloon – any advice? I have 10 days and it’ll just need painting and covering in decorative paper not in snipped crepe like a pinata. Many thanks
Clare

Answer from Piñata Boy

I see this kind of splitting all the time if I’m drying the first layer of papier mâché outside in direct sunlight or when it’s hot out.  The heat expands the balloon and tears the wet papier mâché.  It seems to happen most often on large balloons and punch balls.  If I bring the balloon back inside when the papier mâché is dry, the balloon contracts and the split closes up, but the tear is still there.

Wrapping the balloon in newspaper first will help keep the papier mâché from splitting, but it will also give you a bumpier egg, and you don’t want that.  For a smooth egg it’s best to lay the papier mâché directly onto the balloon.

One solution is to let the piñata dry inside until the first layer or two are dry.  Setting a fan blowing on it will help it to dry faster.  Once you have a thick enough layer of papier mâché, it can withstand the force of the expanding balloon and won’t split.

Good luck!

6 Responses to “Why does my paper mâché split after first layer?”

  1. Sylvia

    Hi there, I’m making a Mr Bump piñata for my 4year olds party soon. Mine too split after the first layer on what will be the top of the piñata. I’ve gone ahead and done a second layer of paper mache. I’m hoping to pop the balloon soon, install some kind of hanging hook, fill and then patch over the big hole at the top with more layers of paper mache….will this work?? It’s my first attempt at piñata making but I haven’t really time to start over. Defo the sun ruined it for me when I put it outside to dry faster! Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Piñata Boy

      Yes, once the papier mâché is sturdy enough to hold its shape you can pop the balloon and patch over the tear. You can also put some masking tape across the tear before layering on more papier mâché — this will help strengthen it without having to add too many extra layers of papier mâché.

      Reply
  2. JC

    Why would my paper mache split after the second layer. I was putting on the third layer but the second layer was completely dry. I am doing a very large balloon.

    Reply
  3. Piñata Boy

    Normally when the papier mâché splits it’s due to temperature changes. If the balloon warms up while the papier mâché is drying, it will expand and tear the papier mâché. From my experience this happens more often on larger balloons than it does on smaller ones, and although it happens less often with two layers on, it still can. You can patch the tears with some extra papier mâché or with masking tape to avoid having too weak of a spot in the finished piñata. By the time you finish the third layer the papier mâché will probably be sturdy enough to resist tearing while drying.

    Reply
    • JC

      Thank you. I am using a 36 inch balloon but it is not blow to capacity. When I start over would it be a good idea to wrap first with the newspaper (like on your instructions)?

      Reply
  4. Piñata Boy

    Sorry, this question slipped through the cracks and I only just saw it three months later! I have found that wrapping the balloon in newspaper before applying papier mâché reduces the likelihood of the papier mâché splitting, but it’s not necessary. Wrapping the balloon in newspaper first does result in a bumpier surface on the piñata. This isn’t a problem if you decorate with crepe paper or some other material that hides the surface, but if you want a smooth surface for painting, it’s best to lay the papier mâché directly onto the balloon, but dry it slowly and away from the sun.

    Reply

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