Q&A for How to Make Sky Lanterns

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Can you let the cloth sit for a long time after you soak it?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

If you let it sit too long, it'll harden and be a bit more difficult to tie to the lantern. But your can always affix it with some twine or string, instead.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
Question

Can a tea light bear the load of a small lantern?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

A tea light may do the trick, but it'll likely take longer for the lantern to fill with enough hot air to rise. If you're using a tea light, make your lantern about half as large.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
Question

Why wont my lanterns fly? Are they to heavy?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

They may be too heavy, in which case use lighter-weight paper or wire. Or, there may be a hole at the top of the lantern that allows air to escape. Make sure your seal it tight!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
Question

Are sky lanterns safe?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Since sky lanterns have been known to start serious wildfires, harm animals that try to eat them and have even caused problems for airports, I would say that they aren't very safe, though it may be possible to use one safely if it is tethered, kept in a contained area and watched closely while it is lit.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 20 Helpful 20
Question

Are sky lanterns legal?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

It depends on your state. Currently 29 states have banned them due to concerns about starting wildfires and harming animals. They are illegal in many other countries as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 13
Question

Can I make it without fireproofing spray?

Owen Larson

Community Answer

In lieu of fireproofing sptray, you can soak the paper in a mixture of baking soda and water and let it dry for a day.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 23 Helpful 92
Question

Could I just use a normal small candle?

Community Answer

No, because its flame is too small for its weight. You want a fuel source that provides a good deal of heat while being very light.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 23
Question

Can a small lantern fly?

Community Answer

Yes, it will! Small lanterns might be even easier to fly since they're lighter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 21
Question

Can I use butter paper to make this?

Anubhav Raj

Community Answer

Yes. You can use butter paper, but you must use fireproofing spray.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 18
Question

What tape or glue is fireproof?

Community Answer

You can buy flame retardant glue or adhesive at most hardware or craft stores.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 16
Question

Can I use newspaper to make a sky lantern?

Community Answer

If you do, the newspaper may catch fire, so I would not suggest it. Wax paper is used because it is less flammable.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 11
Question

How could I make these without fireproof spray?

Community Answer

Soak them in baking soda and water, then let it dry for 24 hours. You can use this instead of using fireproof spray.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 13
Question

Can a small but slightly heavy lantern fly?

Community Answer

No, as it would be too heavy. Also, tissue paper will catch fire.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 14
Question

Can I use any other type of paper other than kitchen paper?

Community Answer

No, any other paper will catch fire.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 17 Helpful 11
Question

How long do they stay up?

Community Answer

Usually up to a few minutes, but if it is windy, it may float away from sight. Then you can't tell.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can I use a plastic trash bag with the wire frame instead of paper?

Community Answer

No, it will melt.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Question

Can't I use rice paper? It is lighter.

Community Answer

It is highly flammable, and is not a good idea.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

What type of glue should I use?

Community Answer

You can use super glue, as it is lightweight and very strong. Experiment with types of glue and find the best one.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

What is a better, but cheap, fuel that can stay lit longer in place of wax?

Community Answer

Soak the strip of cloth in gas or oil before you cover it in wax, and it helps it get up into the air faster.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Why do I need paper towels to make a lantern lamp?

Community Answer

I believe it will act as the fuel source, since it is likely that they will absorb the candle wax and continuously burn.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How high will this lantern go?

Community Answer

It will really go until the air gets thin, but it will fluctuate depending on how much air it is getting. There is no way to say for sure how high it will go exactly.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

Are fake candles suitable for making these lanterns?

Community Answer

No, as they won’t let off heat, which would prevent the lantern from flying.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Why are people talking about fireproof spray when it is not in the instructions anywhere?

Community Answer

The lanterns can and will catch fire sometimes, so people use baking soda and water in the place of the cloth at the bottom instead of soaking it in wax.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Can you use a tea light instead of the wax dipped cloth?

Community Answer

No, because even a small light will be too heavy, with too small of a flame to support it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use crêpe paper instead of wax paper?

Community Answer

Crepe paper is more flammable than wax paper, so is not recommended.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0