Q&A for How to Make Sky Lanterns

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

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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.

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

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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.

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Question

Why wont my lanterns fly? Are they to heavy?

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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!

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Are sky lanterns safe?

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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.

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Are sky lanterns legal?

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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.

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Question

Can I make it without fireproofing spray?

Owen Larson

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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.

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Question

Could I just use a normal small candle?

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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.

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Question

Can a small lantern fly?

Community Answer

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

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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.

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Question

What tape or glue is fireproof?

Community Answer

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

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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.

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Question

How could I make these without fireproof spray?

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

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Question

Can a small but slightly heavy lantern fly?

Community Answer

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

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Question

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

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No, any other paper will catch fire.

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Question

How long do they stay up?

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

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Question

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

Community Answer

No, it will melt.

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Question

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

Community Answer

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

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Question

What type of glue should I use?

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Question

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

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

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Question

Can I use crêpe paper instead of wax paper?

Community Answer

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

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