Q&A for How to Make a Piñata

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  • Question
    If I'm short on time, can I dry the pinata we are making with a hair dryer?
    Community Answer
    A hair dryer set on "cool" would work, but it might be easier to aim a few fans at it from different angles.
  • Question
    Can I make a pinata with multiple layers?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can stick on more paper mache layers or more layers for decoration.
  • Question
    Why do you need salt?
    Community Answer
    It stops the papier mache from getting moldy.
  • Question
    How many hits can it take before it breaks?
    Community Answer
    This depends on how many layers of newspaper you've stuck on. The more layers, the harder and stronger the piñata will be so the harder it'll be to break it. I suggest at least 6 layers for a good strong one.
  • Question
    Do I have to use crepe paper?
    Community Answer
    It is not necessary. You could have two three coats of color on the base, but it'll take time to dry.
  • Question
    Do I need to put paste on both sides of the newspaper?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You need to drown the paper strops in the paste, and then remove the glue by putting one finger on each side of the paper strop and pull down over the paste bowl to remove most of the paste. You basically just need the strip to be wet.
  • Question
    What is used to put confetti on the sides?
    Community Answer
    You can use paper-mache paste to wet the strips of newspaper or use Elmer's glue to stick on all the decorations.
  • Question
    What if I'm making a different shape of pinata?
    Community Answer
    You can make a frame out of wire to make more elaborate shapes. Or you can simply glue cardboard to the balloon.
  • Question
    Can I use paper towels instead of newspaper?
    Community Answer
    No. Paper towels will not hold the liquid correctly and will fall apart when applying.
  • Question
    Will Mylar balloons filled with helium work?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can simply use one from the dollar store. After placing one layer of newspaper on the balloon,it will stay on the ground.
  • Question
    How long does it take to dry?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how much flour, water and glue you use; the more glue, the longer your drying time. It should take 20 - 30 minutes for 1 complete layer of paper mache mix.
  • Question
    Could it take an hour to dry?
    Community Answer
    Sure, drying time will depend on whether the humidity is high in the room or area where you are doing it. This is not something you want to be doing just a few hours before the party. Plan ahead!
  • Question
    Can I use another type of paper instead of newspaper?
    Community Answer
    You could try crepe paper, but newspaper is going to produce the sturdiest pinata.
  • Question
    Can I use glue instead of the batter?
    Community Answer
    The paper mache will work the best. Regular glue wouldn't make it structurally sound.
  • Question
    Do I have to allow each layer to dry before I put on another layer?
    Community Answer
    Yes. If you do not allow it to fully dry first, the paper mache will not stick correctly.
  • Question
    How could I make a piñata in just a few minutes?
    Community Answer
    It is literally impossible to do this in just a few minutes. Between all the steps and the time included for the piñata to dry, it will take at least a few hours.
  • Question
    I made a pinata for my children using a latex balloon. After each layer, the pinata snapped. Why is that?
    Community Answer
    If you used a dark colored balloon, they tend to hold more heat so as you put more layers on and leave it to dry, the balloon might pop or get holes in it and deflate.
  • Question
    How many layers of paper mache are needed on the balloon?
    Community Answer
    Three or four will do, unless it's a really big pinata and needs to be sturdier to hold the weight of the candy inside.
  • Question
    Where can I buy papier-mache?
    Community Answer
    Due to its ease to make at home and the fact that it doesn't keep, this isn't a product that is typically available commercially.
  • Question
    Can we use all-purpose flour to make the paper mache paste?
    Community Answer
    Yes, any flour will do.
  • Question
    Could I make a heart shaped pinata?
    Community Answer
    Yes, just buy a heart-shaped birthday balloon and just cover it with newspaper.
  • Question
    What should I bash the pinata with? If it's a baseball bat, what kind?
    Community Answer
    A wiffle ball bat is best as they are light enough for little children to handle and get an opportunity to swing, but they are strong enough to break the pinata when the older kids start swinging. But mainly because an accident with a wiffle ball bat is easily shrugged off versus an accident with a wooden or aluminum bat.
  • Question
    Where can I buy crepe paper?
    Esmeralda Alejandro
    Community Answer
    You can buy it anywhere that sells party supplies, like in a dollar store.
  • Question
    When I made a pinata like this in the past, I had trouble with the two holes that are tied with string. They broke before my pinata did. I even tried reinforcing them with masking tape. Suggestions?
    Community Answer
    I placed pieces of thin cardboard around the top during the papier mache process to make it stronger for the string.
  • Question
    What type of glue is used to secure the crepe paper?
    Community Answer
    You don't need to use glue, the paper mache paste will make it stick. I use liquid starch. You can make it with or without flour. I've made it both ways and it came out great.
  • Question
    What kind of bag do I use?
    Community Answer
    You can use any bag that is plastic or latex, anything that glue can be peeled from. You can use plastic containers if you want, too.
  • Question
    Does the balloon stay on the pinata? And how can I make a could-shaped pinata?
    Community Answer
    You would use the balloon as stated and follow the directions as stated. When it comes to decorating, you will use cotton balls or pillow stuffing and hot glue to create the cloud look.
  • Question
    What could I use as a replacement for the newspaper?
    Community Answer
    Any other paper would do. I used A4 sized paper. It turned out great! The stronger the paper, the stronger the piñata.
  • Question
    Does the balloon need to be in the middle?
    Community Answer
    No. You can make any shape you like. The purpose of the balloon is just to create a surface on which the wet newspaper can rest and dry.
  • Question
    Do I have to use a latex balloon?
    Community Answer
    No, any balloon will work.
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